Graduates of the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program have the opportunity to bridge into the two-year Primary Care Paramedic program and complete an additional diploma in three semesters. Classroom components emphasizing biological science, humanities and ambulance services provide the theoretical basis for interventions required to deal with medical or trauma emergencies. Emphasis is placed on the ability to communicate well with patients, families and health professionals and to function effectively as part of an interdisciplinary health care team. Clinical labs and field placements provide a milieu where students are able to apply theory into practice through assessment and the provision of a primary level of care.

Admission Requirements

Note: For full details on admission requirements to this program, please refer to the Admission Requirements Chart in the Admissions and Registration section of this calendar.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with:
Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C, U)
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C, U)
Grade 11 or 12 Math (C, M, U)

Note: A minimum of 70% in C level courses or 60% in U level courses is required.

Or equivalent.

In addition, applicants must also be graduates of a Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program.

Note: Northern College does not offer testing for the sciences equivalencies.

Other Admission Requirements

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. - Level C ).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College
• Immunization record including Hepatitis B; 2-step Mantoux (with follow-up chest x-ray if the T.B. test is positive).*
• A recent police record search from the Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC) - (within 3 months) is required prior to the start of the first semester.*

*Note: CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the student.

To be eligible for participation in clinical training, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned (as outlined in the Ambulance Act of Ontario). Note: An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in clinical placements and field internship courses and will prevent the student from graduating.

Other Information

Paramedic bridging students will be required to perform heavy lifting in varying conditions throughout the program. To develop and maintain adequate physical fitness, students have free access to the school gym. Practice labs provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate care in simulated medical and trauma emergencies. The labs are interactive and all students are required to participate in all components of the lab sessions. A minimum lift requirement is in place for success in the patient care lab component of the program. Students must be able to lift an 95 kg patient along with all appropriate equipment. Please consult with the program coordinator for details regarding the lift requirement.

Upon completion of this program, graduates must be successful in theoretical examinations set by the Ministry of Health, Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario in order to be certified as a Paramedic and thus to be eligible to work in an ambulance service in Ontario. The cost for the examination process is the responsibility of the student.

Field Placement

To be assigned a field placement, an essential component of the program, students must have been immunized against Hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza*. Students must possess a valid CPR, Basic Rescuer and Standard First Aid Certificate. Students must have successfully completed all theoretical and lab components of the program prior to field placement.

*Note: Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements will not be allowed into the practice settings and as such may not be able to complete the practicum required to graduate from the program.

Employment Eligibility

Applicants should also be aware of the following qualifications for employment (as outlined by the Ambulance Act of Ontario):

a) For a period of one year before the date he/she commences employment, must not have had six or more demerit points on his/her records by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act.

b) For a period of two years immediately prior to the date he/she commences employment, must not have had his/her driver's licence suspended under the Highway Traffic Act.

c) For a period of three years immediately prior to the date he/she commences employment, must not have been prohibited under the Criminal Code of Canada, from driving a motor vehicle in Canada.

d) Must be the holder of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent as set out by the Ministry of Education.

e) Must have a valid Class F Driver’s Licence and be 18 years old.

Additional Costs

Students will be required to purchase their uniforms and crests, which can be ordered through the College, prior to the practicum experience and should budget accordingly for boots, books and supplies (approx. $1500.00).

Employment Opportunities

Graduates may work as paramedics with an ambulance service, technical assistants in hospital emergency departments, as well as in sports injury management services and emergency response teams and transfer services.

Program of Studies

Semester I
BI1003 Anatomy and Physiology I
BI2013 Anatomy and Physiology II
PR1014 Patient Care Theory I
PR1024 Patient Care Procedures I – Lab
PR2003 Ambulance Operations
PR2014 Patient Care Theory II
PR2024 Patient Care Procedures II – Lab

Semester II
PN1022 Pharmacology I
PR1002 Medico-Legal Aspects of Care
PR2016 Ambulance Field Experience I
PR3002 Advanced Skills for Primary Care – Lab
PR3003 Professional Issues, Research and Leadership
PR3006 Ambulance Field Experience II
PR3012 Advanced Skills for Primary Care – Theory
PR3013 Patient Care Procedures III – Lab
PR3014 Patient Care Theory III
PR3043 Pathophysiology for Pre-Hospital Care
PR4053 Fitness Maintenance Update

Semester III
PR4002 Paramedic Comprehensive Review
PR4003 Ambulance Field Experience Analysis and Presentation
PR4022 Ambulance Field Consolidation

For program information:
Terry Price
Program Coordinator
705-235-3211 ext. 2282
pricet@northern.on.ca