Provision of emergency medical services (EMS) is a unique and vital community service. Paramedics are highly skilled members of a health care team who function within the discipline of emergency and pre-hospital care. Paramedics initiate medical treatment for individuals in urgent and non-urgent situations. Based on sound knowledge, these practitioners demonstrate rational problem-solving abilities and excellent decision-making skills. This program addresses the operational/procedural skills of the primary care paramedics, as well as the ethical and professional behaviours such as effective communication. Mental/physical fitness and healthy lifestyles are emphasized throughout the program, as paramedics must be fit to perform the requirements of the occupation.
This is a challenging program that provides the student with extensive classroom and clinical/practicum experience. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in a competent and skillful manner providing pre-hospital care in accordance with the national standards for paramedics.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Primary Care Paramedicine program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate required skills, knowledge, and abilities, as prescribed by the Paramedic Association of Canada National Occupational Competency Profile with consistency, independence, timeliness, accuracy, and appropriateness.
- Integrate assessment, diagnostic, and treatment procedures into the holistic management of patients in the out-of-hospital setting.
- Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills that promote logical and independent decision-making in the provision of paramedic care.
- Maintain a level of physical and mental health necessary to perform the bona fide occupational requirements.
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other members of the health care team to serve patients and employers with the highest degree of competence.
- Reflect professionalism through personal deportment and public interactions.
- Demonstrate ethical behaviour, empathy and respect for individuals.
ACCREDITATION
The
Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) program is accredited by Accreditation Canada until
June 2025.
This program is currently “Accredited” with Accreditation Canada/EQual. Our “Accredited” status serves as an important demonstration of our commitment to providing quality education in alignment with accreditation and regulatory requirements. If you require additional information regarding our accreditation status and endeavors and/or any potential implications our accreditation status may have on your future abilities to practice as a healthcare professional, we encourage you to reach out to the Dean for the School of Health Sciences.
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact
student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS (2024-2025)
At the time of application to the Primary Care Paramedicine program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
I. English: 3201 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
II. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
III. Three Science courses:
Biology: 2201 and 3201
Chemistry: 3202
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
I. English (minimum 60%):
CM1060,
CM1061
II. Math (minimum 60%):
MA1040,
MA1041
III. Four Science courses:
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
I. English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
II. Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
III. Science :
Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
Additional Entrance Requirements (2024-2025)
- Completion of the Casper Admissions Exam.
- The Casper Admissions Exam official score will be used as part of the points-based system to determine ranking in the competitive entry process
- All applicants are required to complete Casper* Admissions Exam (CSP-10201 – Canadian Professional Health Sciences) as part of their application for the 2023/2024 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper (acuityinsights.app).
*
Casper. The Casper test comprises 14 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 90-110 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at
TakeAltus.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 14-section practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.
Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.
Casper Test Dates 2023-2024 Application Cycle
- October 12th, 2023
- October 19th, 2023
- November 23rd, 2023
- December 7th, 2023
- January 10th, 2024
- January 25th, 2024
- February 22, 2024
- March 5th, 2024
For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.
Additional Requirements upon Acceptance (2024-2025)
- Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Current First Aid Certificate (Standard)
- Class 05 Learner (Level 1) Driver’s License (minimum)
- Note: Employers may require that Paramedics have a Class 04 driver’s license which can be obtained through a Provincial Motor Vehicle Registration Office.
- Valid** Certificate of Conduct, including Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
- Students will require a clear and current Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) prior to clinical practicum. Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) may be denied access to clinical placement and may be unable to complete their program.
- Immunization Record providing evidence that the applicant has received the required vaccinations/screening tests. Completing the immunization record will require physician's visits, blood tests, and a TB screening test; detailed instructions are included on the School of Health Sciences Student Information and Program Awareness Form. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are fulfilled, and the immunization record complete before submission. Certain vaccinations require a series of immunizations over a period; therefore, it is essential to start the process as early as possible. The applicant is also responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, physician fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).
- ESL students only – one of the following:
- IELTS: minimum overall band score of 7
- TOEFL Score: minimum score of 94
(See the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants (
Definitions and Regulations) section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.)
**Acceptance of the Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) is at the discretion of the Health Authority of which clinical practicum is being sought.
COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2024
Program Start Date September 2024
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program
| Deadline for receipt of application |
March 1st 2024 |
| Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation* |
March 7th 2024 |
| Initial round of acceptances |
April 30th 2024 |
*Documentation received after the deadline WILL NOT be considered
**Candidates not accepted for the intake to which they applied must re-apply for admission to future offerings. Applications WILL NOT be kept on file.