Paramedic Training In High-Tech Location

When choosing a Paramedic training program, it is important to consider not only the topics covered and the amount of hands on training, but also who is teaching the program and where it is taught. At Centennial College, the two-year Paramedic program is facilitated from Morningside Campus. Of the institution’s four locations, this campus is the most technologically advanced and features state-of-the-art laboratories that are ideal for real life simulation as well as real ambulances that are fully equipped on which students can practice. In addition, instructors who are leaders in the EMS community lead all of the Paramedic training.

These two aspects in addition to the topics that are covered (including paramedic responsibilities, pre-hospital care, principles of psychology, anatomy, alterations of human body functions, pharmacology for allied health, medical directed therapeutics and paramedic responsibilities and many others) have resulted in 96 per cent of Centennial College’s graduates over the last several years being employed upon graduation as Primary Care Paramedics. Most of these Paramedic training graduates work for a licensed Ontario ambulance service.

In order to ensure that students are retaining what they learn in the Paramedic training, there is a balance between classroom, clinical, field and practical learning in emergency simulations. As such, students of this Paramedic training participate in an extensive on-the-job learning with working professionals in emergency, medical trauma and psychological situations. “You get to do a clinical rotation at a hospital,” says student Abdullah. “You get to see patients in different wards. And you see how [the wards] correlate and coordinate with one another.”

After completion of Paramedic training, with experience and further study, graduates can qualify as advanced care paramedics or critical care paramedics, providing specialized care in land or air ambulances. Paramedic training program grads are also eligible and prepared to take the Ministry of Health exam for Advanced EMCA. They have consistently scored above the provincial average on the Advanced EMCA certification exam. Ministry regulations require this certification for employment as a paramedic in Ontario.

For Centennial College's Paramedic training applicants are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have finished compulsory English 12C or U or equivalent, math 11M or U, or 12C or U or equivalent, Biology 11C or U, or 12 U or equivalent; and one of the following sciences: chemistry 11U, or 12C or U or physics 11U or 12C or U. Additionally, medical requirements include a medical doctor’s statement, certifying a standard of health that is acceptable to Centennial College, clinical and affiliated EMS agencies. Applicants must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (clear vulnerable persons police background record searches are completed throughout the program); hold a Class “F” license, which is required for employment in Ontario (but not for program admission); complete a CPR Level HCP course (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid certification.