Program Information

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:

1. 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.
2. Integrate assessment, diagnostic, and treatment procedures into the holistic management of patients in the out-of-hospital setting.
3. Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills that promote logical and independent decision-making in the provision of paramedic care.
4. Maintain a level of physical and mental health necessary to perform the bona fide occupational requirements.
5. Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other members of the health care team to serve patients and employers with the highest degree of competence.
6. Reflect professionalism through personal deportment and public interactions.
7. Demonstrate ethical behaviour, empathy and respect for individuals.

ACCREDITATION
This program is accredited by Accreditation Canada.

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. 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 speak with program faculty at the beginning of 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 (Effective Fall 2021)
PLEASE NOTE:
Effective immediately, a competitive admissions process has been implemented for College of the North Atlantic’s Primary Care Paramedicine program.

The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes a pre-screening phase.  Applicants will be ranked by point value (maximum of 12 points) and acceptances will be offered according to ranking. Points are awarded based on the following criteria:                 
 
Pre-screening phase:
 

1. Resident of Newfoundland and Labrador	1 point
2. Previously applied to program	1 point
3. Successful completion of post-secondary courses	maximum of 2 points
a. Equivalent of one full-time semester (4 courses).....1 point
b. Equivalent of two full-time semesters (8 courses)...2 points
Please note that official transcripts are required.
4. Academic average in courses specified as program prerequisites*	maximum of 8 points
a. 60-64%: 1 point
b. 65-69%: 2 points
c. 70-74%: 3 points
d. 75-79%: 4 points
e. 80-84%: 5 points
f. 85-89%: 6 points
g. 90-94%: 7 points
h. 95-100%: 8 points
Please note that if the number of applications received is excessive, not all applicants will proceed to the interview phase; candidates will be pre-screened on the criteria outlined above (maximum of 12 points) and interviews will be offered according to ranking.

*Academic averages for the program’s prerequisite courses will be calculated as follows:
1.  High School, Adult Basic Education and Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Graduates: The academic average will be calculated using final marks in the courses required for admission to the program.
 
2.  Current High School, Adult Basic Education, and Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) students enrolled in their final year:  The academic average will be calculated from marks available by the deadline date. An up-to-date transcript must be submitted and conditional acceptance may be granted based on this information.  Applicant’s receiving a conditional acceptance must submit a final transcript by July 30, 2018. Confirmation of acceptance is dependent on ranking after final grades are confirmed.
 
*Please note that marks from equivalent post-secondary courses may be substituted for high school marks for evaluation purposes.
 

Steps in the Application Process	September 2021
Deadline for receipt of applications (including all supporting documentation)*	March 1, 2021
First round of acceptances	June 15, 2021
Final round of acceptances	August 17, 2021

*Documentation received after the deadline date 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.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS (Effective FALL 2022)
Eligibility for consideration of admission to the Primary Care Paramedicine program requires the applicant to meet one of the following three academic criteria:
 
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: III.        Two Science courses: 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 :  
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

• Completion of the Admissions Exam.
  • The 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* (CSP-10201 – Canadian Professional Health Sciences) as part of their application for the 2022/2023 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit TakeAltus.com.
• 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.) 
   
*Casper. The Casper test comprises 12 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 75-90 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 12-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.
 
For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.
 
**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 2022
Program Start Date   September 2022      
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
 

Criteria		# Points
1.	Resident of Newfoundland and Labrador	1
2.	Previously applied to the program (<5 years)	1
3.	Successful completion of post-secondary courses* The equivalent of one CNA full-time semester (4 courses) The equivalent of two CNA full-time semesters (8 courses)
		1
		2
4.	Academic average (%) in courses specified as program pre-requisites**
	60 – 64.9 65 – 69.9 70 – 74.9 75 – 79.9 80 – 84.9 85 – 89.9 90 – 94.9 95 – 100	1
		2
		3
		4
		5
		6
		7
		8
5.	Admissions Exam Official Calculated Score
	60 – 64.9 65 – 69.9 70 – 74.9 75 – 79.9 80 – 84.9 85 – 89.9 90 – 94.9 95 – 100	1
		2
		3
		4
		5
		6
		7
		8
*Official transcripts are required. **Academic averages for the program’s pre-requisite courses will be calculated as follows:   High School, Adult Basic Education and Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Graduates: The academic average will be calculated using final marks in the courses required for admission to the program.   Current High School, Adult Basic Education, and Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) students enrolled in their final year:  The academic average will be calculated from marks available by the deadline date. An up-to-date transcript must be submitted, and conditional acceptance may be granted based on this information. Confirmation of acceptance is dependent on ranking after final grades are confirmed.   Marks from equivalent post-secondary courses may be substituted for high school marks for evaluation purposes.

 

Deadline for receipt of application	March 31st 2022
Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation*	April 5th 2022
Initial round of acceptances	April 30th 2022
Secondary round of acceptances (if required)	May 30th 2022