Paramedic in Canada are expected to see continued job growth, primarily as more and more assigned to non-traditional positions, working outside of ambulances in designated locations such as hospital emergency rooms.
EMS services in Ontario include Ottawa Paramedic Service, Region of Waterloo EMS, Toronto Paramedic Services and York Region EMS. Apart from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon are highly trained paramedics.
Paramedic Training in Canada
Paramedic in Canada get accredited as either as a primary care paramedic (PCP), critical care paramedic (CCP), or the advanced care paramedic (ACP). The applicant has to successfully complete a training course that may vary in various provinces to become a paramedic.
To qualify for admission to a training program, the student must be a high school diploma holder with a minimum C average in English, mathematics and biology. Have first aid certification (CPR) and holds a class “F” driver’s license.
Before beginning the paramedic training, the student must have all immunizations and police background check with a clean history.
Graduates from approved programs are eligible to take the Provincial Registration Examination to apply for registration.
- The Alberta College of Paramedics is the regulatory body for paramedics in Alberta. Provincial Exam- The Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) examination.
- Paramedics in Ontario are regulated under the Ambulance Act (1990) and Regulations and accountable to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Provincial Exam- Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant (AEMCA) Examination.
- Paramedics in British Columbia are considered Emergency medical Assistants (EMAs) and regulated under the BC Health Professions Act. Provincial Exam – Emergency Medical Assistant Licensing Board (EMALB)
- Paramedicine is now a self-regulated profession in Nova Scotia. Provincial Exam- The Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) examination.
Levels of Paramedic in Canada
Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
An entry-level of the profession, the PCP is responsible for delivering basic medical treatment, IV and oxygen administration, cardiac monitoring, external defibrillation, administering medications for emergency situations, as well as trauma immobilization.
With additional training, PCPs are authorized to provide medical care on the level of Advanced Care Paramedic.
In Ontario, students can sign up for the A-EMCA after completing the approved college program. Students will have three attempts to pass the provincial exam. In case, the student fails all three times, he or she has to complete remedial training before the next attempt.
Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)
Provinces such as New Brunswick and Quebec don’t have ACPs. However, the demand for advance care paramedics is rapidly increasing. ACPs are eligible to bring 20 different drugs, but that can vary considerably from region to region.
They are qualified to perform intubation, intravenous therapy, place external jugular IV lines, administer pain relief, perform needle thoracotomy and perform an obstetrical assessment. ACPs direct access to PCO labs, bypassing the hospital emergency departments has a profound effect on patient survival rates.
To become an Advanced Care Paramedic, the PCP must work between 6-24 months. The applicant needs to complete the 1200-hour training program and pass the required exams and certifications required per provincial requirements.
Critical Care Paramedic (CCP)
CCPs are highly trained individuals with expertise focused on the critical and intensive care unit level care. Stabilizing and transporting patients in hospitals with limited resources with life-saving care is otherwise administered by a physician.
The CCP program takes a year to complete and ACPs with at least one year of experience with certification in necessary trauma life support, advanced cardiac life support, and an aeromedical certificate.
In certain provinces, paramedics are also trained as firefighters or police officers and were given Public Safety Occupation status.
Paramedic Salary in Canada
For paramedic in Canada, salaries depend on their level of experience and the province they operate in.
Paramedic Salary in Ontario
Toronto EMS is the largest paramedic employer in Canada. For primary care paramedics working in the Toronto Region, the average salary is $41.70/hour. Advanced care paramedics and critical care paramedics make an average salary of $118,000/per year and $125,000/per year, respectively.
Paramedic Salary in Alberta
Primary care paramedic operating in the Calgary region, Alberta earns an average wage of $70,000/per year.
Paramedic Salary in British Columbia
The median wage for primary care paramedic in Vancouver Island and Coast region is $30/hour.
Paramedic Academy of BizTech College, Mississauga
Unlike many community colleges, BizTech College is approved for 60 weeks fast track Primary Care Diploma by Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Apart from shorter duration, the college offers a unique combination of classroom, lab training and ambulance ride-outs, which will help you gain a solid foundation and versatile skill-set required on-the-job. With an exceptional record in AEMCA, our graduates are currently working in various ambulance services in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario.
Get in touch with us for detailed information and personal interview. Contact us
