Australian Paramedical College (APC) is a nationally recognised registered training organisation (RTO) and leading specialist college for pre-hospital healthcare in Australia. APC offers education and training through online learning and practical workshops. Recognising a significant demand for healthcare professionals post-pandemic, APC is driven to address the gap between industry needs.

Through an innovative and comprehensive redesign of its educational model and a focus on flexible, technology-enhanced learning, APC aims to empower and enable a broader demographic to pursue careers in paramedicine and pre-hospital emergency and non-emergency healthcare, ultimately contributing to a better-equipped workforce and sustainable industry.

The initiative was driven by an evaluation of existing education pathways, which identified challenges with the higher education system for many everyday Australians, including the financial burden of traditional education models. Coupled with direct feedback from key stakeholders in the healthcare industry stipulating the need to better align graduates’ skill sets with industry standards, APC identified an opportunity to help address these critical issues.

APC’s solution was to introduce a flexible, blended learning model that accommodates the diverse needs of its students, many of whom balance studies with work and other commitments. This model was designed to enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and align educational offerings with the real-world demands of the healthcare industry. APC also streamlined its educational approach by eliminating non-interactive in-person sessions where relevant, focusing instead on flexible online self-directed study, interactive training, and resource utilisation, complemented by necessary face-to-face interactions like clinical workshops and a greater focus on quality clinical placement opportunities for students.

The project was executed through a collaborative effort from APC staff, industry experts, and feedback from students, graduates, and industry partners. The redesign of APC’s courses centred around using its learning management system to deliver content in manageable segments and facilitate a more practical, accommodating learning experience.

Led by Dr. Simon Sawyer, PhD, the initiative unfolded in two primary phases: the redesign of the course curriculum to incorporate a blended learning model and the deployment of this new course structure. This comprehensive process included the development of new educational materials, the integration of technology to enhance learning, and a continuous feedback loop with students and industry partners to ensure alignment with industry standards and needs.

The initiative has been a resounding success, with several positive outcomes. These include increased student satisfaction and engagement, improved course progression and completion rates, a significant rise in student enrolments, improved employment opportunities for graduates, financial growth for APC, and positive feedback from industry partners. This success is a testament to the effectiveness of APC’s innovative approach.

In conclusion, APC’s innovative approach to improving pre-hospital healthcare education and training, focusing on accessibility, practicality, and alignment with industry needs, has not only enhanced the learning experience for its students but has also significantly and positively impacted the healthcare industry. By addressing critical workforce shortages, this initiative has shown how educational institutions can adapt to changing industry landscapes and contribute to societal needs.

For information about Australian Paramedical College, visit apcollege.edu.au