Paramedic (Compressed)

Program Overview

Program Overview

Today’s paramedics must be both highly skilled first responders and compassionate caregivers who are able to meet community members’ emergent and non-emergent health needs on their level. In this program, you will build the diverse skill set needed to succeed in the field with a focus on medical theory and techniques, social and communication skills, critical thinking and effective decision-making. Training will also include clinical and field placement components, as well as an emphasis on physical and emotional wellness. Students are provided with 24/7 access to the lab and practice space to support their learning.

Intakes and Availability

Program Highlights

• DC Experience
• Success Stories
• Resources

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Mature Student Status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 biology (C, M or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 chemistry (C, M or U)

Post-Admission Requirements

• Criminal Reference Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS)
• Current Canadian Heart and CPR (Level C) (within one year)
• Current standard first aid certificate (within three years)
• Entry immunization form
• Freedom from communicable disease report

Employment and Licensing Readiness

• Hiring timelines in Ontario vary by region and employer, typically beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months
• A valid Class F driver’s license is required to be eligible for employment
• Students must have valid Class G driver’s license by end of the first year of the program and valid Class F licences beginning of Semester 3

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $7,711 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Paramedic Anatomy/Physiology (ANTY 1401)
• Paramedic Clinical 1 (CLIN 1400)
• Paramedic Fitness and Wellness (FITS 1401)
• General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
• Indigenous Elective (INDG 0000)
• Leadership (LEAD 1400)
• Paramedic Theory 1 (THEO 1401)
• Paramedic Theory Lab-1 (THEO 1402)

Career Options

• Medical attendant
• Military medical technician
• Paramedic
• Primary care paramedic

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College’s Paramedic – Advanced Care graduate certificate program. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.

Tech Requirements

• Processor: i3
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
• Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
• Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
• Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
• Internet connection

Field Placement

The Paramedic program features a series of practicum opportunities in all semesters of the program. The first two semesters will include clinical opportunities interacting with patients in long-term care facilities. This will progress to hospital clinical rotations and an on-ambulance preceptorship with professional paramedics.

Eligibility

This program also demands a high degree of physical fitness, flexibility and lifting strength. In order to participate in field placement, you must be able to:

• Transfer patients weighing up to 95 kg (210 lbs)
• Do two-person lifts
• Manage the weight of any necessary equipment

Pre-Placement Requirements

• A clear and current Criminal Reference Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS)
• Current Level C CPR from a recognized provider
• Current standard first aid certification from a recognized provider
• Entry immunization form completed by a health-care provider

Living Lab

The Living Lab at Durham College mimics a typical residential unit, allowing students to work through real-life scenarios that depict several challenges they will face in their future careers. Complete with obstacles to problem solve and work around, such as a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and laundry room, students learn to not only care for the patient, but to be mindful of their environment as well.

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.