Tēnā koutou katoa

We have some new information and an update on the registration process opening on 20 January 2021. We have also completed the first tranche of consultation and have some high level themes that we can share with you.

What you need to know

Compulsory cultural safety programme All paramedics must complete the Mauriora – Foundation Course in Cultural Competency and provide a certificate of completion as part of the application for registration.  This programme is online, free of charge and is open for enrollents and completion now.

Pathways to registration

The pathways below provide a transition for paramedics who currently have a formal qualification or experience on the job:

Pathway A – Requires evidence of completing an approved tertiary qualification in paramedicine.

Pathway B – Requires you to have an Authority to Practise (ATP) at paramedic level or above from a te Kaunihera-approved provider. We’ve recently approved St John, Wellington Free Ambulance and Search and Rescue Services Limited as Registration Assessment Programmes. Other programmes may yet be approved by 20 January. This will enable a significant number of paramedics to register through Pathway B.

Pathway C – Requires you to demonstrate your experience and knowledge by submitting a portfolio that outlines how long you have been a practising paramedic or in paramedic education or research and the kind of skills you bring to the job.   You may also need to complete an assessment if we ask you to.

Information about how to register will be available on our website soon.  Outcomes of consultation - What we heard from you At a high level, the themes below capture the main points that were raised by respondents through the consultation process:

Clear communication

We heard that people want information that is clear, simple and easy to understand. This will be a key focus for us as we help you transition to the register and find the right pathway for you.
In some instances, we will need to use technical language for legal requirements, but we will aim to use “plain English” as much as possible.

Scope of practice

We consulted on two scopes of practice but after reviewing submissions from the sector, we have decided to start with just one scope of practice – paramedic.  This does not stop the industry from recognising paramedics with advanced skills.   It doesn’t mean that we will never consider introducing more scopes of practice, but we think it is best to start simple.

We will be Gazetting the paramedic scope of practice and prescribed qualifications next week.

Fees

Concerns about the registration fee was a key theme from the consultation and has been noted by te Kaunihera.
We also heard that there is a desire for annual practicing certificate fees to be reviewed and revised where possible and that there is clarity on what fees cover.   We are not in a position yet to make any decisions on what fees will be in the coming years as that is likely to vary while we get set up.  We are committed to careful and responsible stewardship of funds, and we will communicate with you in good time if we are looking at changing any fees.

Recognising industry-based experience (Pathway C)

We know that some people felt concerned that Pathway C would be a barrier to registration for some paramedics who are not able to register under either of the other two pathways.  

The registration process will now allow us to identify how many people are in this group and the range of skills that they have. We have designed the pathway process to capture those working in the sector who fall into this category and to assess them for registration accordingly.

We will be in touch with you again soon on more updates and key information on each pathway and how to register.

Ngā mihi

Carlton Irving
Chair
Te Kaunihera Manapou
Paramedic Council