Paramedic (PARA)

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 
• Two 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 
• Free tuition and funding supplies for eligible Ontario residents through the Learn and Stay Grant 

Program of study for 2025-26 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.

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

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027

Winter term start

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

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.

Employment opportunities

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