Critical Care Paramedic

Critical Care Paramedics are highly trained first responders who attend car accidents, workplace injuries, natural disasters, dangerous incidents and other medical emergencies where an ambulance has been called. They have the specialist skills required to perform advanced medical procedures such as airway management and cardiac care.

As a Critical Care Paramedic you could be assisting an athlete who has been injured during a public match, treating someone with a collapsed lung at the scene of a car crash, responding to a serious incident on a construction site, acting as first responder at a disaster scene, or preparing a follow-up report after a medical emergency.

Critical Care Paramedicine is a very challenging occupation and to succeed you will need to be quick-thinking and level-headed, physically fit, and able to cope with the sight of blood and traumatic injuries.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $93,600
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a critical care paramedic?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced

Bachelor of Paramedic Science
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$27,000 - $86,859
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Critical Care Paramedic Intensive Care Paramedic Paramedic
Ambulance Service Paramedic
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Critical Care Paramedic Intensive Care Paramedic Paramedic Ambulance Service Paramedic + 1 more

Bachelor of Paramedicine
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $78,960
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paramedic Intensive Care Paramedic Critical Care Paramedic
Ambulance Service Paramedic
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paramedic Intensive Care Paramedic Critical Care Paramedic Ambulance Service Paramedic + 1 more

Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $8,948
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Critical Care Paramedic Flight Paramedic Intensive Care Paramedic
Paramedic Ambulance Service Paramedic
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Critical Care Paramedic Flight Paramedic Intensive Care Paramedic Paramedic Ambulance Service Paramedic + 2 more

Bachelor of Paramedicine (Honours)
On Campus
12 months
$8,944 - $24,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Critical Care Paramedic Intensive Care Paramedic Clinical Researcher
Ambulance Service Paramedic
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Critical Care Paramedic Intensive Care Paramedic Clinical Researcher Ambulance Service Paramedic + 1 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Common questions

How much do Critical Care Paramedics earn?

Australian Critical Care Paramedics earn approximately $1,800 per week ($93,600 annually). These are median figures for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.

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What are the job opportunities for Critical Care Paramedics?

There are approximately 27,000 ambulance officers and paramedics working in Australia right now, some of these are Critical Care Paramedics. They are employed by the health authorities in each state or territory and are regulated by the Australian Critical Care Paramedicine Board. This is a growth occupation.

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How do I become a Critical Care Paramedic?

Critical Care Paramedics are qualified paramedics with several years of experience in the field as well as post-graduate studies in critical care. As a minimum, you’ll need a Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science) or Bachelor of Paramedicine, plus a Graduate Diploma in Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice).

In Australia, paramedicine is a regulated profession under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), so to get a job, you will need formal qualifications as well as professional accreditation with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Further reading

How to get qualified and start a career as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist in Australia

23rd December 2024

How to get a job in IT

14th November 2024

Your Guide to a Career in Human-Centred Design

21st October 2024

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