Advanced Care Paramedic
Elevating leadership while mastering advanced paramedic care.
- Accredited by Accreditation Canada EQual TM and adheres to the National Occupational Competency Profile for advanced care paramedic practice
- Highest success rate among colleges on the provincial certification exams, with a 100% pass
- Graduate Placement Reports show that over 90% of graduates secure employment within the field of study
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
Yes
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
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....(read more)
Overview
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 educate 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; a 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 and dynamic environments.
- Are able to demonstrate leadership to ensure appropriate and timely care.
- Have strong communication skills.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
PAR5000
Course Name:
Foundations for Advanced Care Paramedic Practice
Course Description:
An introduction and foundation for advanced care paramedic practice is provided. Emphasis is on concepts in medical physiology and pathophys... + Read More
Hours:
31.0
Code:
PAR5002
Course Name:
Advanced Airway Management, Respiratory Care and Communications
Course Description:
Students build on existing knowledge of airway management and respiratory care. Students acquire skills and knowledge of advanced airway ass... + Read More
Hours:
32.0
Code:
PAR5003
Course Name:
Advanced Cardiac Care
Course Description:
Students build on existing knowledge of emergency cardiac care and management. Students learn to interpret cardiac dysrhythmias and 12-lead ... + Read More
Hours:
44.0
Code:
PAR5004
Course Name:
Advanced Care for Medical Emergencies
Course Description:
Students build on existing knowledge of management and treatment of medical emergencies. Areas of focus include diabetes, seizures, cerebro-... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
PAR5005
Course Name:
Advanced Care for Trauma and Environmental Injuries
Course Description:
Students build on existing knowledge of trauma and environmental emergencies. Emphasis is on kinematics, rapid assessment and advanced care ... + Read More
Hours:
25.0
Code:
PAR5006
Course Name:
Skills and Scenario-Based Practice
Course Description:
Newly acquired theoretical knowledge and advanced paramedic skills are integrated. Students apply critical thinking, advanced assessments an... + Read More
Hours:
149.0
Code:
PAR5011
Course Name:
Hospital Practicum
Course Description:
Students integrate knowledge and perfect skills that they have practised and have been evaluated on in simulations. Advanced assessments, re... + Read More
Hours:
200.0
Code:
PAR5015
Course Name:
Critical Appraisal of Research
Course Description:
Critical appraisal of research is an integral part of modern-day paramedicine. Students critique a variety of research topics related to par... + Read More
Hours:
32.0
Code:
PAR5021
Course Name:
Acp Preceptorship
Course Description:
Students complete a placement in a paramedic service with an experienced preceptor/mentor. Students apply, integrate and consolidate skills ... + Read More
Hours:
672.0
Code:
PAR5022
Course Name:
Comprehensive Examinations
Course Description:
The student is scheduled to write a comprehensive examination in preparation for the Ontario Advanced Care Paramedic Licensing process. The ... + Read More
Hours:
9.0
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.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Interact professionally with patients and others, adhering to relevant provincial and federal legislation and codes of conduct.
- 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.
- Lead an interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient care.
- Provide complete and accurate reports, in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards and established policies and procedures.
- 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.
- Evaluate patient condition continuously, anticipating changes and adapting interventions to provide safe and optimal care.
- Justify an intervention plan in accordance with ACP Medical Directives, best practices, evidence-based medicine and clinical finding.
- Perform basic and advanced life support skills safely and competently, including controlled medical acts, in accordance with established standards and Medical Directives.
- 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.
- Formulate strategies for self-evaluation and for improving proficiency in the practice of paramedicine.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitments and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- The certification fee for the Advanced Care Paramedic examination administered by the Ontario Ministry of Health is $100 (subject to change).
- Base Hospital student certification is $500.
- Mandatory Non-Violent Crisis Intervention course is $110 (subject to change).
- Textbooks, manuals, and materials (including scrubs for the hospital portion) cost approximately $2,300.
Admissions Requirements
Program Eligibility
- A two-year Ontario College Primary Care Paramedic Diploma and an Advanced-Emergency Care Assistant (A-EMCA or equivalent) certificate issued by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Emergency Health Services Branch Ontario are required for acceptance into the Advanced Care Paramedic program.
- Applicants with pending status are eligible to apply.
- All applicants must complete an assessment through the Test Centre, and will be required to pay an examination fee. Results from the assessment will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. Applicants with a 1,000 hours of experience, working as a land or air paramedic, will have 10 points added to their test score, provided that the minimum test score has been met.
- To obtain the 10 points, a signed letter from the employer must be submitted on Paramedic Service letterhead at the time of application attesting that the candidate has worked a minimum of a 1000 hours as a land or air paramedic.
- Applicants must possess a valid Ontario Class F driver`s licence or equivalent prior to the start of classes.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- 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; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
- Accepted applicants must submit a Health Assessment Form and provide an Immunization certificate prior to entry into the program.
- Applicants must submit proof of mask fit testing quantitative only.
- Applicants are required to submit a recent Police Records Check.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Records Check program requirements.
Successful completion of clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from the Advanced Care Paramedic program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.
Clinical Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a clear PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible.
Hospital and Field Practicums require Health and Safety, WHMIS and OWHSA training, an approved Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) course, as well as High Risk Personal Protective Equipment training prior to placements. There are costs associated with training that should be anticipated by the students, which are not covered by tuition fees. Should you require further information, contact the Program Coordinator.
Application Information
ADVANCED CARE PARAMEDIC
Program Code 3005X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
In order to apply and complete placements, candidates must be in good standing with their Base Hospital and home paramedic service throughout the entire program.
Every effort is made to accommodate student requests for hospital and paramedic placements; however, due to high demand for some venues, students may be required to complete their placements in other areas across Ottawa or Ontario.
Advanced Care Paramedic students are required to complete their preceptorship with their current paramedic service employers. Exceptions will be reviewed on a individual basis. Students may incur additional costs and delays in graduation due to local administrative and legislative differences specific to those hospital or paramedic services.
Any additional or ancillary cost arising from special placement requests (e.g., preceptorship fees) are the responsibility of the student.
Students are responsible for costs related to the hospital clinical and paramedic placement sites, including transportation and parking costs.
Contact
Curtis Farrell
Program Coordinator
Room P112N
Curtis is an Advanced Care Paramedic with a Bachelor of Health Science degree focused on Pre-hospital Care. Curtis has worked for both rural and large urban paramedic services, as a flight paramedic, a special operations tactical medic and as operations supervisor. Curtis has instructed for Public Safety Canada, teaching chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response to first responders from across the country. Curtis has won multiple teaching awards from the Algonquin College Student’s Association. Curtis teaches in both the Paramedic program and Advanced Care programs.
Tyler Leslie
Professor
Room P112
Tyler holds a Bachelors of Health Sciences degree from Thompson Rivers University. He is a 2008 graduate of the Algonquin College Paramedic Program. Tyler completed the Advanced Care Paramedic Program, also at Algonquin College, in 2011.
Tyler has filled various roles at Algonquin College since 2010, most recently as the Field Placement Officer for both the Paramedic and Advanced Care Paramedic Programs. He works closely with local Paramedic Services and hospitals to facilitate the most progressive field learning experience possible. Tyler is a regular lab instructor in both Programs, and helped develop the popular Simulation courses.
Since 2008, Tyler has been a proud member of the Ottawa Paramedic Service (OPS). He is an active student preceptor and regular mentor of new employees, and is the lead preceptor at OPS. He holds the rank of Acting Superintendent, Operations.
Tyler is a Special Operations member of the Paramedic Support Unit, and is a long-standing Team Leader. He works as the lead instructor for multiple specialty units of the RCMP and Ottawa Police Service.
Natalie Lavergne
Professor
Throughout her career, Natalie has been involved in didactic, clinical, and preceptorship delivery at PCP, ACP, and CCP levels of care. Natalie has been working for the air ambulance since 2001, received her Critical Care Paramedic level in 2003 and completed additional training in pediatric critical care in 2009. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Ottawa University and is currently working as a Critical Care Paramedic and Field Educator for Ornge, an Education Facilitator for RPPEO, and an Instructor for the Paramedic and Advanced Care Paramedic programs at Algonquin College.