Burpengary 23-year-old Gypsy Nelson has been offered a position with the Queensland Ambulance Service after graduating from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Gypsy will start the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) induction in Brisbane in June.

She officially received her Bachelor of Paramedic Science at a USC Graduation Ceremony last month.

“I’m joining a QAS employment pathway that involves working as an EMD for two years then transitioning to the Graduate Paramedic Induction Program to become a qualified paramedic,” she said.

“The paramedic field has a lot of competition for jobs and my studies at USC helped prepare me to take on this role. Mentors during my degree spoke about the importance of all the roles within QAS.”

The 2010 Clontarf Beach State High School graduate previously completed an aged care certificate and worked in an aged care facility.

“When choosing a university, I looked for one that allowed me to practise and self-learn whenever I wanted,” Gypsy said.

“I enjoyed practising my skills in the USC Paramedic Science labs on campus at Sippy Downs and used the quiet zone in the Library nearly every day.

“In the future, I plan on studying a Master degree too.”

Applications are now open for mid-year entry to study at USC, starting Semester 2 on 24 July. Details on how to apply for more than 90 undergraduate and postgraduate programs can be found on the USC website.

— Julie Schomberg