Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Diploma in Ambulance Practice (Level 5)
Version
1
Qualification
type
Diploma
Level
5
Credits
120
NZSCED
069905 Health > Other Health > Paramedical Studies
Qualification developer
The Skills Organisation
Next review
December 2020
Approval date
January 2016
Strategic purpose statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the New Zealand
public with individuals who are competent at providing out-ofhospital clinical care using a patient-centric approach in the
ambulance context.
This qualification is suitable for individuals seeking to develop
their career within the ambulance sector, as an alternative entry
point to degree study.
Graduates will be capable of practicing in a culturally safe manner
with some clinical supervision, within a specified scope of practice
relating to the role of Emergency Medical Technicians in the
ambulance context.
Outcome Statement
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification are able to:
-
Apply functional knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and
pathophysiology for a range of commonly seen medical and
trauma conditions, to improve patient outcomes in an
ambulance context.
-
Perform differential diagnoses and determine patient acuity
using knowledge of structured, focussed patient assessment
techniques to improve patient outcomes in an ambulance
context.
-
Manage and treat patients using knowledge of structured,
focussed patient assessment techniques to improve patient
outcomes in an ambulance context.
-
Provide competent out-of-hospital clinical care incorporating
safe, legal, ethical, and culturally safe practice to improve
patient outcomes in an ambulance context.
-
Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including
patients, whanau, health care providers and other
emergency services, using speaking, listening, and writing
Qualification Reference 3065
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
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skills, to improve patient outcomes in an ambulance context.
Education pathway
This qualification builds on the New Zealand Certificate in
Emergency First Response (Medical) (Level 3).
Graduates may progress to other ambulance related
qualifications at Level 7 such as Bachelor in Health Science
(Paramedicine) or (Paramedic).
Employment
pathway
This qualification is a foundation to a career in the ambulance
sector.
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge
to work as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the
ambulance environment.
Graduates of this qualification do not automatically gain Authority
to Practice. This is a separate endorsement by the ambulance
service provider.
Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification may be awarded by the Tertiary Education
Organisation (TEO) where the learner achieved the programme
of study leading to the qualification.
Evidence requirements for
assuring consistency
Evidence may come from:
-
-
-
-
Regular monitoring of learner/trainee progression within
either the TEO or the workplace including liaising with
employers, teaching staff, training supervisors, and sector
managers about the value of the training, graduates, and
qualification, to the business.
Feedback from major associations to ensure their members
involved in the sector are satisfied with the qualification
graduates.
Regular cross-sector meetings (Advisory Groups) where the
changing training needs of the sector can be discussed in
light of technology changes, workplace practices, and
graduate capabilities
Independent surveys of graduates and employers to
determine if the graduates are appropriate for the workplace.
Providing an alignment matrix of programme outcomes or
unit standards against the qualification outcomes.
Minimum standard of
achievement and standards
for grade endorsements
Achieved.
Other requirements for the
qualification (including
regulatory body or legislative
requirements)
Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 (HDC Act) applies
to the outcomes of this qualification and programmes must
incorporate knowledge and application of the HDC Code of
Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (the Code).
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© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
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General conditions for the programme leading to the qualification
General conditions for
programme
The New Zealand Certificate in Emergency Care (First
Responder) (Level 3) [Ref: 3063] is a prerequisite for this
qualification. Where prospective learners hold equivalent
knowledge and skills they may apply to the programme provider
for direct entry into this diploma.
TEOs offering programmes towards this qualification must have
a formal arrangement with an accredited emergency ambulance
service provider who complies with NZS8156:2008 (or any
subsequent amendments or replacements) for the purposes of
clinical placement, and must be able to ensure student access to
clinical placements on a frontline emergency ambulance, to meet
the qualification outcomes.
Trainers must have current ambulance Authority to Practice at
Emergency Medical Technician or higher, under the scopes of
practice agreed and approved by Ambulance New Zealand
(National Ambulance Sector Clinical Working Group).
Programmes must include patient contact in a frontline
emergency ambulance context evidenced by a portfolio
demonstrating clinical decision-making and application of skills
and knowledge across the graduate profile outcomes.
While assessment against unit standards is not mandatory,
programmes must deliver to a standard at or above the
requirements documented in the registered unit standards
classified in the Ambulance domain (excluding the ambulance
driving standards). For more information go to
http://www.skills.org.nz.
Learning across multiple modes may contribute to the credit
achievement, such as e-learning, reflective practice, workplace
components, face-to-face, clinical placement, and directed
learning. Clinical simulation is an acceptable way of gaining
clinical experience. Assessment and management techniques
must be consistent with current Clinical Procedures and
Guidelines of the placement organisation.
Conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
1
Conditions
Apply functional knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and
pathophysiology, for a range of commonly seen medical
and trauma conditions, to improve patient outcomes in an
ambulance context.
Credits 20
2
Perform differential diagnoses and determine patient
acuity using knowledge of structured, focussed patient
assessment techniques to improve patient outcomes in an
Qualification Reference 3065
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Page 3 of 4
ambulance context.
Credits 40
3
Manage and treat patients using knowledge of structured,
focussed patient assessment techniques to improve
patient outcomes in an ambulance context.
Credits 40
4
Provide competent out-of-hospital care incorporating safe,
legal, ethical, and culturally safe practice to improve
patient outcomes in an ambulance context.
Credits 10
5
Communicate appropriately with stakeholders, including
patients, whanau, health care providers and other
emergency services, using speaking, listening, and writing
skills, to improve patient outcomes in an ambulance
context.
Credits 10
Transition information
Replacement information
This qualification replaced the National Diploma in Ambulance
Practice (Level 5) [Ref: 1408].
Candidates currently working towards the replaced qualification must complete the requirements by
31 December 2019.
The last date for entry into programmes leading to the replaced qualification is 31 December 2017.
The last date to meet the requirements of the replaced qualifications is 31 December 2019, when the
qualification will be discontinued. From that date no results can be reported against the qualification.
It is anticipated that no existing candidates will be disadvantaged by these transition arrangements.
However, anyone who feels that they have been disadvantaged may appeal to The Skills
Organisation at the address below. Appeals will be considered on a case by case basis.
The Skills Organisation
Freepost 5164
PO Box 24469
Royal Oak
Auckland 1345
Qualification Reference 3065
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
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