Overview
Become an ambulance transport attendant with the Diploma of Emergency Health Care. Learn to treat and transport clients across pre-hospital and out-of-hospital care. Skills include learning to provide clinical assessments for hospital interventions to patients in emergency and non-emergency settings. Learn advanced skills in life support and graduate qualified to work in the private and non-emergency patient transport sector.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Intake at capacity
We've reached capacity in this course for the October 2024 intake. The next available intake is March 2025. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Your industry experience
Bolster your CV with real industry experience. Complete 160 clinical placement hours with our industry partner Health Select to include a mix of morning, afternoon and evening shifts across the week. Or choose to complete your placement with the organisation you currently work with under the supervision of an ATA.
Skills you’ll learn
- Clinical assessment
- Life support
- Out-of-hospital interventions
Your career opportunities
- Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA)
- Patient Transport Officer (PTO)
- Ambulance Community Officer (ACO)
Admissions
There are no entry requirements for this program, however although applicants can commence at 18 years of age, they will not be able to be employed in this vocation until they have obtained a full drivers licence.
Applicants must be 18 years of age at the commencement of the course and hold:
- A current Australian Drivers Licence (probationary licence accepted, however a full Victorian driver's licence is required for a vocational outcome. Learners Permits will not be accepted).
- A National Police Check, with no disclosable offences*. This is required to be obtained at least 10 weeks prior to clinical placement commencement. *If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their National Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the healthcare environment.
- A current Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
Immunisations
Up to date evidence of immunisations. The minimum vaccination requirements as required by Ambulance Victoria include:
- COVID-19 (fully vaccinated)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Measles/ Mumps/Rubella
- Highly Recommended: Meningococcal, Hepatitis A, Influenza
Additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy per the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your clinical placement.
If applicants have completed Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (any course code) outside Swinburne University, they must submit a certified copy of both their Award and Academic Transcript with their application.
Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
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Certificate IV in Community Services
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Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport
Course structure
This program is comprised of a total of 17 units including 9 core units and 8 elective units chosen through industry consultation.
For those who have completed Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport, up to 11 units may be credited.
The remaining units are delivered as a full-time load, over six months, with 3 days face-to-face at both Wantirna Campus and the Best Practice site at Vermont. These days include theory, practical and vehicle skills, with additional work required outside of classes. Assessment methods will include direct observation, oral questioning, role play/simulation, case studies, driving assessment and clinical placement.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Work legally and ethically
Core unit |
CHCLEG001 |
|
Confirm physical health status
Core unit |
HLTAAP002 |
|
Assess and deliver standard clinical care
Core unit |
HLTOUT005 |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
Core unit |
HLTINF006 |
|
Implement safe access and egress
Core unit |
HLTOUT001 |
|
Communicate in complex situations to support health care
Core unit |
HLTOUT010 |
|
Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Core unit |
HLTWHS002 |
|
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
Core unit |
HLTWHS006 |
| Elective units | |
|
Transport emergency patients
Elective unit |
HLTOUT006 |
|
Transport non-emergency patients under operational conditions
Elective unit |
HLTOUT007 |
|
Manage a scene
Elective unit |
HLTOUT008 |
|
Manage the scene of a major incident
Elective unit |
HLTOUT009 |
|
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Elective unit |
BSBMED301 |
|
Recognise healthy body systems
Elective unit |
HLTAAP001 |
|
Provide First Aid
Elective unit |
HLTAID011 |
|
Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy
Elective unit |
HLTAID015 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$10,350
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$7,480
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$18,838
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
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Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Intake at capacity
We've reached capacity in this course for the October 2024 intake. The next available intake is March 2025. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today.