Full-time Programs
PMED - Paramedic Program – Bancroft Campus
Program Entry
AUGUST
Program Length
Two-year Ontario College Diploma (offered through part-time studies)
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Faye Jan | fjan@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Earn your diploma through two years of part-time, weekend studies in beautiful Bancroft.
- Qualify to write the Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant (A-EMCA) exam offered by the Ministry of Health.
- Our up-to-the-minute curriculum is continuously enhanced by instructors who work full-time in the field.
- Experience the job first-hand during 448 hours of supervised ride-out in an ambulance.
- Loyalist offers a unique opportunity for certification with ITLS International, with exams for international accreditation in ITLS and ITLS International Trauma Life Support.
Career Opportunities
Paramedics are often the first person on the scene in an emergency. They balance compassion and empathy with critical decision-making skills and the ability to take command in a crisis. Graduates will find opportunities as:
- Primary Care Paramedics in the ambulance system in Ontario, nationally or abroad
- emergency medical responders with municipal fire departments
- emergency response team members
- private ambulance transfer service members
- health and safety educators in industrial settings
- technical assistants in hospital emergency departments or health centres.
Emergency training obtained in the Paramedic program is also an asset when applying to a fire department or police service, particularly in a remote area.
Program Description
Loyalist is the only college in Southern Ontario that offers the two-year Paramedic diploma through part-time, weekend studies. Classes begin in August and are held at the Bancroft Campus Friday evenings, Saturdays and/or Sundays on an average of three weekends per month. This delivery model allows our instructors to continue their full-time jobs in the field as Critical Care and Emergency Nurses, Primary, Advanced and Critical Care Paramedics, bringing their real-world experiences to the classroom.
A blend of practical, clinical and classroom instruction prepares students to respond to emergencies, providing life support measures in situations ranging from cardiac arrest and gun shot wounds to childbirth. Students will learn to administer care in a moving ambulance as well as drive one. The program emphasizes personal safety, as well as communicating effectively with families and other emergency and medical professionals. A variety of electives will enhance graduates’ ability to manage real-life situations working in the community.
Approximate Cost
Tuition: $5,200 (First Year)
$2,900 (Second Year)
Consumables Fee: $850
Books, Supplies and Uniforms: $1,500
Students must provide their own palm pilot – which must meet minimum College requirements.
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general or advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level
OR
AND
- Grade 11 or 12 biology; Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) accepted
(b) Health:
- All inoculations must be up-to-date.
- Influenza vaccine and Hepatitis B inoculations are required.
- Applicants must achieve a “fair” rating on the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Leisure Assessment (CPAFLA).
(c) First Aid:
- Current and valid CPR Level “C”
- Current and valid First Aid Certificate
(d) Criminal Record Check:
- A recent clear criminal record check including a Vulnerable Sector Screening by a local police service is required.
(e) Discretionary Considerations:
- A detailed résumé of practical experience is required,
i.e., number of ride-out hours, other applied experience, and associated qualifications. - At the discretion of the College/faculty, entrance to the program may be based on the applicant’s successful completion of an interview process.
- Current, valid class “G” driver’s licence. A class “F” is preferred and is required on or before graduation for employment and as a Paramedic in the Province of Ontario.
(f) It is stongly recommended that all applicants have a high level of fitness. Paramedicine is a physically demanding profession. Students will be required to successfully complete two comprehensive lifting evaluations, one in first year and in second year, to continue in the program.
(g) A clear drivers’ abstract.
Before taking this program, you should be aware that under the provisions of the Ambulance Act, employment as an EMCA is prohibited to any individual who:
- in the past year has received six or more demerit points on their driving record
- has had a driving licence suspended in the previous two years
- has 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.
Opportunities for Further Study
Graduates with A-EMCA Certification are eligible to upgrade their skills as an Advanced Care or Critical Care Paramedic through further study.
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. As of September 2009, transfer agreements with the following institution allow you to gain advanced standing upon admission to degree studies:
- Davenport University
Click here for details and minimum requirements. Graduates may contact the university to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new transfer agreements are added annually.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One (Fall)
ANAT 1002 Anatomy and Physiology
An introductory study of the structure and function of the human body as an integrated whole. The content provides an overview of basic body chemistry, cell structure, and human body systems. It provides the basis for subsequent study of patho-physiology and patient-care procedures.
PMED 1000 Medico-Legal Aspects
Provides the ability to apply relevant legislation and regulations. Students understand their role as advocates for patients' rights to dignity, privacy, confidentiality and consent/non-consent to treatment.
PMED 1001 Human Behaviour and Crisis Intervention
An understanding of the changes in physical and psychological development from infancy to late maturity (elderly), and the concepts of cumulative and critical-incident stress as they apply to self and/or colleagues and family.
PMED 1002 Emergency Patient Care 1
Covers the responsibilities of the student in assessing, managing, and transporting patients in stabilized conditions. Students learn the assessment, patho-physiological processes, and management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients. Students demonstrate their ability to lift, transfer, position and transport patients in the pre-hospital setting.
First Year - Semester Two (Winter)
PMED 2000 Advanced Skills for Primary Care
Teaches the use of the current pre-hospital defibrillators and the current standards and protocols required by the MOH. It also covers ECG lead II rhythm interpretation.
PMED 2001 Hospital Clinical 1
Observation and supervised participation in various hospital departments and simulated pre-hospital care situations are used as a basis for applying theoretical content of previous courses. Students gain an understanding of the role of hospital staff in the continuing care of pre-hospital patients.
First Year - Semester Three (Summer)
PMED 2002 Ambulance Field Experience
Ambulance Field Experience This course provides the opportunity to receive practical experience in emergency health services in emergency patient-care situations in the community. Under the supervision of a paramedic crew, the student reviews, participates and analyzes emergency situations which form a basis for professional practice in the future.
PMED 2003 Emergency Vehicle Maintenance and Operations
Techniques to ensure driver and vehicle readiness for emergency service. Students acquire skills to maintain emergency vehicles, prepare and operate emergency vehicles, and drive defensively, avoiding hazards and control skids.
PMED 2004 Professional Issues, Research and Leadership
Students develop critical thinking skills in identifying issues surrounding the application of skills, professionalism and the development of technology that are relevant to the field of pre-hospital care. This encompasses the development and use of strategies to be able to locate, select and discriminate pertinent information.
PMED 2005 Crisis Intervention 2
Provides theoretical and practical concepts necessary for intervening in crisis situations involving a variety of psycho-social behavioural outcomes.
HLTH 8007 Medical Terminology
Develop the language required to communicate effectively in a medical setting. Medical terminology, word structure, as well as diagnostic procedures and pharmacology related to 12 body systems will be studied.
Second Year - Semester Four (Fall)
PMED 3001 Emergency Patient Care 2
Emphasis is on the responsibilities of the paramedic in caring for patients in stable conditions, emergency situations and situations that may become emergencies; and providing suitable patient management where accurate and justifiable decisions are made based on patient assessment. Main areas of focus are medical emergencies, pediatrics, emergency-rescue techniques, traumatic emergencies and environmental emergencies. Laboratory work relates theory to skill development. The student also applies the patho-physiological processes associated with varying conditions.
PMED 3002 Patho-Physiology Alteration in a Normal Function
Designed to familiarize students with the groundwork and understanding of patho-physiological processes that lead to varying medical and traumatic conditions they are taught to manage in Emergency Patient Care.
PMED 3003 Advanced Skills for Primary Care Paramedics 2
Students gain a working knowledge enabling them to deliver the Ministry of Health EHSB protocols for Symptom Relief (administration of medication) and Intravenous Therapy (starting and monitoring an IV). Students also become familiar with equipment and drugs used by advanced-care paramedics and over-the-counter prescription medications.
Second Year - Semester Five (Winter)
COMM 3001 Communications for Emergency Health Workers 2
Students continue to learn the principles of accurate report writing and practise effective listening and communication skills. The emphasis is on job search and resume writing.
PMED 3004 Hospital Clinical 2
Observation and supervised participation in various hospital departments and simulated pre-hospital care situations are used as a basis for applying theoretical content of previous courses. Students gain an understanding of the role of hospital staff in the continuing care of pre-hospital patients.
PMED 3005 Paramedic Comprehensive Review
Students consolidate key concepts of pre-hospital care. Course participants relate and integrate theoretical concepts previously learned with clinical situations. Challenges of the student-to-paramedic transition will be thoroughly discussed. Students receive feedback following a comprehensive evaluation of their theoretical and practical skills.
Electives
COMM 1000 Communications 1
A practical communications course designed to develop the business writing and oral communication skills of students enrolled in business programs. Successful outcomes would include: correct and concise planning, drafting and production of written business communications, as well as researching and reporting verbally on information from variety of sources- hard copy, interview, and online resources. Software: Word
PSYC 2001 Applied Psychology
The study of abnormal behavior including non-psychotic disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, drug addiction and psychopathology and analysis of abnormal behavior from a psychological perspective.
POLI 8013 Intercultural Communications
Students will learn the definition of culture and be introduced to inter-cultural communication theories (eg. differences in gestures, personal spaces, and customs). By identifying inter-cultural issues in North American society, we will discuss how these theories apply to our daily lives and how we can use them to respect differences between cultures. The main objective of this course is to enhance the student's ability to communicate with people from different origins comfortably. Word Processor Required.
POLI 8017 Cults and Terrorism
This course focuses on conformity issues surrounding religious fundamentalism, sects, cults, and terrorist groups. Examine the reasons why people join, and why they may have difficulty leaving groups, as well as society's contributions to supporting cultic groups. Strategies for protecting individuals and vulnerable populations from cultic and terrorist activities will be developed.
POLI 8014 Criminal Psychology 1 - Psychopathic Minds
What makes a psychopath tick? Are they born that way or do they know exactly what they are doing? Discover how and why some individuals become criminals and why others become killers. Study what is known about serial killers. stalkers, rapists and criminals. The latest techniques used in criminal profiling and questioning are examined.
POLI 8015 Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is an ugly reality and a societal concern. This course examines the many forms of sexual violence perpetrated by individuals. Study sexual violence in the context of male towards female, female towards male, as well as incest and child abuse in families. Reasons for sexually deviant behaviours and the latest approaches and strategies for treating both victims and perpetrators will be examined.
POLI 8016 Domestic & Workplace Violence
This course examines family, school yard and workplace violence. Issues such as how and why co-dependency exists, the battered wife syndrome and abusive males will be addressed. Examine why bullying exists in schools, and why confrontation can escalate into violence in the workplace. Strategies for dealing with domestic, schoolyard and workplace violence will be explored. Conflict resolution strategies will be developed.
BUSI 8134 HRPAO - Occupational Health & Safety
Prepares students as future employers of business organizations and personnel departments to understand legislation related to health and safety. Designed to heighten awareness of key players and reveal how their roles should collectively filter through the corporate climate, allowing the development of informed policies and procedures. Specific elements of the course are planned to emphasize accountability for safe work practices combined with safe handling of materials and equipment. Software: PowerPoint.
Upon acceptance, students are required to select one (1) of these on-line General Education Courses for Semester 3 (Summer Term) and one (1) for Semester 4 (Fall Term).
