Overview
This program produces graduates that meet workforce needs by providing them with:
- A solid background in the sciences and theory related to pre-hospital emergency care;
- The ability to manage pre-hospital medical emergencies;
- Knowledge of and the ability to work in accordance with health and safety regulations and the Ambulance Act, as well as other Acts and regulations specific to the field of paramedics in Ontario;
- The theory and skills needed to communicate effectively with patients and other emergency team members.
Accreditation: Graduates of the program are required to write the provincial AEMCA exam to be certified as a Primary Care Paramedic. This certification is required for full and part-time employment in an emergency medical service in Ontario.
Program Details
Program Highlights
This program is designed to meet the requirements and needs of an Primary Care Paramedic in Ontario. It is well recognized in all Canadian provinces as well as internationally.
Successful completion of this program will prepare graduates to successfully complete the provincal exam (AEMCA) and be a successful prepared Primary Care Paramedic working in both urban or rural settings in Ontario.
Each semester builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the previous semester, it allows continuous growth and learning while providing the time to learn, understand and apply the knowledge and skills.
Clinical placements begin in semester 2, increase in clinical placement hours and ambulance ride outs in semester 3 and involve working full time with a Paramedic Crew in Ontario in semester 4.
Program Outline
2023-2024
This course is designed to develop physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance) through individual training programs and group athletic activities. Students will demonstrate and practice lifting and transferring of patients, utilizing proper posture and safe lifting techniques.
This science based course supports an understanding of how the integrity of the human body, in the biological sense, influences health. The content focuses on the structure and function of most body systems, including how body systems individually and collectively contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, thus optimal health.
This science based course supports an understanding of how the integrity of the human body, in the biological sense, influences health. The content focuses on the structure and function of most body systems, including how body systems individually and collectively contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, thus optimal health.
This course presents the introductory theory of emergency care as it relates to the assessment and management of a person suffering from selected illness or injury. Students will apply pathophysiological concepts and begin to develop the theoretical rationale to explain alterations in patients’ conditions and predict expected changes in assessment findings. Radiotelecommunications and preparation of an ambulance for service will also be included.
This course is designed to prepare students with the introductory skills needed to provide basic emergency care to a victim of an illness/accident and to provide care and prevent further injury during transport.
This course is designed to prepare students with the introductory skills needed to provide basic emergency care to a victim of an illness/accident and to provide care and prevent further injury during transport.
This course is designed to help students develop and practice the communication skills needed to succeed in college and workforce environments. Emphasis is placed on improving foundational communication strategies-reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and on developing research and critical thinking skills.
This course is designed to further develop fitness through training and group athletic activities. Using previously learned techniques, students will enhance their ability to lift and transfer patients in simulated settings. The effects of nutrition and shift work on the health of the paramedic will also be explored.
Prerequisite(s): FITN100 + PARA100 + PARA1000 + PARA1500 + PARA1503 + PARA1505
This course is designed to provide the student with the ability to apply relevant legislation and regulations enacted by Provincial and Federal Governments to the practice of Paramedicine. The course will also present various legal issues, concepts of accountability, responsibility, confidentiality and consent to treatment as they apply to the provision of service by paramedics.
Prerequisite(s): FITN100 + PARA100 + PARA1000 + PARA1500 + PARA1503 + PARA1505
This course is a continuation of Patient Care Theory 1. The major emphasis of this course is placed on the responsibilities of the student in assessing, managing and transporting patients in stabilized conditions, emergency situations and situations that may become emergencies. Students will learn the assessment, pathophysiological processes and management of various medical and traumatic problems that may affect prehospital patients.
Prerequisite(s): FITN100 + PARA100 + PARA1000 + PARA1500 + PARA1503 + PARA1505
This course is designed to introduce the student to pharmacological principles and common classes of drugs encountered by the paramedic. Sources of drugs, routes of administration, drug actions and interactions will be studied. The pharmacological activity of a select group of pharmacological agents seen in both medical and nonmedical settings by the practicing paramedic will be covered as well.
Prerequisite(s): FITN100 + PARA100 + PARA1000 + PARA1500 + PARA1503 + PARA1505
This course builds on PARA1503 and continues to focus on pre-hospital medical and traumatic emergencies and promotes critical thinking. The etiology, clinical manifestations, complications and management of various pre-hospital emergencies will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): FITN100 + PARA100 + PARA1000 + PARA1500 + PARA1503 + PARA1505
In a simulated setting the student will acquire the skills necessary to perform specific assessment and interventions to victims of trauma or to the critically ill. He/she will also learn to recognize complications and minimize them. These skills will be applied for the provision of emergency care in various laboratory settings.
Prerequisite(s): FITN100 + PARA100 + PARA1000 + PARA1500 + PARA1503 + PARA1505
In this course practical experience will be provided in a number of hospital settings. Students will apply the theory content of previous courses through observation and participation in selected hospitals departments.
Prerequisite(s): FITN100 + PARA100 + PARA1000 + PARA1500 + PARA1503 + PARA1505
This course will review selected topics with in the field of abnormal psychology. The topic review will consider the issues of diagnosis/classification, physical and psychological manifestations of the current range of psychological treatments.
Prerequisite(s): FITN200 + PARA200 + PARA1501 + PARA2500 + PARA2501 + PARA2502 + PARA2503 + PARA2505 + PARA2506
This course is a continuation of Patient Care Theory 2. The major emphasis of this course is placed on the responsibilities of the student in assessing, managing and transporting patients in stabilized conditions, emergency situations and situations that may become emergencies. Students will learn the assessment, pathophysiological processes and management of various medical and traumatic problems that may affect prehospital patients.
Prerequisite(s): FITN200 + PARA200 + PARA1501 + PARA2500 + PARA2501 + PARA2502 + PARA2503 + PARA2505 + PARA2506
This course is designed to develop the student’s critical thinking skills in identifying issues surrounding patient care, professionalism and ethics that are relevant to the field of prehospital care. The student critically analyzes and evaluates current issues and trends in paramedic services as well as how these trends may be influenced by political action. In preparation for their roles as graduates the student initiates both personal and career planning.
Prerequisite(s): FITN200 + PARA200 + PARA1501 + PARA2500 + PARA2501 + PARA2502 + PARA2503 + PARA2505 + PARA2506
This course is a continuation of Patient Care 2. Throughout the course, students will develop their critical thinking, decision-making and prioritizations skills as they assess and manage increasing complex situations in simulated patient scenarios. Students will also develop the ability to deliver medications, and defibrillary shocks, initiate and maintain intravenous therapy and per Ministry of Health protocols skills.
Prerequisite(s): FITN200 + PARA200 + PARA1501 + PARA2500 + PARA2501 + PARA2502 + PARA2503 + PARA2505 + PARA2506
This course is a continuation of Hospital and Community Field Placement 1 where practical experience will be provided in a number of hospital settings. Students will apply the theory content of previous courses through observation and participation in selected hospital departments.
Prerequisite(s): FITN200 + PARA200 + PARA1501 + PARA2500 + PARA2501 + PARA2502 + PARA2503 + PARA2505 + PARA2506
This course emphasizes techniques necessary to ensure driver and vehicle readiness for emergency service. Students will a acquire the skills required to: maintain emergency vehicles, prepare and safely operate an emergency vehicle, drive defensively avoiding hazards and controlling skids. Students will also develop the ability to interact with Emergency Response aircraft.
Prerequisite(s): FITN200 + PARA200 + PARA1501 + PARA2500 + PARA2501 + PARA2502 + PARA2503 + PARA2505 + PARA2506
This course provides the opportunity for students to gain practical experience in Emergency Health Services (E.M.S.) in true emergency patient situations in the community. Under the direct supervision of a paramedic crew the student will observe, participate in and analyze emergency situations which will form a basis for practice.
Prerequisite(s): FITN200 + PARA200 + PARA1501 + PARA2500 + PARA2501 + PARA2502 + PARA2503 + PARA2505 + PARA2506
This concentrated period of field placement will utilize the preceptor model to allow the student to apply their critical thinking, decision-making and psychomotor skills to assess and manage patients in the pre-hospital environment. With the guidance and direction of a preceptor, students will develop an increasing level of independence as thy progress through this course.
Prerequisite(s): FITN300 + PARA3500 + PARA3501 + PARA3505 + PARA3506 + PARA3507 + PARA3508
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math at the C, U or M level
- Grade 12 Chemistry at the C or U level (or SCH3U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology at the C or U level
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
This is a HIGHLY COMPETITIVE program. To be included in the competitive ranking, applications must be complete including all transcripts and proof of enrollment by February 1. Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admissions to the program. Please see the Highly Competitive Program Chart for more details.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
Health Requirements
Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements
Completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form is a mandatory condition for your clinical/practical placement. THIS FORM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Download your Immunization - Communicable Disease Form
Questions regarding immunizations can be emailed to immunizations@sl.on.ca.
As an active SLC student, you are automatically enrolled in a student insurance plan. To learn more about how this applies to your immunization requirements please visit www.wespeakstudent.com (domestic) or www.guard.me (international).
Other Requirements
Additional Requirements
- Standard First Aid certificate and CPR - Health Care Provider (HCP) level prior to program commencement. Certification must remain current for the duration of the program and for employment. Note that CPR must be renewed every year at the student’s expense.
- Ontario Class “F” driver’s licence or equivalent by the first day of class in Semester 3.
Note: According to the Ambulance Act, applicants should be aware that employment as a Paramedic is prohibited to any individual who has:
a) Six or more demerit points on his or her driving record in the past year
b) a driving license suspension in the previous two years
c) been prohibited from driving under the Criminal Code of Canada in the past 3 years
d) an un-pardoned criminal record
Recommended Background
- Applicants coming directly out of high school are encouraged to take the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program prior to taking the Paramedic program.
- Applicants must have a high level of physical fitness, flexibility, and lifting strength, and must maintain this throughout the program.
- Applicants should not have any pre-existing medical or physical disabilities that would impede their ability to exercise or perform repetitive heavy lifting.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants are advised that Criminal Background Checks (CBC) conducted by the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) are required for programs with field or clinical placements. Certain criminal convictions may prevent participation in placements and program completion may not be possible. Attaining and paying for a CBC and Vulnerable Sector Screening (OPP) is the responsibility of the student, and these may have to be renewed every three to six months. Applicants with criminal records are advised to contact the Associate Dean/Campus Dean of the respective school prior to applying.
Placement
Students surveyed for top 3 choices in Ontario
SPF / Faculty arrange placements
Yr 1 rotation placement (semester 2, community and hospital)
Term 3- 2 concurrent placements hosptial and Ambulance observation shifts- SPF organizes
Term 4- full time consolidation
Student Placement Facilitator (SPF) Support
Complete SLC Placement requirements
- 6 Training Modules
- Student Declaration/Oath of Confidentiality
- Student Covid 19 Waiver
Complete agency-specific requirements
- Immunization
- CPIC - VULNERABLE SECTOR
- BLS CPR
- Yr 2 modules repeated( excluding sexual assault)
- Site-specific modules
- mask fit
- Seasonal Influenza vaccine
- Hospital specific requirements
- Infection control
- Ambulance Act- separate immunization certificate
- F Class license
Questions:
Email: placements@sl.on.ca
Website: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/placement
Fees
2023-2024
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Cornwall
Our Cornwall campus has a brand new library, new health simulation labs, renovated student common areas and more to make your transition to college life an easy one.
Career Opportunities
- Emergency Medical Services
- Patient Transfer Services
- Fire and Rescue Departments
- Industrial First Aid
- Emergency Medical Education
- Medical Supply Sales
- Recreational and Sports Facilities
- Emergency Communications
Testimonials
Other Information
Students from health sciences program on placement are covered by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board(WSIB) coverage in the event of an incident.
To be eligible:
- A student must be currently registered in the program;
- The placement must be sanctioned by the educational institution;
- The student must not be paid for the placement.
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Karrie Loynachan
KLoynachan@sl.on.ca
613.933.6080 ext. 2166
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.