Working as a patient transport officer

Many of our patients can’t use community, public or private transport for medical reasons. As a patient transport officer (PTO), you’ll drive them to hospitals, health care services and their homes using our ambulances.

Our patient transport service is for people who don’t need urgent medical care, but you’ll learn how to give basic care if someone needs it. You’ll get regular training and coaching while you work under our supervision.

How to apply

You can apply online when we advertise jobs or fill in our patient transport officer expression of interest form.

Before you apply

Before you apply, check you’re eligible for the role. You may need to show evidence that you meet the following criteria in your application or expression of interest.

You can legally work in Australia

You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen to apply. You can also apply if you have a valid permanent work visa.

You have first aid qualifications

You must have the following current first aid qualifications.

  • Provide first Aid (HLTAID011)
  • Provide cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (HLTAID009)

Read more about first aid courses on the Queensland Government website.

You have a Certificate III in Non-Emergency Client Transport

You need this, or an equivalent qualification to apply, unless you're applying for a student PTO role.

If you're a student, you must complete the qualification in your first 6 months of work to become a qualified PTO.

You can drive a light rigid manual motor vehicle in Queensland

All our paramedics need a Queensland LR Light Rigid open manual driver licence. You can still apply if you have one of the following licenses, but you’ll need an LR licence before you start work.

  • Queensland C Car open licence for a manual motor vehicle
  • Equivalent manual licence from another state or country

If your licence only permits you to drive an automatic vehicle, you won’t be able to apply.

Read more about licence types, classes and conditions on the Queensland Government website.

You’re fit and healthy, and have all your vaccinations

Check that you meet our medical standards for patient transport officers [PDF 166.05 KB] before you apply.

After you apply

We’ll meet you for an interview if your application is successful. We may also do checks for your:

  • references and qualifications
  • criminal history
  • traffic history
  • working with children clearance (blue card), if you need it.

Learn more about our working for us.

Contact us

For more information, email our recruitment team at QAS.Recruitment@ambulance.qld.gov.au.

Last updated: August 2024