CDU program to boost NT’s paramedics workforce

In a first for the Northern Territory, paramedics can now train locally providing a much-needed boost for recruitment and retention.
 
The Bachelor-level degree in paramedic science on offer by Charles Darwin University in partnership with St John NT will cater to the unique conditions of the NT.

St John NT’s CEO Judith Barker said the NT was one of the country’s most diverse locations, giving paramedics the opportunity to develop skills and experience with complex medical cases, high speed trauma, and delivery of care in extreme and isolated conditions.

“From the Red Centre to the tropical north, paramedics in the Territory are faced with a complex workload,” Ms Barker said.

“Even in the Territory’s capital city, Darwin, our crews are constantly expanding their clinical experience beyond what is often considered standard care.”

Ms Barker said that St John NT was the Northern Territory’s leading provider in emergency medical response and preparedness and the program would be significant for recruitment and retention.

“The paramedicine program will increase our capacity to save lives and build community resilience to improve the safety and healthcare for all Territorians,” she said.

“Being able to offer the training locally will also open opportunities for students from various cultural backgrounds.”

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said the university was excited to offer this new opportunity to students in Semester 1, 2021.

“This is a first for the NT, providing Territorians with an opportunity to respond to the needs of their community without travelling interstate to study,” Professor Maddocks said.

“CDU is well-placed to offer the program with considerable strengths in health-related research, teaching and consultancy.”

He said that CDU’s College of Health and Human Sciences was uniquely positioned to explore issues of national and regional importance such as Indigenous health and mental health.

“The course offers a unique focus on Indigenous health perspectives, mental health, and maternal and paediatric patients, to prepare students to work in a wide range of settings across Australia,” he said.

Professor Maddocks said the university was committed to developing the health workforce of the Northern Territory now and into the future with strong partnerships such as this one with St John NT.

The course will be available from Semester 1 2021. For more information visit: www.cdu.edu.au/