Primary Care Paramedic Programs

 

The Profession

 

Paramedics are on the front line of the Emergency Medical Services. As the Profession expands, the demand for highly skilled individuals will continue to grow.

 

Career Opportunities

 

As a Primary Care Paramedic obtaining your education from Canadian Therapeutic College means a range of employment opportunities are available to you. For example, Paramedics may find themselves seeking employment or a career in the following areas:

 

Certification

 

After successful completion of the Primary Care Paramedic program at Canadian Therapeutic College students are eligible to write the Ministry of Health's Advanced Emergency Medical Care Attendant Examination. After successful completion of the provincial examination, students are licensed as Paramedics in the Province of Ontario.

 

POLICY INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPATION

 

Attendance

 

There is a positive correlation between attendance and achievement and less than 80% attendance is sufficient grounds to award a failing mark for any course.

 

Lateness

 

Students are expected to be ready for lectures at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of scheduled classes.  Late arrivals will not be admitted to class except during special circumstances (weather, MVC etc) Admission to a class after it commences is at the discretion of the instructor.  If the student is late they must wait until the class is on a break before entering the classroom.

 

Student Lab Areas

 

Four (4) hours/week will be spent in the patient care lab area.  This is a carpeted area used for the instruction and the application of equipment used by Paramedics and subsequent scenarios utilizing this equipment.  The area will be open to students during out- of-class hours and must be kept organized and clean at all times.  If at any time equipment is stolen from the lab, the entire class will reimburse the College for the cost of the equipment. 

 

Independent Study

 

Independent learning is a large part of the Paramedic Program.  It is an expectation of CTC that each student will spend 15 to 20 hours per week in reading, self study and group practice.

 

Clinic and Outreach

 

The students will gain knowledge of the use of skills acquired during theory and clinical/practical classes and apply this knowledge in the field in a variety of settings including hospital/clinical and land ambulance, all under supervision of a paramedic preceptor

 

Missed Tests and Examinations

 

If a student is going to be absent for an examination, they must inform the course instructor in writing of the absence at least 7 days in advance.  An alternate date will be established upon receipt of the written notice.  If a student is ill or suffers an emergency on the day of the examination they MUST call Canadian Therapeutic College and leave voice mail on the Program Director’s extension, explaining the reason for the absence.  If a student misses more than 2 exams due to illness or emergency, a medical certificate or valid documentation as deemed by the Director will be required.

 

If a student fails to notify the faculty, they will be placed on Academic Probation.  If there is another such occurrence the student will receive a grade of zero (0) for the examination. 

 

Student Support- Program Specific

 

To graduate the Paramedic Program, the student must obtain at least a 65% in all courses and maintain a 70% average in each semester and program. If a student’s final mark is between 60% and 65% for any course, the student may rewrite

an exam which may encompass the whole semester for that course. The rewrite exam is weighted equal to the exam it is replacing.

 

In all Patient Care Lab courses, the practical examination format includes the rewrite within the course structure. Each student must pass 2/3 of the final stations to pass the course. **

·          If the student received a “Pass” mark for a mid term mark in Patient Care Lab and received a “Fail” for a final mark in Patient Care Lab, the student is able to complete rewrite stations equal in value up to 1/3 of the stations in the final exam.

·          If a student receives a “Fail” for a mid term mark in Patient Care Lab and receives a “Fail” for a final mark in Patient Care Lab, the student is not able to complete a rewrite station for that course.

** Notwithstanding Program Lifting Requirements

 

COMR 108 occurs in Semester Four and consists of a Comprehensive Review of the whole Paramedic Review (theory and practical). A final mark of 65% or equivalent, as deemed by Academic Committee, in each academic and practical course is required, to write the Paramedic Program Comprehensive Examination at CANADIAN THERAPEUTIC COLLEGE. Each student must receive a 70% on the final COMR 108 scenario in order to receive a Diploma of Graduation and be recommended to write the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Medical Care Assistant (EMCA) certification examination.

 

NOTE: Ministry of Health and Long Term Care mandates that paramedic students must perform competently all two person lifts and transfers of patients weighing up to 90kg (198lbs) plus equipment for successful graduation from the program and also meet criminal and driving record requirements for employment as a paramedic.

 

Primary Care Paramedic  Full Time Program

 

Dean  Annette Winter, B.Sc., R.M.T., Di HOM

Program Director – David E. Wolff, PCP,  A-EMCA

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 

Program Description

 

The program of study is delivered over a 16 month period. Spaced breaks appear for independent study and holidays. The total program consists of 1020 instructional hours and 563 clinical hours.

 

Clinical Placement

 

In terms 2, 3 & 4 students will be required to attend clinical placements.  In terms 2 and 4 the placements will occur at one of the regional Ambulance Services.  In term 3, the placement will be located in a hospital of close proximity to the College.  All placements will be scheduled in advance and your attendance is mandatory.  Due to the nature of the placement being an outside agency, all missed clinical time will be made up at the students own time and expense.  Complete uniforms are to be worn at all clinical placements.  Specific rules and behaviour expectations will be discussed immediately prior to your first shift.

 

Program Hours

 

Total Program Hours: 1583

Didactic: 1020 hours

Clinical Experience: 563 hours

 

Classroom instruction: approximately 25 hours/week

 

Independent Learning: 10-20 hours/week is recommended

 

 

Certification

 

After successful completion of this 16 month full time program, graduates will be granted a diploma in Primary Care Paramedic and are eligible to complete the Ministry of Health and Long Term Cares Advanced Emergency Care Assistant examination to become licensed as a Paramedic in the Province of Ontario.

 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

 

Program Schedule

 

Semester

Course Name

Semester One

Ø        Ambulance Operations (AMOP 108)

Ø        Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH 108)

Ø        Communications (COMM 108)

Ø        General Education (GNED 108)

Ø        Human Behaviour and Crisis Intervention (HBCI 108)

Ø        Medical Legal Issues and Ethics (MLIE 108)

Ø        Patient Care Boy Mechanics (PCBM 108)

Ø        Patient Care Lab (Practice) (LABP 108)

Ø        Patient Care Lab (Procedures) (PCLB 108)

Ø        Patient Care Theory (PCTH 108)

Ø        Pathophysiology (PATH 108)

Semester Two

Ø        Ambulance Operations      (AMOP 208)

Ø        Ambulance Placement      (ACLN 108)

Ø        Anatomy and Physiology   (ANPH 208)

Ø        Communications (COMM 208)

Ø        General Education (GNED 208)

Ø        Human Behaviour and Crisis Intervention (HBCI 208)

Ø        Patient Care Lab (Practice) (LABP 208)

Ø        Patient Care Lab (Procedures) (PCLB 208)

Ø        Patient Care Theory          (PCTH 208)

Ø        Pathophysiology (PATH 208)

Ø        Pharmacology (PHRM 108)

Semester Three

Ø        Advanced Patient Care Lab (Procedures) (PCTH 408)

Ø        Advanced Patient Care Theory (PCTH 408)

Ø        Comprehensive Review   (COMR 108)

Ø        Hospital Placement           (HCLN 108)

Ø        Introduction to Research   (RESE 108)

Ø        Patient Care Lab (Procedures) (PCLB 308)

Ø        Patient Care Theory          (PCTH 308)

Ø        Pharmacology (PHRM 208)

Semester Four

Ø        Comprehensive Review   (COMR 108)

Ø        Paramedic Consolidation (PCON 108)

 

Course Description

 

Course Code

Total Hours

Course Description

AMOP 108/ AMOP 208

60

Ambulance Operations

Delivers the Ministry of Health core programs in standard ambulance service operations. Ambulance “Street sense”, the procedures necessary for Paramedic Personal Safety and the EMA Driver Improvement Program are covered.

ANPH 108/ ANPH 208

90

Anatomy and Physiology

Delivered over 2 semesters, this course is a study of the structure and function of the human body.  The course material provides an overview of human biochemistry, cellular structure and function and organ systems.

COMM 108/ COMM 208

60

Communications

Provides knowledge in the areas of medical terminology, communicating with patients, other health care professionals and allied emergency services. The use of Emergency Communication Equipment will be introduced.

COMR 108

30

Comprehensive Review

A review to prepare the student for the provincial examinations. The student will be evaluated on their theoretical and practical knowledge.

GNED 108

30

General Education

Through written assignments and a guest lecture series, the student will gain knowledge on topics such as study skills and test anxiety,  as well as identifying and dealing with issues of societal concern. Administrative staff from local EMS will also be briefing the students on the policies and procedures of their Emergency Service.

 

Course Description- Continued

 

Course Code

Total Hours

Course Description

HBCI 108/ HBCI 208

60

Human Behaviour and Crisis Intervention

Gives a basic understanding of psychological development from infancy to elderly. Maladaptive behaviour will be studied and students will have the opportunity to develop skills in the areas of critical evaluation and appraisal of relevant research in the area of Paramedicine. The concept of stress will be examined and the student will learn the theoretical and practical concepts of intervening in a crisis.

MLIE 108

30

Medical Legal Issues and Ethics

Covers relevant legislation and regulation as it pertains to patient advocacy and patient rights including dignity, consent to treatment, privacy and confidentiality.

LABP 108/ LABP 208

45

Patient Care Lab Practice

Is an instructor supervised practicum where students are able to explore their newly learned skills in a small group setting. Students are able to use their independent learning skills and also have access to an instructor for direction.

PCLB 108/ PCLB 208/ PCLB 308

195

Patient Care Lab (Procedures)

Patient Care Lab is a practicum for physical assessments in a low stress, process focused practical environment. Ambulance stabilization and extrication equipment is introduced.  Patient Care Lab II focuses on developing diversity in assessment methodologies and approach modifications for various patient presentations.  Advanced Patient Care Lab III is a practicum where the student focuses on refining their assessment and treatment process through scenario practice and introduces Advanced Life Support Skills in the practical environment.

PCTH 108/ PCTH 208/ PCTH 308

195

Patient Care Theory

Patient Care Theory introduces the student to emergency medical management of basic illnesses and injuries.  Patient Care Theory II continues to develop knowledge, skill and a critical thinking base related to assessments and interpretation of assessment findings as well as their implications for patient management. Advanced Patient Care Theory III completes the process of understanding theory related to patient assessments and develops diversity in assessment methodologies and approach modifications for various patient presentations and introduces Advanced Life Support Skills.

PATH 108/ PATH 208

90

Pathophysiology

Presents an overview of the pathological disease processes that occur in the various organ systems of the human body.

PHRM 108/ PHRM 208

60

Pharmacology

Will teach the student about drug actions, interactions indications and contraindications for use.  The student will also gain an understanding into relevant legislation and regulation regarding of prescription and non-prescription medication routes of administration, IV therapy and medical math.   

RESE 108

30

Introduction to Research

Introduces the fundamental concepts regarding research and associated methodologies. The primary purpose of this course is that the student becomes familiar with basic research principles including the scientific method, data collection, manipulation and interpretation.

PCBM 108

30

Paramedic Care Body Mechanics

Combines the basic knowledge of nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and focuses on physical core strengthening and training techniques as it applies directly to the paramedic profession. Ambulance lifting devices will be introduced along with targeted muscle groups associated with the safe movement of both the paramedics and patients

ACLN 108/ HCLN 108/ PCON 108

563

Placement

Throughout the Primary Care Paramedic Program the students will gain knowledge of the use of skills acquired during theory and practical classes and apply this knowledge in the field in a variety of settings including Hospitals and Land Ambulance Services.  There will be direct supervision provided for the student in all of the clinical settings.

** Hours may vary with Holiday Schedules

 

Admission Requirements

 

·          Senior level Biology and one other senior science

·          Minimum of Grade 11 Mathematics

·          Proficiency in the English Language

·          Completion of a confidential Entry Immunization Form

·          Two letters of personal character reference

·          Motivational Letter

·          Current (written) criminal background check from the applicant’s local Police department

·          Physical and Written Pre-Entry Testing

·          Application and Pre-Entry Testing Fees

 

Please note that knowledge of word processing (MS Word or WordPerfect), PowerPoint and Internet may be needed to complete required assignments. Access to a computer as well as the Internet will be required.

 

Financial Information

 

Application Fee* (submitted with application)

75.00

Testing Fee (submitted with application)

75.00

Tuition Deposit  (due at registration appointment)

1,200

First Tuition Installment (due on Orientation Day)

10,800

Materials Package * (due on Orientation Day)

 2,000

Final Tuition Installment (due 1 year after Orientation Day)

 4,000

TOTAL

18,150

* Non-refundable fee

** Fees subject to change

The Registration appointment will be made by the Office of the Registrar prior to Orientation Day.

Please note: vaccinations, textbooks, transportation and living expenses are not included in these costs and are the students responsibility

 

* Textbooks approximately $1,200.00

 

Advanced Standing Primary Care Paramedic Program

Dean  Annette Winter, B.Sc., R.M.T., Di HOM

Program Director – David E. Wolff,  PCP, A-EMCA

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 

Students' prior learning from post secondary institutions is taken into consideration for admission into the Advanced Standing Paramedic Program. If eligible for transfer of credits, students may complete the entire Paramedic Program in one semester.

 

Minimum Requirements for application for Advanced Standing

·          Sciences Degree or Regulated Health Care Professional , with Emergency Patient Assessment / Care Experience

·          Out of Province Paramedic Program (EMT-I, PCP)

 

·          Successfully completed Canadian Therapeutic College Paramedic Flex Time Courses

·          A combination of any of the above

 

Note: All advanced standing credentials must be issued by licensed and or accredited institutions/certifying bodies.

 

Assessment will include

·          Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR)

·          Personal Interview

·          Comprehensive Exam using questions from all Paramedic Courses 

·          Practical testing

·          Physical Fitness & Lifting Assessment

 

Process

·          All documentation and assessment tools will be examined by an Advance Standing Committee and compared to Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Competencies.

·          Advanced Standing is granted at the discretion of the Advanced Standing Committee (Enrolment may be limited).

 

Pre-Screening

·          A pre-screening PLAR can be conducted with submission of official transcripts, certificates, application form and applicable fees prior to making official application of Advanced Standing.

·          Successful completion of applicable CTC Advanced Standing Paramedic Preparatory Courses and modules may exempt students from re-assessment fees.

 

Program Schedule

 

If eligible for transfer of credits, students may enter directly into Semester Four of the Full Time Paramedic Program.  Semester Four consists of the Paramedic Consolidation and will follow the full time continental shift pattern of the Precepting Paramedic.

 

Please Note: Other concurrent continuing education courses may be required outside of the semester schedule at an extra cost and is dependant on each student's Prior Learning Assessment.

 

Completion of Advanced Standing Paramedic Preparatory Courses may be required prior to entering the Advanced Standing Paramedic Program in cases where PLAR deficiencies have been noted.

 

Hours may vary with Holiday Schedules

 

Successful completion of applicable CTC Advanced Standing Paramedic Preparatory Courses and modules may exempt students from re-assessment fees.

 

Admission Requirements

 

·          High School Diploma or GED

·          Post Secondary Diplomas/Degrees

·          Continuing Education Certificates

·          Original Official Education Transcript(s)

·          Curriculum Vitae (detailed synopsis of academic and experiential background)

·          Copy of Registration(s) and/or Licensure

·          Copy of Course Outlines and/or Curriculum from your training Program

·          Current First Aid and CPR certificates

·          Current (written) criminal background check

·          Application fee of $75.00

·          Prior Learning Assessment fee of $250.00**

·          Physical Fitness Assessment $75.00**

·          Lifting Assessment $100.00**

·          Completion of a confidential Entry Immunization Form (available online)

·          If you are unsure that your prior learning will qualify for PLAR, an optional PLAR pre-screening ($25.00) can be conducted with submission of official transcripts, certificates and application form ($75.00) prior to making official application for Credit Assessments for individual courses.

 

Notes:  Ministry of Health and Long Term Care mandates that paramedic students must perform competently all two person lifts and transfers of patients weighing up to 90 kg (198 lb) plus equipment for successful graduation from the program and also sets criminal and driving record requirements for employment as a paramedic.  Although not a pre-requisite of this program, please note that knowledge of word processing (MS Word or WordPerfect), PowerPoint and Internet may be needed to complete required assignments.  Access to a computer, printer and scanner (as well as the Internet) would also be beneficial. 

 

Financial Information

 

Tuition for Advanced Standing to enter Semester Four of the full time Paramedic Program is $4000.00. *Other concurrent continuing education courses may be required outside of the semester schedule at an extra cost and is dependant on each student's Prior Learning Assessment.

·          Application fee of $75.00

·          Prior Learning Assessment fee of $250.00**

 

·          Physical Fitness Assessment $75.00**

·          Lifting Assessment $100.00**

·          Pre-screening PLAR $25.00

** Successful completion of applicable CTC Advanced Standing Paramedic Preparatory Courses and modules may exempt students from re-assessment fees.

 

Primary Care Paramedic Advanced Standing Preparatory Courses

Dean  Annette Winter, B.Sc., R.M.T., Di HOM

Program Director – David E. Wolff,  PCP, A-EMCA

 

Program Overview

 

The Preparatory Courses are designed for students who have other related post secondary educations who wish to apply for Advanced Standing entry into the Full Time Paramedic Program but may have identified deficiencies in their past education that precludes them from qualifying. Students are able to complete specific Paramedic Preparatory Courses to address their deficiencies prior to application.

 

All of the required Paramedic Program’s courses for entry into the Advanced Standing Program are offered via the Preparatory Courses in a facilitated learning cohort model through distance education, on-line learning, and weekend practical modules. It is possible to complete all of the required courses in this format to gain the opportunity to apply for Advanced Standing entry into the Paramedic Program without any other post secondary education, but it should be noted that there is an expectation of 15 to 20 hours per week of independent study plus the weekend time commitments.

 

Please note: Completion of Paramedic Preparatory Courses does not lead to a diploma. Not all preparatory courses are offered in all semesters. Each student is accepted on a per course basis dependant upon course enrolment, space availability, instructor availability, and at the college’s discretion. Upon successful completion of all required courses students may be eligible to apply for the Advance Standing Program (Enrolment may be limited)

 

Program Schedule

 

Courses are offered in modules consisting of Distance Education, Online learning, and some weekend commitment for practical instruction. For successful completion of this program, students must have a computer, printer and high speed internet access, as well as knowledge or word processing (MS Word or WordPerfect), PowerPoint and internet browser usage skills.

 

Distance education and on-line learning courses can be started at several entry points scheduled throughout the calendar and must be completed progressively (Approximately two years to complete all modules. We recommend a three year maximum). Please check  our website www.canadiantherapeuticcollege.com to find out when the next entry point begins.

 

Please see full time paramedic for course descriptions

 

Introductory Course

General Education (GNED 108) (Prerequisite-none) (should be started prior to Module 1 and must be completed prior to Module 5)

 

MODULE 1

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) (5 weekends)

Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH 108)

Pathophysiology (PATH 108)

 

MODULE 2 (Prerequisite-EMR)

Human Behaviour and Crisis Intervention (HBCI 108)

Communications (COMM 108)

Ambulance Operations (AMOP 108)

Medical Legal Issues and Ethics (MLIE 108)

 

MODULE 3 (Prerequisite- Modules 1 and 2)

Patient Care Theory (PCTH 108)

Patient Care Lab (PCLB 108) (4 weekends)

 

MODULE 4

Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH 208) (Prerequisite-Module 1)

Pathophysiology (PATH 208) (Prerequisite-Module 1)

Ambulance Placement (ACLN 108) (48 hours on weekends) (Prerequisite-Module 3 and full enrolment in Module 4)

 

MODULE 5

Human Behaviour and Crisis Intervention (HBCI 208) (Prerequisite-HBCI 108)

Ambulance Operations (AMOP 208) (Prerequisite-AMOP 108)

Pharmacology (PHRM 108) (Prerequisite- Module 4)

Hospital Placement (HCLN 108) (67.5 hours on weekends) (Prerequisite- Module 4 and full enrolment in Module 6=5)

 

MODULE 6 (Prerequisite- Modules 1-5)

Patient Care Theory (PCTH 208)

 

Patient Care Lab (PCLB 208) (4 weekends)

 

MODULE 7 (Prerequisite- Modules 1-6)

Patient Care Theory (PCTH 308)

Hospital Placement (HCLN 108) (67,5 hours on weekends)

 

MODULE 8 (Prerequisite- Modules 1-7)

Comprehensive Review (COMR 108)

Introduction to Research (RESE 108)

Patient Care Lab (PCLB 308) (one night/week + 4 weekends)

** Hours may vary with Holiday Schedules

 

Admission Requirements

 

·          High School Diploma or GED

·          Original Official Educational Transcript(s)

·          Current First Aid and CPR certificates

·          Current (written) criminal background check

·          Post Secondary Diplomas/Degrees

·          Completion of confidential Entry Immunization Form (available on-line)

·          Completion of Applications

·          Applicable Fees

 

Financial Information

 

·          Application fee of $75.00

Course Code

Fees

General Education (GNED 108)

$450.00,

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

$835.00

Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH108 & ANPH208)

$675.00 per course

Pathophysiology (PATH108 &  PATH208)

$675.00 per course

Human Behaviour and Crisis Intervention (HBCI108 & HBCI208)

$450.00 per course

Communications
(COMM 108 / 208)

$450.00 per course

Ambulance Operations (AMOP108 &  AMOP208)

$450.00 per course

Medical Legal Issues and Ethics (MLIE108)

$450.00

Patient Care Theory (PCTH108, PCTH208, PCTH308)

PCTH108 $900.00, PCTH208 $900.00, PCTH308 $1350.00.

Patient Care Lab (PCLB108/208/308)

PCLB108 $960.00, PCLB208 $960.00, PCLB308 $1320.00

Introduction to Research (RESE108)

$450.00

Pharmacology (PHRM108)

$450.00

Ambulance Placement (ACLN108)

$720.00

Hospital Placement (HCLN108)

$2025.00

* Subject to change without notice

** Materials Package not included ($1500.00)

All fees are due and payable in full two weeks prior to the first day of class and are non-refundable.

All Text Books are available at McMaster University Book Store