Extended Care Paramedicine - Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Paramedic Practice

Get ready to become an extended care paramedic specialising in primary and preventive care in the community, and lead advanced community-based care across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Extended Care Paramedicine specialisation in the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Paramedic Practice is for registered paramedics who want to develop advanced skills in primary, community and preventive care for low-acuity, high-complexity patients.

Equipped with advanced assessment, diagnostic and pharmacological capabilities, extended care paramedics deliver autonomous care in non-emergency settings, collaborating with general practitioners, nurses and palliative care teams. They help patients, family and whānau navigate the healthcare system, fill workforce gaps in rural primary care, and reduce pressure on emergency services. As part of community-based health teams, they ensure wrap-around services for people remaining in their own homes.


This is part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Paramedic Practice.

This programme brochure will be available soon.

The Extended Care Paramedicine specialisation prepares registered paramedics to deliver advanced care in primary, community and preventive health settings, with a focus on low-acuity, high-complexity patients.

Your courses develop advanced assessment, diagnostic and pharmacological skills tailored to community-based practice, and include 250 clinical practice hours throughout the programme.

Full-year courses

Semester 1 course

Semester 2 course

1 Includes clinical practice hours
2 Includes simulation and skills

Graduates are eligible to apply for specialist registration with Te Kaunihera Manapou Paramedic Council as an extended care paramedic.

Clinical settings you could work in include:

  • Emergency ambulance services
  • Medical centres
  • Urgent care clinics
  • Rural health centres

Other specialisations in the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Paramedic Practice

Key features
  • Prepares registered paramedics for advanced practice roles in extended care paramedicine
  • Focuses on advanced primary, community and preventive care for low-acuity, high-complexity patients
  • Includes 250 clinical practice hours
  • AUT is the only university provider of paramedicine education New Zealand

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.