So you want to be a Paramedic?
In Ontario, high school graduates who wish to become a paramedic must attend a recognized college Paramedic program. Almost all of these programs are 2 years in length for the basic Primary Care Paramedic program.
Generally colleges require the following prior to the start of the program:
- Current Standard First Aid certificate (or equivalent)
- Current CPR (C) – Basic Rescuer level certificate (or equivalent)
- Senior Biology high school course – Grade 11 or higher
- Senior Science high school course – Grade 11 or higher
- Class G or G2 Drivers licence – Ontario
- Current Immunizations (Hepatitis B, Influenza, Polio, Chicken Pox, if needed)
- Be free of all Communicable Diseases
- Be physically fit and able to lift
- Possess good communication skills and able to fluently read and write English (French may be also required for francophone programs)
- Be at least 18 years old prior to beginning your preceptorship (on the job) training
Mature students (19 and older) who do not have an OSSD may be permitted into the program at some colleges.
Many colleges include courses in Medical Mathematics, Psychology, Communications, Driver Training and Physical Fitness.
Once completed the didactic portion of the course, students will
have to complete a minimum of 350 hours of ride time with a paramedic
crew.
Upon completion of the college Primary care Paramedic program,
graduates are eligible to write the Advanced Emergency Medical Care
assistant (AEMCA) examination as administered through the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care.
To work in the field as a paramedic, one must hold and maintain an
“F” class driver’s licence, and a clear criminal record check.
