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

Gear up to handle the rigours of the intense, fast-paced, but satisfying 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 in-town and out-of-town ambulance services provides extensive hands-on experience. A 14-week preceptorship provides feedback and polishes your performance. 

Program highlights 

  • Limited enrolment 
  • 2 clinical rotations and a 14-week preceptorship 
  • Cambrian’s PET Test ensures your physical fitness level meets professional standards 
  • Grads are eligible to write the A-EMCA exam set by the Ministry of Health, Emergency Health Services Branch to become a certified paramedic 
  • Accredited by Accreditation Canada 
  • Free tuition and funding supplies for eligible Ontario residents with Learn and Stay Grant 

Program of study for 2024-25 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
BIO 1107 Anatomy & Physiology I 3
PAR 1002 Patient Care Procedures I 4
PAR 1100 Medico - Legal Aspects 2
PAR 1141 Patient Care Theory I 4
PAR 1242 Ambulance Operations 2
PSY 1106 Tactical Communication 3
FIT 1101 Physical Fitness and Wellness 2
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits23
Semester 2
BIO 1207 Anatomy & Physiology II 3
ENG 1121 Research & Writing/Health Sciences 3
FIT 1201 Physical Fitness and Wellness 2
PAR 1003 Patient Care Procedures II 4
PAR 1006 Clinical Experience 2
PAR 1241 Patient Care Theory II 4
PAR 1251 Principles of Pharmacology 2
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits23
Semester 3
ENG 1215 College Writing II 3
PAR 1004 Adv. Skills/Primary Care Para 5
PAR 1007 Ambulance Field and Clinical 3
PAR 1105 Patient Care Procedures III 4
PAR 1301 Independent Fitness & Evaluation 1
PAR 1320 Adv Skills/Primary Care Para Theory 2
PAR 1335 Prof. Issues, Research & Leadership 2
PAR 1341 Patient Care Theory III 4
PAR 1345 Lifting Competency Evaluation 1
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits28
Semester 4
PAR 1008 Ambulance Field Consolidation 11
PAR 1405 Paramedic Comprehensive Review 2
PAR 1410 Independent Study 3
 Credits16
 Total Credits90
1

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.

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 "G" driver's license prior to December 31 of the enrolled year (F class preferred and required for career employment)
  • Criminal record check (Vulnerable Sector Screening included) to satisfy the requirements of the Ambulance Act (prior to Dec. 31 of enrolled year).
  • Hepatitis B immunization and immunization status current
  • Students are required to attend an information session prior to receiving final admission into the program. Although attendance is required, this session is not a pass/fail component. This session includes participation in fitness exercises, which will be at a reasonable additional cost to the student
  • 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

2024-2025

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026

Accreditation

The paramedic program’s accreditation status is honoured by Accreditation Canada

Registration to practice / additional testing

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

Specific program pathway

College or university degree opportunities 

If you are a graduate from Cambrian (who has successfully completed provincial certification) may also choose to apply directly into Cambrian's Advanced Care Paramedic Program.  Please refer to APPD for requirements.

Also, as a graduate, you may continue your studies at a college or university, and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Certified Paramedics may find appropriate employment in an ambulance service in Ontario, other provinces in Canada, or internationally.

Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.