Developing better graduates through individualised learning: A case study of a Paramedic Capstone Experience

Graduates in many disciplines face often challenging transitions from student to beginning practitioner in their chosen field. With potentially alarming consequences linked with a paramedic graduates inability to recall their learning, or effectively apply their learnt skills, often within an emergency situation, the need to be certain of graduate competence is essential. For the completing paramedic student, employment prospects are uncertain, and if employed any knowledge or performance weaknesses will be readily exposed. Following a review of the Paramedic degree program at Flinders, which confirmed industry concerns about a perceived theory-practice gap, the highly pragmatic final subject ‘Applied Paramedic Practice’ was developed and represents a type of ‘finishing school’ for paramedic undergraduates.