Working as a graduate paramedic
Our Graduate Paramedic Program (GPP) will help you develop the skills need to gain independent authority to practice, working under the supervision and mentorship of experienced paramedics.
The program is full-time over a 12-month period with flexible options available where possible.
We employ graduate paramedics across Queensland. View our list of ambulance stations [PDF 247.77 KB] to see where we support graduates, including stations where you will need to be available for on call rosters during the program.
Read the role description [PDF 929 KB] and our FAQs [PDF 392.11 KB] to learn more about the work you’ll do as a graduate paramedic.
How to apply
You can apply online for the program towards the end of each year.
Applications for the 2024–25 GPP will open Friday 22 November 2024 and will close Sunday 8 December 2024.
Your application must include:
- a resume with your study and employment history, including any volunteer experience
- contact details of 2 referees (including your current or most recent direct supervisor or manager from a workplace in the last 2 years, and a clinical referee for example, your clinical placement mentor)
- certified academic transcript
- other supporting documents such as driver licence right to work evidence.
Read our information guide [PDF 10800.04 KB] and applicant information kit [PDF 476.52 KB] to learn more.
Before you apply
Before you apply, check you’re eligible to join the program. You’ll need to show evidence that you meet the following criteria in your application.
You can legally work in Australia
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen to apply. You can also apply if you have a valid permanent work visa.
You have less than 2 years of work experience as a paramedic
You have less than 2 years experience working as a paramedic. If you have more than 2 years experience, you may be able apply for a qualified paramedic role instead.
You have a paramedicine degree
You need a Bachelor of Paramedicine, or an equivalent qualification to work as a paramedic. You can also apply if you’re in your final semester or due to complete your studies by 30 June 2025.
You’re a registered paramedic with Ahpra (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
If you haven’t graduated yet and aren’t registered with Ahpra you can still apply, but you need to register once you complete your studies. Find out how to register on the Ahpra website.
You can drive a Light Rigid (LR) manual motor vehicle in Queensland
Graduate paramedics need a LR (or higher class) manual driver licence. You can still apply if you have one of the following licenses, but you’ll need an LR licence before you can be offered a position:
- Queensland C class licence for a manual motor vehicle
- Equivalent manual licence from another state or country
If your licence only permits you to drive an automatic vehicle, you won’t be able to apply.
Read more about licence types, classes and conditions on the Queensland Government website.
You meet the required medical standards
Check that you meet our medical standards for paramedics [PDF 166.05 KB] before you apply.
After you apply
You’ll participate in in a range of assessments for the role of Graduate Paramedic, both online and in person. As part of the recruitment process we may also do checks for your:
- professional registrations, and qualifications
- past clinical practice, including any disciplinary actions
- criminal history.
Starting the program
If you’re successful in gaining a position, you’ll complete an initial 6 week full-time induction when you first start the program.
This usually includes:
- 4 weeks at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy, Brisbane
- 1 week driver training at Gympie, Sunshine Coast or Mount Cotton, Brisbane
- 1 week local District or Region induction
You’ll then start working as a graduate paramedic in your appointed area.
Learn more about working for us.