Paramedic Programme Wins Australasian Industry Approval

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Whitireia Paramedic Programme Wins Australasian Industry Approval

The Whitireia Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) degree has been accredited by the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA), the peak body for ambulance services in Australia and New Zealand.

Ambulance services are a vital part of our health system and depend on the high-level skills of today’s paramedics. The development of these skills starts with qualifications such as these said Greg Mundy, Chief Executive Officer, Council of Ambulance Authorities. “Accreditation plays an important role in assuring the quality of paramedic programmes being provided by the higher education sector and we are very proud of the relationships the CAA is building with education institutions such as Whitireia. The education of the next generation of paramedics is vitally important to our members who are responsible for ambulance service delivery throughout New Zealand, as well as in each State and Territory in Australia.”

Accreditation by the CAA, in partnership with Paramedics Australasia, is a valuable endorsement of the quality of the programme run by Whitireia, in conjunction with Wellington Free Ambulance. The accreditation process both emphasised the effectiveness of our current programme and helped shape the direction for future growth said Gary Strong, Programme Leader, Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) at Whitireia.

The CAA accreditation process aims to ensure that the education provided to paramedic students equips them to meet the requirements of modern ambulance service delivery and to promote ongoing dialogue between the ambulance and education sectors, as well as the paramedic profession through Paramedics Australasia.

To gain accreditation, tertiary institutions must complete a detailed self-assessment statement which is then verified through a multi-disciplinary Site Evaluation Team visit to the campus. The Whitireia degree programme has been granted Provisional Accreditation and, following a 12 month programme review and update, can proceed to apply for full accreditation.

The CAA comprises the public ambulance services in each Australian State and Territory and in New Zealand. It provides leadership within the ambulance industry and aims to influence, advise on and develop superior pre-hospital and out-of-hospital care throughout the region.

ENDS

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