Gain expertise in advanced aeromedical practice with part-time distance learning, built for working professionals.
Why study Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport
If you want to deliver expert care to people in remote regions, during emergencies, or while in transit, our world-leading Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport courses provide an academic framework to complement your technical skills. In our postgraduate programmes, you will explore the critical interplay between clinical care in the air, air ambulance and international assistance.
You will learn not only clinical medicine but also how to navigate operational, logistical and systems-level challenges in air or remote care contexts. Whether you are a doctor, flight nurse or allied-health professional, these qualifications equip you to provide patients with advanced clinical care when it matters most.
Career opportunities
With a qualification in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport, you could explore a range of career pathways:
- Clinical air-ambulance medical practitioner, paramedic, or flight nurse
- Aeromedical retrieval co-ordinator or Medical Director
- Emergency retrieval and critical-care transport clinician
- Remote or rural health retrieval services provider
- Medical adviser for international assistance and retrieval services
What it’s like to study at this level
Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport education at Otago is delivered part-time by distance, which allows you to study and continue to work from anywhere. Your study connects you with the staff of the Occupational and Aviation Medicine Unit, a group of world-leading industry experts with long experience in working and teaching in this field.
There are regular webinars, but student-centred learning rather than didactic teaching is the medium for your learning journey. You learn through guided online materials, online discussions, and structured support. You become part of a community of students and teachers who care about health and work.
This is for you if ...
This subject suits health professionals with strong clinical experience or interest in critical care, emergency or retrieval medicine; many start the programme to learn the academic frameworks for clinical practice before or as they embark on a career in aeromedical retrieval and transport.
Some of our qualifications are specifically for doctors, while others are designed for flight nurses and allied health professionals.
Global credibility, expert teaching and flexible learning
Otago’s teaching in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport reflects international best practice and is recognised across the sector, giving you confidence that your study aligns with global standards. You’ll benefit from Otago’s global reputation in health sciences and aviation-medicine teaching, and the support of experienced staff who are actively engaged in professional practice. The flexibility of distance learning means you can study from anywhere in the world, while being part of our interactive and collegial learning community.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Postgraduate Certificate in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport (PGCertAeroRT)
A part-time (one-year), distance-taught, coursework programme, consisting of two papers, for practising doctors who want to upskill their air ambulance competencies
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc)
A one-year part-time (or one semester full-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport (PGDipAeroRT)
A part-time (two-year), distance-taught, coursework programme for practising doctors, providing advanced training in retrieval medicine and aeromedical evacuation
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)
A one- or two-year postgraduate degree for health professionals, encompassing coursework and/or research in a chosen area of specialisation
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Contacts
Dr Robin Griffiths
Tel +64 21 620 148
Email rob.griffiths@otago.ac.nz
Programme Manager
Tel +64 4 385 5591
Email oamu@otago.ac.nz
See the OAMU website for more information.
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