Paramedic (PARA)

Reap the rewards of a challenging career saving people’s lives

Gear up to handle the rigours of the intense, fast-paced, and rewarding paramedic profession under the guidance of our highly skilled and experienced faculty. Courses cover basic and advanced emergency care with comprehensive hands-on training in the safe transport of ill and injured patients. 

You will learn how to prevent or reduce complications for the sick and injured during the crucial pre-hospital and transport phases of patient care. A rotation of clinical placements in area hospitals and local Paramedic services provides extensive hands-on experience. A 14-week preceptorship provides further feedback and polishes your performance. 

Program highlights 

• Limited enrolment 
• Two clinical rotations and a 14-week preceptorship 
• Dedicated lab space with current industry equipment and simulation suite
• Fitness courses ensure your physical fitness level meets professional standards 
• Overall wellbeing and psychological resilience/mental health are key topics embedded throughout the program
• Grads are eligible to write the AEMCA exam set by the Ministry of Health, Emergency Health Services Branch to become a certified paramedic 
• Free tuition and funding supplies for eligible Ontario residents through the Learn and Stay Grant 

Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year 

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
• Any grade 11 (C) or (U) or grade 12 biology (U)
• Any grade 11 (U) or grade 12 chemistry (C) or (U)

Please note: A minimum of 60% is required in each prerequisite course.

For limited programs, the minimum prerequisite grades required for successful admission will be determined by the quality and quantity of the applicant pool.  Additional post-secondary education will also be considered as part of students’ applications to limited enrolment programs.

Note: Cambrian College's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (PHPG) program is the designed preferred preparatory program for admission to Cambrian College's limited enrolment Health Sciences programs. Limited enrolment programs are identified within the detailed program descriptions. The minimum GPA and grades required for successful admission will be determined by the quality and quantity of the applicant pool.

Additional admission requirements

• Current Standard First Aid Certificate
• Current CPR-HCP
• Must obtain a valid Ontario Class "G2" driver's license prior to semester two, and class G prior to third semester (F class preferred and required for career employment)
• Criminal record check (with Vulnerable Sector Screening) prior to semester two.
• Proof of immunizations and communicable disease declaration prior to semester two.
• Applicants should have a good level of physical fitness, flexibility, and lifting strength. Physical fitness testing will be ongoing throughout the program. Students must meet the college's minimum requirements to graduate.

Program delivery

2026-2027

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2028

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2027
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2028

Registration to practice / additional testing

Upon completion of this program, you must be successful in a theoretical examination (AEMCA) set by the Ontario Ministry of Health, Emergency Health Services Branch, in order to be certified as a Paramedic and thus, to be eligible to work for a Paramedic service in Ontario. The cost and application for the examination process is the responsibility of the graduate.

Employment opportunities

Certified paramedics may find appropriate employment with a paramedic service in Ontario, across Canada, or internationally (outside of Ontario may require further evaluation or requirements).