University Curricula Comparison

This thesis approaches the topic of paramedic education and regulation. More specifically, this thesis explores paramedic education past, and present in Australia. In doing so, it is important to also examine past and present regulatory frameworks governing paramedic educational standards and provides insights into how undergraduate paramedicine curricula are being developed in the context of a national accreditation process. It is likely that the findings will provide evidence of how undergraduate paramedicine curricula are designed for current and future paramedic practice and the ways the accreditation standards inform the process. By undertaking this research, discernments into how undergraduate paramedicine curricula are being designed in the context of the national accreditation scheme and in what way the standards inform the curricula development process for an evolving profession. Specifically, this thesis aims to evaluate the current professional and educational regulatory frameworks for paramedic practice and to develop a sound theoretical and practical basis that may sustain future practice. In doing so, the thesis then addresses the following objectives:

1. Describe the history and current status of paramedic practice in Australia and the educational, regulatory and professional framework that support it.

2. Evaluate that framework by comparison with other jurisdictions.

3. Describe and evaluate the theoretical basis for current educational programs and its application through curricula.

4. Develop a theoretical basis for future practice and its policy and practical expressions.