A Partnership in Paramedic Training
A Partnership in Paramedic Training
On Monday 11 May Whitireia Community Polytechnic and Wellington Free Ambulance signed a five year contract, ensuring the continued provision of a top class degree programme for aspiring paramedics.
“I’m delighted to confirm our agreement with WFA for a five-year term. This represents a commitment by Whitireia to paramedic education and to partnership with the industry, in which WFA is a key player, says Whitireia CE Don Campbell. The future looks very exciting in this essential health service.”
Whitireia offers the only Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) in the region. Whitireia and WFA have been working in partnership for seven years now and the relationship is strong, built on mutual trust and the desire for excellence.
The course, which requires three years of study, currently has 80 students. First and Second year students are required on campus during the week to engage in tutorials, lectures and practical exercises. Third year students study online and attend block courses.
“It is a bold step forward in a fruitful working relationship between education and industry in the ambulance sector, said Chief Executive Wellington Free Ambulance, Alan O'Beirne.
The recent opening of the Paramedic Learning Centre by Prime Minister John Key showed what we can achieve in partnership. Together, Whitireia and WFA will continue to provide the best education for paramedics, giving the community the highly skilled professionals it deserves.”
“Paramedicine is moving rapidly from being a trade to being a healthcare profession in its own right, says O’Beirne. Whitireia and WFA are in pole position to facilitate this development, through the degree programme, the postgraduate certificate programme which starts in July, and a number of other less formal arrangements which are emerging from the partnership.”
Chief Executive of Wellington Free Ambulance Alan O'Beirne and Chief Executive of Whitireia Community Polytechnic Don Campbell.
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