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.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
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 and an interview phase.  Applicants will be ranked by point value (maximum of 20 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.

Interview phase:
 

5. Interview

maximum of 8 points

*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 2020
Deadline for receipt of applications (including all supporting documentation)*	February 13, 2020
Notification of progression to interview stage	April 13, 2020
First round of acceptances	June 15, 2020
Final round of acceptances	August 17, 2020

*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.

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
•          Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS)
•          Current First Aid Certificate (Standard)
•          Class 05 Learner (Level 1) Driver’s License (minimum)
•          Current Certificate of Conduct, including Vulnerable Sector Check
•          Immunization Record
 
Note: Employers may require that Paramedics have a Class 04 driver’s license which can be obtained through a Provincial Motor Vehicle Registration Office.
 
Additional Information
Students will be expected to travel and incur costs associated with clinical/practicum placements.  Placement sites are limited and students will be assigned  based on availability.