Advanced Care Paramedic at Algonquin College

Elevating leadership while mastering advanced paramedic care.

The one-year Advanced Care Paramedic Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is accredited by EQual Accreditation Canada and adheres to the National Occupation Competency Profile for advanced care paramedic practice. It is designed to train current Primary Care Paramedics (PCP) in all aspects of advanced care paramedicine.

Build on your existing knowledge and skills to develop greater critical-thinking processes, increased leadership qualities, and master advanced skills in respiratory care, cardiac care, pharmacology, trauma care, obstetrics and pediatrics care and medical emergencies.

The program is comprised of three components:

• a didactic and scenario practice portion which is scheduled three days per week for 14 weeks;
• one hospital clinical practicum which is approximately 200 hours spread over the second and third semesters; and
• a preceptorship (672 hours paramedic practicum) which is scheduled over a 17-week period. Students must take a comprehensive written examination and oral board examination with the program medical director at the end of the practicum.

The authority to practice as an advanced care paramedic student (ACP) is contingent on being in good standing with a Paramedic Service (if applicable) and upon certification by a medical director.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess critical-thinking and analytical skills.
• Are interested in working in challenging environments.
• Have good communication skills.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates are eligible to write the provincially administered Advanced Care Paramedic Examination and, if successful, may be employed as advanced care paramedics in Ontario. Graduates may also find employment in other jurisdictions across North America. Opportunities may arise in aeromedical transport, critical care, hospital emergency rooms, emergency management and education.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Interact professionally with patients and others, adhering to relevant provincial and federal legislation and codes of conduct.
2. Collaborate with a broad range of personnel such as employers, Primary Care Paramedics, Critical Care Paramedics, Communications Officers, firefighters, police officers, physicians, allied health professionals and others.
3. Lead an interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient care.
4. Provide complete and accurate reports, in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards and established policies and procedures.
5. Analyze patient assessment findings critically, and infer a provisional diagnosis, using relevant theory and practices and complying with current legislation, regulations, standards, best practices and established policies and procedures.
6. Evaluate patient condition continuously, anticipating changes and adapting interventions to provide safe and optimal care.
7. Justify an intervention plan in accordance with ACP Medical Directives, best practices, evidence-based medicine and clinical finding.
8. Perform basic and advanced life support skills safely and competently, including controlled medical acts, in accordance with established standards and Medical Directives.
9. Employ preventative and therapeutic interventions, while maintaining safety of self and others, to promote optimal well-being of the patient, in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards and established policies and procedures.
10. Formulate strategies for self-evaluation and for improving proficiency in the practice of paramedicine.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitments and environmental stewardship.

English Language Requirments

• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.