About the programme
The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) is a NZQF Level 7 programme at Whitireia & WelTec that prepares students over three full-time years (360 credits) for registration and work as paramedics. Graduates are able to apply for registration with Te Kaunihera Manapou, the paramedic council.
The degree is run jointly with Wellington Free Ambulance. Students learn to assess patients, make clinical decisions, stabilise and treat them, and direct them to the most suitable health service, whether the call is a life-threatening emergency, a trauma or a less urgent concern. Communication is treated as a core skill, since paramedics often need to calm patients and families under pressure.
Teaching mixes classes, independent study, practice in simulation labs and substantial clinical placements across different healthcare settings. In the first year most learning happens on the Porirua campus with regular placement blocks; the second year adds more independent work and simulation; the third year shifts towards placements, flexible online study and block courses on advanced skills and professional practice.
Because the workload is heavy, the institute advises keeping paid work to 10 hours a week or less. People already working or volunteering in ambulance services can use the distance-based Flexible Learning Stream, open to holders of the National Diploma in Ambulance Practice (Level 5) or those authorised to practise at Emergency Medical Technician level or above.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance or equivalent academic or work experience
- Evidence of suitability: interview, health screening, safety check and referee reports
- Minimum age of 18 by the programme start
- International applicants: proven equivalence of entry requirements plus IELTS (Academic) 6.5 in each band
- Application documents include a supplementary form, a referee report, verified ID and official transcripts
What you study
- Year One — mainly campus-based learning with regular clinical placement blocks
- Year Two — more independent study, simulation-based learning and clinical experience
- Year Three — extended placements, flexible online learning and block courses on advanced skills
- Simulation labs — hands-on skills practice in a simulated environment
- Clinical placements — experience in a range of healthcare settings throughout the degree
- Flexible Learning Stream — distance option for people already in ambulance services
Careers after graduation
- Registration as a paramedic with Te Kaunihera Manapou after graduation
- Paramedic practice in emergency and non-urgent care
- Responding to medical and trauma cases of varying urgency
- Community-based healthcare roles across different settings
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Whitireia & WelTec website