Becoming a Paramedic in Canada
Posted by Jason White on Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Under: College Education
Paramedics,
also known as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), are healthcare
professionals who work in emergency medical situations. They offer
life-support assistance to individuals in pre-hospital environment,
usually at the point of accident or illness and in an ambulance while
transporting the patient to the hospital. Some paramedics may also
undertake hospital-based roles and provide emergency life-support to
patients until they are taken for further treatment.
Employment Prospects
Paramedics
are typically employed with emergency units at hospitals, emergency
response vehicle services, airlines, military and specialist mobile
units. The employment opportunities for paramedic are expected to
increase significantly in coming years because of the aging population
in Canada. Additionally, the emphasis on providing emergency treatment
both on scene and en route to the hospital has further given rise to the
demand for paramedics.
Employment Prerequisites
The
job of a paramedic has evolved a great deal lately, so have the job
specifications. They are not only expected to have undergone a formal
education program in paramedics but also need to have hands-on training,
covering psychological, medical, trauma and emergency situations. In
addition, they need to possess
- Strong understanding in human anatomy
- Crisis intervention ability
- Critical decision making skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Understanding of professional and legal issues associated with the job
- Excellent leadership skills
- Exceptional therapeutic communication skills
- Effective verbal and written reporting skills
The
healthcare system is highly dependent on emergency medical technicians.
Therefore, recruiters are keen on hiring only the best talent. Despite
increased employment opportunities, the job market remains extremely
competitive. Therefore, aspiring paramedics must ensure that they apply
with a reputed college that provides them with in-depth theoretical
grounding, hands-on lab and extensive on-the-job learning in various
situations.
Studying Paramedics in Canada
Although there are a number of colleges in the country that offer paramedic program
but Centennial College’s program offers equal balance of classroom and
practical training. The program is delivered by the leaders in the EMT
community. In addition, it also offers students international exchange
opportunities to enhance their understanding. It has an outstanding
graduate employment rate as well.
Program Outline
The paramedic training
program is a two-year post-secondary program that runs through four
semesters. It covers a wide range of subjects, including Principles of
Psychology, Pre-hospital Care: Theory and Lab, and Professional and
Legal Issues, Research, Responsibilities and Leadership, therapeutic
Communication and Crisis Intervention, Anatomy, Alterations of Human
Body Functions, Pharmacology for Applied Health, Medical Directed
Therapeutics and Paramedic Responsibilities, EMS Research Methodologies
and PCP Integration and Critical Decision Making.
The focus is on helping students gain skills to:
- Communicate effectively with patients and others
- Assess patients and offer appropriate support
- Implement preventive strategies that promote patient’s well being
- Ensure preparedness of the ambulance and its equipment
- Perform delegated medical acts in a controlled manner
- Make quick decisions in emergency situations
Additionally,
the program also prepares students to take the Ministry of Health exam
for Advanced EMCA, which is a mandatory requirement for employment as a
paramedic in Ontario.
In : College Education
Tags: paramedic training paramedic program