Paramedic

 

Paramedics have a career that offers the opportunity to serve people in need, frequent challenges, and excitement. Paramedics are the professionals providing pre-hospital emergency care to the people in the community experiencing injury or illness. This includes medical, traumatic and a whole variety of other types of calls. Other aspects of the job include interfacility transfers, ongoing continuing medical education and base duties. Paramedics are typically dynamic, fun-loving individuals who love challenges and change.

 

Program Highlights

Fleming's two-year diploma program will prepare you for the challenges and rewards of this exciting career. You will be trained in all aspects of pre-hospital emergency care, including the knowledge and skills to deal effectively with medical emergencies and traumas, and the ability to communicate effectively with patients, other emergency responders and other members of the medical community. Your training will be delivered in classroom, laboratory, clinical, and field practice settings, so that you will acquire the optimum combination of theory and practical skills. This program has been created with the assistance and advice of paramedic professionals and associations, and as such, will provide you with the essentials you need to provide health care in the midst of a crisis.

 

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming College has a strong reputation for providing excellent training in health care. Fleming's program focuses on two goals: graduates passing the provincial Advanced Emergency medical Care (AEMCA) exam, plus getting you comfortable and competent in your new skill set. We have many part-time, active paramedics as faculty who will guide and assist you to these goals. Our equipment is top of the line and helps in the simulation of real life scenarios.

 

Work Experience

During your final semester you will have the opportunity to experience the real-life world of the paramedic - 320 hours of "rideout", in the field with working paramedics. There will also be 75 hours of rideout time in the first semester to provide you with first-hand orientation and observation at the beginning of the course. Clinical placements aid in allowing patient exposure in a controlled environment with an instructor.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

In order to succeed in this program, and in your eventual career as a paramedic, you will need the following skills, abilities, and personality traits:

• enjoy working with and helping people
• excellent crisis management skills
• excellent communication skills
• strong leadership ability
• ability to multi-task
• compassion, empathy, integrity, honesty
• excellent time management/prioritization skills
• willingness/ability to work as part of a team
• excellent physical health and stamina
• well-developed stress management skills
• excellent problem-solving ability

Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and internet web browsing. Prospective students should be aware that the pass rate for Fleming's Paramedic program, as for most Paramedic programs, is 70% in core courses, which reflects and prepares students for the minimum pass rate required for the provincial AEMCA exam.

 

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this program, you will be qualified as a primary care paramedic and will be eligible to write the provincial examination. Upon successful completion, you will be certified by the province as an Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant - AEMCA. Once you complete the program and the provincial paramedic exams, you will be eligible to work as a primary care paramedic in ambulance services throughout Ontario. Once working as a primary care paramedic, you can then upgrade your skills to work as an advanced care or critical care paramedic. You may also find employment in health and safety, or rescue services. This diploma is also an asset to anyone seeking employment as a firefighter or police officer. This is especially relevant in situations where paramedic/emergency medical care might not be available, such as in remote areas.

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 different Grade 11 or Grade 12 College (C) Science courses (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Recommended:

• Grade 11 College (C) Biology

(Although not required for admission, this course will help to prepare you for the program.)

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory sciences, through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs. 

In addition to the above, the following program requirements must be met prior to the commencement of classes: current Standard First Aid Certificate, current Basic CPR Certificate (level C), Proof of Immunization and current police records check (vulnerable sector).

Students are advised to try to obtain their class F licence as soon as possible and should have a G class (or be working on it) upon admission to the program, as one of the components of third semester is a driving course, and an F licence is required for job applications in early fourth semester.

Students should also be advised that eligibly for employment is subject to the requirements of the Ambulance Act, which includes a valid Ontario class F licence, a criminal reference check, and physical fitness, as lifting is a major component of the job.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

If you are not yet decided on a college program, and are interested in similar health care and helping professions, programs such as the Trent/Fleming - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing, Pre-Service Firefighter or Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant may appeal to you.

 

Health Requirements

Immunization Requirements

This program has immunization requirements. For more information, and to print the required immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.

 

Additional Costs

Plan on $1,500 per year for books, supplies and materials.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Ambulance Rideout and Observation	75.00
Anatomy and Physiology I for Paramedics	60.00
Communications for Community Development & Health	45.00
Concepts in Health Care	45.00
Fitness I	30.00
Human Growth and Development	45.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Patient Care I	75.00
Patient Care I Labs	60.00
Semester 2
Anatomy and Physiology II for Paramedics	60.00
Clinical I	60.00
Communication for Paramedics	45.00
Introduction to Psychology for Paramedic	45.00
Patient Care II	75.00
Patient Care II Labs	60.00
Pharmacology	45.00
Semester 3
Advanced Paramedic Skills	45.00
Ambulance Operations and Driving Skills	30.00
Clinical II	60.00
Fitness II	30.00
Legal and Ethical Issues	45.00
Patient Care III	75.00
Patient Care III Labs	60.00
General Education Elective
Semester 4
Comprehensive Lab Review	60.00
Comprehensive Theoretical Review	60.00
Crisis Management	30.00
Paramedic Consolidation	320.00
General Education Elective

Semester 1

Ambulance Rideout and Observation

Course Number: FLPL076

This course provides an opportunity for the paramedic student to receive practical experience in an ambulance service. The student will ride with paramedics and observe their daily practice for a total of two weeks over the course of the semester.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Anatomy and Physiology I for Paramedics

Course Number: SCIE110

This course is designed to provide the paramedic student with an understanding of human anatomy and physiology as they pertain to the following systems: nervous, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, genitourinary and an understanding of hemodynamics. In addition, the course is designed to generate a basic understanding of how these systems interact together to provide a homoeostatic environment in a human.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Communications for Community Development & Health

Course Number: COMM079

Communications for CD&H, a mandatory Communications course, focuses on improving reading and writing skills through a number of assignments related to the helping professions. Students will demonstrate skills in summary and essay writing as well as research techniques, including appropriate documentation of sources. The principles of style, structure, content, and mechanics constitute the overall framework of the course.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Concepts in Health Care

Course Number: HLTH065

This introductory course provides an overview of major issues that impact the health care system both in Canada and abroad. Students will examine various federal and provincial legislative regulations and frameworks that health care professionals operate within. The roles of various healthcare providers will be compared and contrasted. Issues impacting all healthcare providers such as accountability, interdisciplinary team work, advocacy, documentation, and confidentiality will be examined. This course will provide a fundamental understanding of your selected healthcare profession, and how it functions within the larger healthcare system.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Fitness I

Course Number: RECR005

Society has come to recognize that physical fitness and wellness is essential to the enhanced quality of life. This course introduces the student to the concepts of physical fitness and provides the means to become fit and develop a healthy lifestyle. Students, through discussion and practical experience, will address the various components of fitness. The student will engage in an effective fitness program and develop strategies to improve their level of fitness and physical strength. Physical parameters consistent with the requirements of paramedic practice including patient moving and lifting will be presented and students will have the opportunity to work towards and must eventually meet these parameters.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Human Growth and Development

Course Number: SOCI025

This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the normal patterns of growth and development at various stages within the life cycle from infancy through to old age. The major theories of development will be examined to enhance understanding of this field of study.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Patient Care I

Course Number: ESRV029

This course is designed to introduce the paramedic student to the basics of patient assessment and various pieces of ambulance equipment. It will also introduce the student to some of the basic illnesses and injuries they will be treating. The student will learn about the pathophysiologies, clinical manifestations, assessments and treatments of these illnesses and injuries.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Patient Care I Labs

Course Number: ESRV033

This course is designed to give the paramedic student the opportunity to apply the theory learned in Patient Care I. Practice will focus on the application of skills related to to the assessment of patients, the treatment of illnesses and injuries and the use of various pieces of ambulance and patient care equipment.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Semester 2

Anatomy and Physiology II for Paramedics

Course Number: SCIE111

This course is designed to provide the paramedic student with an understanding of human anatomy and physiology as they pertain to the following systems: Immune and lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, central and peripheral nervous systems, cardiovascular and an understanding hemodynamics , genitourinary ,reproductive and special senses. In addition, the course is designed to generate a basic understanding of how these systems interact together to provide a homoeostatic environment in a human.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Clinical I

Course Number: ESRV002

This course will give the student the opportunity to observe and practice some of the skills learned in semesters I and II. Clinical areas will be visited to allow the student to integrate knowledge from theory and lab skills. Possible sites include: emergency, ICU, physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, diagnostic imaging, operating room, obstetrics, paediatrics, and long term care.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Communication for Paramedics

Course Number: COMM036

Communications for Paramedics is a mandatory Communications course you are required to pass to complete your post-secondary studies. This course will enable you to continue to improve your general communications skills to meet the learning outcomes demanded by the assignments in this course, as well as the expectations of other subjects and eventual career employment. This course emphasizes concepts of critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they apply to processes fundamental to effective communication. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, listening, and relationship techniques common to the expectations demanded by the workplace of your career choice.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introduction to Psychology for Paramedic

Course Number: SOCI057

This course will explore concepts from psychology, social psychology and abnormal psychology which are applicable to the practice of paramedicine. Seminars will allow for exploration of case studies related to theories in psychology and current events in social psychology. Scenarios of mental health problems will be explored.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Patient Care II

Course Number: ESRV030

This course is designed to introduce the paramedic student to more advanced concepts of patient assessment and various pieces of ambulance equipment not covered in Patient Care I. It will also introduce the student to some of the more complex illnesses and injuries they will be treating. The student will learn about the pathophysiologies, clinical manifestations, assessments and treatments of these illnesses and injuries.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Patient Care II Labs

Course Number: ESRV034

This course is designed to give the paramedic student the opportunity to apply the theory learned in Patient Care II. The student will demonstrate the integration of knowledge by performing assessments, and using skills and equipment for medical emergencies learned in both Patient Care I and II.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Pharmacology

Course Number: SCIE028

This course will provide the primary care paramedic student with the foundations of pharmacology. This will include history, legislation, pharmacokinetics, classifications, calculations and symptom relief medications.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 3

Advanced Paramedic Skills

Course Number: ESRV024

This course is designed to introduce the paramedic student to concepts of advanced life support patient care, including semi-automatic defibrillation, symptom relief medication administration and intravenous therapy.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Ambulance Operations and Driving Skills

Course Number: ESRV026

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the existing theoretical and practical knowledge for the 'F' license endorsement, safe ambulance operation, some advanced driving techniques and accident scene management.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Clinical II

Course Number: ESRV001

This course will give the student the opportunity to continue to observe and practice the skills learned in semesters I, II, and III. Clinical areas will be visited to allow the student to integrate knowledge from theory and lab skills. Possible sites include: emergency, ICU, physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, operating room, obstetrics, paediatrics, long term care.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Fitness II

Course Number: RECR064

Society has come to recognize that physical fitness and wellness is essential to the enhanced quality of life. This course introduces the student to the concepts of physical fitness and provides the means to become fit and develop a healthy lifestyle. Students through discussion and practical experience will address the various components of fitness. The student will engage in an effective fitness program and develop strategies to improve their level of fitness and physical strength. Physical parameters consistent with the requirements of paramedic practice will be presented and students will have the opportunity to work towards or exceed these parameters.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Legal and Ethical Issues

Course Number: LAWS052

This course is designed to give the paramedic student a foundation in principles of both ethics and legalities as they apply to the work of a paramedic. The responsibilities and accountabilities of paramedics and patient rights will be discussed. The possible debates arising from ethical dilemmas and potential solutions will be discussed within the context of paramedic case studies. Canadian sources of legislation will be cited and the connection between ethical and legal issues will be considered.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Patient Care III

Course Number: ESRV031

This course is designed to continue the study of more advanced concepts of patient assessment and various pieces of ambulance equipment not covered in year one. It will continue the study of more complex illnesses and injuries paramedics will be treating. The student will learn about the pathophysiologies, clinical manifestations, assessments and treatments of these illnesses and injuries, as well as introduce the student to treating illnesses and injuries in the speciality groups such as obstetrics, paediatrics and geriatrics.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Patient Care III Labs

Course Number: ESRV035

This course is designed to have students apply advanced paramedical skills related to the care of patients requiring defibrillation, symptom relief medications, as well as those requiring intravenous therapy. This course will also act as a review of any or all illnesses and injuries, and their treatments learned to this point.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Semester 4

Comprehensive Lab Review

Course Number: ESRV036

This course is intended to give the student the opportunity to practice the remaining skills addressed in Patient Care IV. Lab skills related to the care of obstetric, pediatric and geriatric groups will be practiced as well as selected Delegated Medical Acts. This course will also serve as a consolidation of all skills learned to date in preparation for the consolidation (rideout) phase.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Comprehensive Theoretical Review

Course Number: ESRV032

This course is designed to introduce the paramedic student to patient care concepts not yet covered. The student will learn about the pathophysiologies, clinical manifestations, assessments and treatments of illnesses and injuries for these concepts. The course will also serve as a consolidation of all material learned in the program and to help the students prepare for the EMCA certification exam.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Crisis Management

Course Number: SOCI014

This course will examine the theoretical and practical applications of crisis management and personal safety for the paramedic. The course will consider stress, stages of crisis, awareness of safety and intervention associated with crisis response protocol and critical incident stress management.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Paramedic Consolidation

Course Number: ESRV003

This course allows the student to work regular shifts with a paramedic crew in the ambulance and will give the student an opportunity to integrate and consolidate theory and skills from all semesters. A paramedic preceptor will guide the student through the daily professional practice of a paramedic.

Units: 320.00
Hours: 320.00