Paramedic

Description

As a student enrolled in Georgian’s Paramedic program, you are prepared with the knowledge and skills that allow you to work effectively and collaboratively in this fast- paced and intense health discipline.

With a robust balance of practical experience and theoretical knowledge, you learn to manage medical and traumatic emergencies in the out-of-hospital setting with an emphasis on sciences, pharmacology, communication and providing patient care to a diverse population.

You learn these skills in a variety of settings including the classroom, our simulation labs, hospital departments and with a comprehensive placement with a practicing paramedic. In addition, you learn about and how to prioritize mental and physical self-care in a demanding but very rewarding career.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are eligible to write the Ontario Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Examination (A.E.M.C.A.). If successful, graduates are eligible to seek employment with paramedic services and other agencies throughout Canada. Opportunities for graduates may also be found in the field of health and safety, event medical services and the military. Please note that employment in Ontario as a paramedic requires a current class 'F' license and it is the graduate's responsibility to acquire this license prior to seeking employment.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. communicate and interact effectively and appropriately with patients and
others;
2. assess patients using relevant theory and practices and in compliance with
current legislation, regulations, standards, and best practice guidelines;
3. establish patients’ treatment and transport priorities based on assessment
findings;
4. implement preventive and therapeutic patient management strategies to
maintain and promote patients’ well-being in compliance with current
legislation, regulations, standards, and best practice guidelines;
5. integrate and perform delegated controlled medical acts in a simulated,
clinical, and field setting;
6. evaluate in an ongoing manner the effectiveness of patient management
strategies used and adapt or change strategies to provide optimal care for
patients;
7. report and document patient information completely, accurately, and in a
timely manner, in compliance with current legislation, regulations,
standards, and applicable policies and procedures in a simulated, clinical,
and/or field setting;
8. ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of partners, patients, and
others;
9. ensure the operational safety and preparedness of an ambulance and its
equipment and operate an ambulance-type vehicle in a simulated setting;
10. collaborate with a broad range of personnel such as first responders,
paramedics, emergency services personnel, health care professionals, and
other allied health care workers;
11. integrate and meet legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities while
providing optimal care for patients.
 

External Recognition

This program follows the National Occupational Competency Profile for Paramedics as approved by the Paramedic Association of Canada. This program is accredited by EQual™ Accreditation Canada.

Program Progression 

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2024
• Sem 2: Winter 2025
• Sem 3: Fall 2025
• Sem 4: Winter 2026

Articulation

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at https://www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Admission Requirements

OSSD or equivalent with

• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry or Physics (C or U)

All applicants must possess a minimum G2 driver’s licence (applicants with demerit points may not be eligible for employment).

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Selection Process

This is a highly competitive program. Applicants will be assessed and ranked based on academic grades. The overall minimum GPA is determined annually.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

• A minimum grade of 80% in each pre-requisite subject is recommended
• Current Standard First Aid Certificate (in-person training)
• Current CPR Certificate Basic Life Support or Health Care Provider (in-person training)

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student's responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.

Additional Information

Before enrolling in this program, applicants should be aware that under the provisions of the Ambulance Act, employment as a paramedic is prohibited to any individual who, in the past year has:

• Received six or more demerit points on his/her driving record
• Had his/her driver’s license suspended in the previous two years
• Been prohibited from driving under the Criminal Code of Canada within the past three years
• OR has been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude for which she/ he has not been pardoned.

These regulations can be found under the Ambulance Act of Ontario.

Completion of college immunization record

Graduation Requirements

21 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses 
2 Clinical Placements
2 Field Placements  

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking 

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of two years (as stated above) may take a maximum of four years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.