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:
COVID-19 Infection and Exposure
Students are required to report any COVID infection and exposure that will impact attendance for placement, clinical laboratory or class. Please complete the self-selectable WIL COVID-19 Reporting form available under the Forms tab, once you have logged into Sonia Online.
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 If assessment 1 (clinical capability) is failed then the placement will be cancelled and student withdrawn from the course.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.
PAR103
- Intensive component occurs after the conclusion of second semester examination period and after the PAR203 intensive is concluded. Check the placement calendar for the exact dates. Students are required on campus for 5 days.
- Placement occurs over 4 weeks in either January or February with Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).
PAR203
- Intensive component occurs immediately after the conclusion of second semester examination period. Check the placement calendar for the exact dates. Students are required on campus for 3 days; either Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday-Friday.
- Placement occurs over 4 weeks in December with Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).
PAR312
- Intensive component occurs in Orientation Week of second semester. Check the placement calendar for the exact dates. Students are required on campus for 3 days; either Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday-Friday.
- Placement occurs over 8 weeks; either in the first half or second half of the semester with Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS). It is organised around PAR321.
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.
ALL STUDENTS
Blue Cards
Apply for a new card or link your existing card to UniSC
National Police Check
Police Check applications can take up to 6 weeks to be processed. NB. Only Australian Federal Police certificates with Purpose Type 37 are accepted.
Annual Influenza Vaccination
The Flu Vaccination is an annual requirement
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
- Placement Details Agreement
Available 1–2 weeks prior to 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 and CPR MANDATORY FOR PAR103 ONLY
To be eligible to attend your first placement, you are required to hold a current CPR and First Aid certificate.
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 Medical Assessment - Fit Slip
Medical assessment that will determine your ability to be able to complete the tasks required whilst on placement.
QAS Annual Clinical Placement Orientation Checklist
Mandatory requirement for all students to complete one month prior to the commencement of each QAS placement
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.
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OTHER SITE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
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 Calendars
You will be required to purchase the student paramedic uniform which includes shirts, trousers, boots, belt, personal protective equipment and spray jacket before going on placement. The approximate cost of the minimum order from our supplier is $555. This does not include the boots as some students already have suitable boots. Paramedic students will be required to have a name badge on their USC student uniforms. The badge should be first name only. Optional uniform items include soft shell jacket and cap. You will be advised early in Semester 1 when fittings are scheduled. You will also be required to purchase a stethoscope.
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.
Events
Please visit the Events page to view all current events.
Events
Please Note
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
- Select your role (i.e. Student / Site / Liaison)
- Enter your ‘UniSC username’ and ‘password’ in the spaces provided
- Click on the ‘sign in’ button