This is the Clinical Placement system used by the Paramedic Science Program at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Once you have logged into Sonia Online, your School homepage will become active. From here you can access information relating to your Clinical Placement including:
- your placement details;
- forms and information for mandatory pre-clinical requirements;
- reminders and important dates;
- electronic forms;
- facility information;
- uploading and viewing pre-placement documentation.
On this page:
Financial Support
Financial Support opportunities while you are on placement
Structure of Placement
Placement - Your Placement details can be found under your Placement tab on your Sonia Online record.
Mandatory Intensive Workshops - All placement courses (PAR103, PAR203 and PAR312) have a mandatory intensive component to be completed on campus at UniSC and a component with an external organisation. On campus attendance is mandatory because clinical scope of practice is assessed during the intensive and must be successfully completed prior to placement. If assessment 1 (clinical capability) is failed then the placement will be cancelled and student withdrawn from the course. In addition, other information is covered during the intensive that is required for operational safety. Click the button below for more information.
Structure of Placement for PAR103, PAR203 and PAR312 (119KB)
Mandatory Checks
You need to ensure that you have completed the following mandatory checks by the deadline given by your Placement Officer and that they are valid for the duration of your placement.
UniSC has a responsibility to ensure all students comply with the mandatory checks (requirements) of placement sites and UniSC. It is essential that each student maintains their own personal process to manage paper and electronic documents associated with these checks. Many placement sites will ask to see hardcopy evidence of all checks on the first day of placement, so it is the responsibility of each student to be able to provide these on request. For additional information on how to complete each mandatory check, please click on the headings below which will direct you to any forms, websites, or other applicable information that you will need to complete the check. Once completed, please upload the relevant documentation to the 'Checks' tab in Sonia Online.
If you have experienced extreme circumstances resulting in a delay to submit any requirements, it is essential that you advise the Fit for Placement Office as soon as possible by emailing ffpo@usc.edu.au.
Click on the appropriate buttons below to be directed to information relating to each specific check.
ALL STUDENTS
Blue Cards
Apply for a new card or link your existing card to UniSC
National Police Check (Australian Federal Police - Purpose Check 37)
Police Check applications can take up to 6 weeks to be processed. NB. Only Australian Federal Police certificates with Purpose Type 37 are accepted.
UniSC Code of Conduct
To be eligible to attend placement, you must complete the UniSC Code of Conduct by reading the document and Agreeing by submitting the electronic form. This is a per placement requirement.
UniSC Student Placement Agreement Forms
The Student Placement Agreement (SPA) consists of two mandatory electronic forms completed in your Sonia Online account before you attend your placement.
- Placement Disclosure Statement (Disclosing Health Conditions):
Available within 8 weeks of the first group commencing (as per the placement calendar). Only one placement disclosure statement is required per enrolment.
- Placement Details Agreement:
Available 1–2 weeks before placement commencing (per placement requirement).
You will receive an email when a Student Placement Agreement has been added to your Sonia Online > Forms.
FIRST YEAR STUDENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
First Aid - MANDATORY FOR PAR103 ONLY
To be eligible to attend your PAR103 placement, you are required to hold a valid First Aid Certificate. It must be valid for the entire PAR103 placement block.
Mental Health First Aid Courses - MANDATORY FOR PAR103 ONLY
Certificates are current for three years. You will be advised by your placement officer when to complete this course.
QAS SPECIFIC MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Hand Hygiene Certificate
Module to be completed be required deadline set by your placement officer.
QAS Annual Clinical Placement Orientation Checklist
Mandatory requirement for all students to complete one month prior to the commencement of each QAS placement
QAS Medical Assessment - Fit Slip
Medical assessment that will determine your ability to be able to complete the tasks required whilst on placement.
NOTE: Hep B vaccinations can take up to 6 months to complete.
Respirator Fit Testing
It is a Queensland Government requirement that all students attending any placement in a health setting, clinical setting and residential aged care setting, are required to undertake respirator (mask) fit testing prior to commencing.
As of 1 January 2022, it is a mandatory requirement by QAS that all Paramedic students be fit tested annually, prior to placement.
Book an appointment
OTHER SITE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Annual Influenza Vaccination
Some placement host organisations may require you to have the annual flu vaccination. If you do not have your annual flu vaccination, it is important to know that placement opportunities may be limited.
NDIS Worker Screening Card
Some placement host organisations require students to hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening Card or valid Yellow Card.
COVID-19 Vaccination Evidence
Some placement host organisations may still require COVID-19 vaccination now or in the future. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in this program may be limited.
Log into Sonia Online > Checks tab and follow the instructions to upload your COVID-19 vaccination evidence.
PLEASE NOTE: You will be granted full access to Sonia Online, once you have been enrolled into your program.
If you have extenuating circumstances that may delay your submission of any mandatory requirement it is essential that you contact the Fit for Placement Office to request an extension.
If you require any assistance with your mandatories, please contact the Fit For Placement Office email FFPO@usc.edu.au.
Clinical Placement Calendar
2025 UniSC Paramedicine Clinical Placement Calendar (PDF 205KB)
Regional and Remote
The below guide provides a complete overview of the regional and remote placement process, including eligibility, how to apply, scholarships and financial aid, what to do once you have a regional or remote placement, an essential placement checklist, etc.
Regional and Remote Placement Guide (PDF 770KB)
During clinical placements, students must wear a complete UniSC paramedic uniform, which includes a shirt, pants, belt, and boots. Additionally, you are required to purchase and carry a safety kit at all times whilst on Placement.
The estimated total cost for the full uniform and safety kit is approximately $500. However, you have the flexibility to spread this cost by ordering items as needed throughout the semester. All uniform items and the safety kit are available for purchase at the UniSC Print Shop.
For additional information, including a purchase guide, please refer to the FAQ Do I Need a UniSC Uniform to Attend a Paramedicine Placement?
Travel and Accommodation
All travel and accommodation expenses incurred whilst undertaking clinical placements are the responsibility of the student.
Please note: While the University will attempt to place you close to your preferred placement area for clinical practicum courses this cannot be guaranteed and you may be required to undertake some of your clinical placements outside the region or in a rural area within Queensland.
Student Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure their mandatory documents are current and that the originals are available for sighting on request from UniSC or Placement Staff.
You may still need to check Canvas for additional information, and some facility information may be provided via additional emails. If you believe any of the content is incorrect please contact the placement coordinator.
Login to Sonia Online
To login to Sonia Online:
Select your role
(i.e. Student / Site / Supervisor)
- Student: University Sign In
- Site Contact: Username and Password
- Supervisor: University Sign In (for UniSC employees), Username and Password (for external employees)