Stephen ‘Max’ Maxwell is proof that one’s age should not define one’s career.

The 49-year-old is undertaking his Bachelor in Paramedic Science spurred on by the memory of his father, who wanted to be a doctor but never had the chance.

Max has had a working life more diverse than most having worked in the Australian Defence Force in infantry for more than 17 years and was proud to have served his country overseas on active (war like) service. “After leaving the Army, I gained employment as an instructor in the private sector. The highlight of this six-year career was developing and delivering (nationally) rescue and evacuation training for the wind turbine industry,” Max says. “I am currently working as a correctional officer at the Darwin Correctional Centre and have been for the past seven years.”

Max has now completed the first year of his degree stating the opportunity to study at home in the NT through Flinders University was too good to pass up. “Flinders has an outstanding reputation and having successfully finished my first year part-time (six units) I can honestly say that Flinders has lived up to the reputation,” he says.

While deciding to study as a mature aged student may be daunting, Max said the experience had been positive. “I have been able to offer my experience, when required, and in return I have been immersed into an energised group of students that are future focused with a fresh view on life,” he says.

He encourages those thinking about studying to take the plunge: “My first piece of advice for mature aged students looking to study is, you are not too old,” he says. “As the saying goes, age is only a number, and it does not define you. Is studying hard, yes it is, but as much as it is challenging it is rewarding too. Studying later in life has given me a new lease of life, it has opened my mind up again and I can feel positive change happening.”

Once graduated Max hopes to work for St John NT.

Learn more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Paramedic Science (Northern Territory) here. Highlights of this degree include:

• Complete the theory online from anywhere in the Northern Territory
• Face-to-face components will be delivered via 1-2 week practical workshop intensives in state-of-the-art facilities in Darwin each semester
• You’ll be job-ready, with 300 hours of emergency ambulance placements over the duration of the degree with St John NT
• Collaboration with St John NT, the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) and Ambulance Victoria (AV) ensures industry relevance throughout your course.