The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) degree is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and Whitireia New Zealand is accredited to offer this programme. It is run in conjunction with Wellington Free Ambulance. Victoria University (Melbourne) are the external moderators. The degree is fully accredited and you can access student loans and allowances. The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) programme runs from February to November, based on a four term year. Term breaks usually coincide with the primary school holidays. The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) programme at Whitireia is designed to prepare students for practice as contemporary ambulance paramedics. For those already partly qualified as Ambulance Officers, the programme offers greater depth of learning including research, which have not been in previous qualifications. Ambulance Officers who have achieved the National Diploma in Ambulance Practice (level 5) or equivalent may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and enter Year Two via the pre entry programme. The pre entry programme prepares the student for degree level study in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology and Academic Writing, and attracts the separate award of a Certificate in General Studies. Certificate in General Studies – Paramedic Pre Entry is offered twice yearly in April and September and is all online. Following successful completion of this programme students will enter year two of BHSc Paramedic. Ambulance Officers who are practising at ILS or above may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and enter via the pre entry programme. The pre entry programme prepares the student for degree level study in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology and Academic Writing, and attracts the separate award of a Certificate in General Studies. Certificate in General Studies – Paramedic Pre Entry is offered twice yearly in April and September and is all online. Following successful completion of this programme students will enter year two (for HSC6124 Paramedic Pharmacology) and year three (all papers) of BHSc Paramedic. The Flexible Learning stream allows working and volunteering paramedics to choose their own pace of study. Up to three papers may be taken at any one time, and up to six years may be taken to complete the degree. For full details, follow the links above. An important prerequisite is that the student is working or volunteering regularly in an ambulance context. A letter of support from the student's employing authority is essential. If you require a refresher in science and math we recommend enrolling in our General Studies programme designed specifically for the Flexible Learning Stream.

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