For immediate release
Whitireia celebrates the success of its Paramedic degree
November marks the tenth anniversary of the Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) degree at Whitireia.
Whitireia and Wellington Free Ambulance have been working in partnership for ten years, offering the only Bachelor of
Health Science (Paramedic) degree in the region. The partnership between the two organisations has remained strong and
committed. It is built on trust and the desire for excellence in this health field.
“The success of the programme is thanks to the collaboration between Whitireia and Wellington Free Ambulance” said Gary
Strong, Programme Manager, Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic), Whitireia. “All the hard work that was put in ten
years also is evident today. The programme is highly regarded in the industry and there is always a high level of
interest in the programme, with students prepared to travel from anywhere in New Zealand to study.”
Celebrating a decade of paramedic training is an important milestone for this programme said Dr Kathy Holloway, Dean of
the Faculty of Health, Whitireia. “This programme is driven by industry, is special and is unique in Australasia – we
have practicing paramedics teaching the students on this programme.”
“We look forward to our continued relationship with Whitireia and the continued delivery of a top class degree programme
for students” said Sarah Hoyle, Executive Manager, Clinical Services, Wellington Free Ambulance. “There is a bright
future ahead; the success of this programme has gone from strength to strength.”
Students, staff at each organisation and industry were invited to celebrate this milestone at an event held on
Wednesday. Of particular interest was a panel discussion with Dr Andy Swain, Medical Director, Wellington Free Ambulance
and Dr Craig Ellis, Regional Medical Advisor for St John. The panel discussion was around ‘Putting it into Practice’.
Students used this discussion as an opportunity to put their questions forward and to hear from the experts in their
field of study.
Whitireia and Wellington Free Ambulance will continue to work together to provide the best education for paramedics,
giving communities the highly skilled professionals they deserve.
The Whitireia Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) is a three year degree where students gain skills to provide
emergency medical care in a range of situations. Students learn how to access, stabilise, treat and refer patients in
the pre-hospital environment. First and second year students are required to attend tutorials, lectures and practical
exercises on campus while third year students study online and attend block courses.
ENDS