Dr Tim Rayner is the Flinders University Bachelor of Paramedic Science Course Coordinator and Discipline Lead launching the degree in the NT which begins in March 2021.
Although born in Adelaide, Tim was educated in Darwin at Casuarina High School and refers to himself as “an old Territorian”. His close bond with the Territory is further reflected by his interest in paramedicine which began as a St John’s Ambulance NT cadet in Darwin in the 1970s.
After completing his PhD and a career in biomedical research, Dr Rayner joined the academic faculty at Flinders in 2010, and has been responsible for overall management of the paramedicine program since 2012.
Tim is now excited to contribute his skills and experience back to the community that sparked his initial passion and interest in paramedicine. Launching the Bachelor of Paramedic Science course in 2021 in the NT will further cement his dedication to making long-standing changes to the Territory healthcare workforce.
“It is a privilege to collaborate with St John NT to deliver a course that will provide opportunities for Territory residents to become paramedics without the need to train interstate. This course has the potential to make a strong contribution to the development and sustainability of the remote and rural NT health workforce,” says Tim.
Importantly for the NT, being an Ahpra (Australian health practitioner regulation agency) approved course means graduates will be able to work as paramedics following the successful completion of their degree.
“The nationally and internationally recognised Flinders Paramedic Science degree will be tailored for the NT. Our approach is to blend nationally accepted guidelines with local (State or Territory based) procedures to ensure students have a contemporary understanding of paramedic practice. This makes our graduates well regarded by both Australian and international ambulance services,” says Tim.
In addition to being Ahpra-approved, the degree will be delivered by an established teaching team, with the course proudly celebrating its 20th year in 2020.
“The experienced teaching staff are predominantly practising paramedics and are regular contributors to textbooks and publications used to educate the next generation of paramedic graduates. The curriculum is well organised and will ensure that NT students receive a high-quality learning experience.”
Moreover, the course will be accessible online with face-to-face workshops in Darwin and student support available at each of the Flinders University sites in the NT (Darwin, Alice Springs, Nhulunbuy, Katherine, and Tennant Creek). Students will perform their clinical placements with St John Ambulance (NT). This is intended to make the degree a truly “Territory-specific” experience.
Graduates will also have access to a high number of recruitment opportunities. In addition to being key recruitment targets for St John Ambulance (NT), they will also be highly competitive for paramedic roles in all other Australian state and territory ambulance services. Due to the Ahpra-recognition and established collaborations, Flinders can also directly facilitate graduates gaining employment with international ambulance providers in the UK and USA.
Another option for Bachelor of Paramedic Science (NT) graduates is to continue their education and apply for the Flinders NT medical program under the Postgraduate entry pathway into the Doctor of Medicine degree. “Our overall goal is to support the development of the Territory healthcare workforce by providing an environment where students can develop their skills and practice close to home in the NT,” says Tim.
“Flinders University is committed to working with St John Ambulance (NT) to help build a sustainable, well-educated and high-quality paramedic workforce. This will ensure all Territorians continue to receive the high level of health care they deserve”.
To find out more about the Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree visit: https://www.flinders.edu.au/paramedics
For media enquiries and opportunities contact: fnt.news@flinders.edu.au