Educational Framework
Defining the Spectrum of Austere Medical Education
IAES Educational Framework
Our educational framework provides a structured, internationally-aligned pathway for professional development in austere, remote, and expeditionary medical care. It defines both the complexity of learning and responsibility of practice (Certification Framework), and the expected time commitment and depth of engagement (Qualification Framework).
While we do not offer academic degrees or tertiary qualifications (e.g. Level 7 Bachelor’s), our programs are built for graduates, experienced field professionals, and practicing clinicians who require practical, high-level training in challenging and resource-limited environments. Certifications are benchmarked to recognised qualification levels to ensure credibility, transferability, and clarity for learners, employers, and partners.
This framework supports clear progression from basic responder to advanced practitioner, instructor, and instructor-trainer — with a strong emphasis on competence, judgement, and adaptability in real-world contexts.
Award Framework (Certification): Complexity
Level | Descriptor – Complexity & Responsibility | Typical Learner Profile |
Level 2 | Basic factual knowledge & routine skills under direct supervision | Entry-level worker, student with support |
Level 3 | Apply a defined range of skills; some discretion and judgement | Apprentice, vocational student |
Level 4 | Broad factual/technical knowledge; limited autonomy and problem-solving | Technician, team leader, para-professional |
Level 5 | Specialised knowledge; judgement, planning, and initiative in known contexts | Supervisor, paraprofessional, assistant manager |
Qualification Framework: Volume of Learning
We are not a tertiary institution and do not offer Level 7 (Bachelor-level) qualifications. Instead, we provide professional certification and diploma-level training designed for:
Practicing professionals
Clinical responders
Field educators in austere, expeditionary, and remote care contexts.
Our Level 8 awards and diplomas are comparable to a postgraduate diploma, aligned with roles in instructional leadership, faculty development, and program oversight — not academic research or degree programs.
Level | Qualification Type | Volume of Learning |
Level 5 | Diploma | 1,200–2,400 hours |
Level 6 | Advanced Diploma | 1,800–2,400 hours |
Level 7 | Bachelor Degree | NA |
Level 8 | Graduate Certificate | 600 hours |
Level 8 | Graduate Diploma | 1,200 hours |
Certification Mapping
| Course | Contact Hours | Self-Study (Est.) | Total Effort (TQT) | QF Level | Qualification Type | Justification Summary |
| Austere BLS | 8 hrs | 2-4 hrs | 10-12 hrs | 1 | Award | Introductory offering with limited scope |
| Austere First Aid | 24 hrs | 12–24 hrs | 36–48 hrs | 2 | Award | More complex than UK L3 FAW (remote care, improvisation, decision-making) |
| Austere Advanced First Aid | 45 hrs | 24–48 hrs | 69–93 hrs | 3 | Award | High-complexity, moderate autonomy, environmental threats, triage |
| Austere First Responder | 80 hrs | 48–96 hrs | 128–176 hrs | 4 | Award | Prolonged field care, leadership, significant autonomy |
| Austere Medic | 96 hrs | 72–144 hrs | 168–240 hrs | 5 | Award | Advanced field care, diagnostic reasoning, meds, evacuation planning |
| Austere Medical Director | 45 hrs | 16-32 hrs | 61-77 hrs | 5 | Award | Standards, regulatory, and medico legal frameworks; remote supervision & management; telemedicine |
| Course | QF Level | Qualification Type |
| Biome Leader | 2 | Award |
| Expedition Leader | 4 | Award |
| Biome Medic | 4 | Award |
| Certified Expedition Medic | 5 | Award |
| Certified Expedition Leader | 5 | Award |
Qualification Mapping (Professional Practitioner)
Course | QF Level | Qualification Type |
Biome Leader | 3 | Certificate |
Prehospital Emergency Medicine | 5 | Diploma |
Community Paramedicine | 6 | Adv Diploma |
Austere Medicine | 5 | Diploma |
Austere Leadership | 5 | Diploma |
Expedition Medicine | 6 | Adv Dip |
Humanitarian Medicine | 6 | Adv Dip |
Disaster Medicine | 6 | Adv Dip |
Austere Medical Education | 6 | Adv Dip |
Critical Care Austere Medicine | 8 | Grad Dip |
Austere & Emergency Sciences | 8 | Grad Dip |
Austere & Emergency Sciences Education | 8 | Grad Dip |