If you’re trying to decide whether or not you want to study a Bachelor of Paramedicine, then take a look at some of the pros and cons of the degree at Monash University!
However, if you want to know more about the degree requirements, course culture, subjects and assessments, have a read of what it’s like studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine here.
We had a chat with Ammar, a Paramedicine graduate from Monash, to hear all about his thoughts on this degree.
Let’s jump in!
Why should you study a Paramedicine degree at Monash?
Top 3 Pros of a Paramedicine Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Paramedicine Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting Monash Paramedicine
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying Monash Paramedicine
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study a Paramedicine degree at Monash?
If you have a natural desire to help people in emergency situations, and have interests in the health field, you would likely enjoy the practical nature of Paramedicine at Monash University.
This degree is all about preparing you for the health industry and to work as a paramedic, so it’s very much focussed in a singular direction.
Top 3 Pros of a Paramedicine degree
#1: Engagement
As Paramedicine at Monash takes a largely practical approach, the course is very engaging and hands-on. You’ll find that there are a lot of opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to hypothetical scenarios as well.
Ammar said, “It’s not like your boring ‘sitting in a lecture’ degree — it’s so interactive!”
#2: Theoretical components
Although there are a lot of practical aspects to the degree, another thing Monash does really well for Paramedicine, are the theory components.
“Monash does more theory than other universities because they want to educate the students on academic writing when it comes to research,” Ammar said.
This gives you a taste for what it would be like to pursue postgraduate studies or explore the academic and research field of the degree.
#3: The cohort!
“The people! There are such amazing people in the course because Paramedicine attracts a certain type of person. Everyone is always ready to drop and help,” Ammar said.
In a degree that can be quite demanding, especially when it comes to placements, it’s great to be in a learning environment that’s supportive, encouraging and holistically positive!
Top 3 Cons of a Paramedicine degree
#1: Aspects of the degree are always changing
As the health and medical field is continually evolving and changing, there are often changes and shifts in content and subjects throughout the course. This can make particular subjects feel unplanned or poorly structured.
“For many of the units, we were the first year doing it, so it was kind of like being a trial run,” Ammar said.
#2: Not enough placement hours
Although Monash provides you with opportunities to work in both ambulance and hospital roles, there aren’t as many placement hours as there could be. That being said, the university meets the minimum hour requirements for Paramedicine students in the state.
Ammar said, “Compared to other degrees, we only get to do 2 weeks of placement a semester, so more placements would be great.”
#3: You’re unaware of opportunities beyond Paramedicine
Paramedicine is a very focussed degree, there’s no doubt about it. And majority students, if not all, go into the degree wanting to become a paramedic.
The nature of the industry, however, is largely competitive due to limited positions as an actual paramedic, so many students find themselves exploring other areas of health.
“50% of students that finish the degree consider studying another degree because of a lack of opportunities. But there are actually so many other fields that Paramedicine lets you go into.
“So, providing people with alternate pathways and other opportunities would make more students ready,” Ammar said.
Any regrets?
“I wish I had engaged a lot more, in uni in general. Now that I’m working full-time, I realise how many opportunities were available at uni,” Ammar shared.
It’s easy to want to skip out on classes every now and then, especially if attendance is not compulsory — but it’s more important to make the most of your degree and the opportunities that come your way!
What do you wish you had known before starting Monash Paramedicine?
“Paramedicine is not a degree where you’re a superhero on wheels… majority of the cases are mental health and elderly patients. So most of the job is caring for people, paperwork and waiting in hospitals,” Ammar said.
It’s also worth noting that a career as a Paramedic is quite demanding, both physically and emotionally.
Ammar said, “It’s difficult, not necessarily the degree, but the profession — it’s emotionally taxing and it’s important to be aware of this before starting the degree.”
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
As mentioned in the pros, Monash has a theoretical focus alongside a practical approach to a Bachelor of Paramedicine, meaning that you get the best of both worlds!
The first year of Paramedicine takes on a clinical approach, which means you learn about all aspects of health, providing you with a strong foundation of knowledge.
Further, Monash really encourages students to pursue postgraduate studies so there are plenty of opportunities to progress academically.
What inspired you to choose Monash Paramedicine?
“I’ve been a St John’s volunteer since 2009 and have a lot of experience in first aid — I’ve always had an affinity towards it,” Ammar said.
He was originally studying Arts and Education at Monash, but decided that from a careers point of view, Paramedicine was more suitable for him.
What are the possible career paths?
Speaking of careers, there are actually a couple different areas of health that you can enter with a degree in Paramedicine! These include:
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- First responder
- Basic life support
- Ambulance attendance
- Patient transfer
- Pre-hospital emergency response medic
- Military medic technician
- Emergency medical technician
- Medical attendant
- Non-emergency specialist
And there you have it! The pros and the cons of a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Monash University.
Think about where you see yourself working in the health field, and if high pressure environments and fast decision making sounds like your calling, consider Paramedicine!
Nandini Dhir is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Marketing) and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications), as a Dalyell Scholar, at Sydney University. She enjoys covering local issues in her area and writing about current events in the media. Nandini has had one of her pieces published in an article with the Sydney Morning Herald. In her free time, Nandini loves doing calligraphy, ballet, and sewing, or is otherwise found coddling her cats.
