When lives are on the line, the skills and knowledge of a paramedic can make the difference between life and death. This challenging career offers an active lifestyle and the opportunity to help others. You’ll also be challenged academically and physically, as you build the educational foundation required for the career.
People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of paramedics. Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls, childbirth, and gunshot wounds all require immediate medical attention. Paramedics provide this vital service as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility. The Bachelor of Applied Health Science – Paramedic degree program prepares learners to be an integral part of the health care team, primarily within the pre-hospital environment.
Our paramedic program is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) which signifies that our paramedic program has met national standards and that the education provided is relevant to current clinical practice. Ensuring that paramedics have the required competencies for entry to practice is an important contribution to Canada’s health system.
Prospective students must be mature and highly motivated to deal with the stress of emergency care, critical care and shift work. Paramedics must think independently, exercise good judgment, communicate effectively with others and work well in multidisciplinary environments. The training provided not only addresses the necessary skills of a paramedic but also the skills required to perform with confidence in a variety of situations, effectively interact with others and maintain professional decorum whether in simple or complex situations. The program also addresses topics on physical fitness and healthy lifestyles, psychology, philosophy and interdisciplinary communication.
Our paramedic program enables you to move seamlessly through the various levels of preparation for careers in Emergency Medical Services, ultimately allowing you to attain the Paramedic Diploma or to continue on to the Paramedic Applied Degree.
The program is designed to prepare you with the National Occupational Competencies and the Alberta Occupational Competencies for Paramedic Practitioners. On successful completion of the diploma program, you are prepared to write the Alberta College of Paramedics provincial licensing examinations at the EMT-P level. You will have the additional benefit of enhanced transferability of various courses presented throughout your education.
Paramedics are in demand by public and private sector ambulance services provincially, nationally and internationally. In Alberta, the average annual salary starts at $60,000.
High School
Overall average of at least 60% and a minimum mark of 50% in
Mature Route
This route is applicable if you are 21 years of age or older and have qualifications that do not satisfy other admission routes. You must submit a letter detailing how your work, life, or other educational experiences would contribute to your success in the program. A limited number of seats are available in the route.
Transfer Route
Previous post-secondary coursework may be considered for admission. Successful completion of a PCP/EMT or EMR program may qualify you for consideration under this admission route.
Academic Transition Plan (ATP)
If you do not possess all of the admission requirements, the Academic Transition Plan (ATP) may provide conditional acceptance to this program, provided space is available. ATP is individualized to meet your needs.
Pre-Professional Requirements
After being admitted into the program, you must provide
Applied Degree Continuation - Post Advanced Care Certification Entry The Bachelor of Applied Health Science - Paramedic (BHSc-P) is designed to build on the previous knowledge and experience of practicing paramedics. Qualified candidates are able to obtain the BHSc-P by completing the nine courses offered in the program.
First Year Fall BIOL 275 Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology I IDST 100 Introductory Communications for Helping Professionals PARA 100 Foundations of Paramedic Practice I PARA 101 Essentials of Emergency Care * KNES 247 Fundamentals of Functional Fitness, Nutrition, and Weight Control
Winter BIOL 205 The Organization and Diversity of Life+ BIOL 277 Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology II PARA 120 Foundations of Paramedic Practice II PARA 125 Assessment and Diagnostics PARA 130 Introduction to Paramedic Management of Emergency Situations
Spring PARA 145 Introduction to Primary Care Practice ++ PARA 150 Primary Care Practice ++
Second Year Fall MICO 191 Introduction to Microcomputers NURS 351 Pharmacotherapeutics NURS 353 Alterations in Health Patterns PARA 200 Introduction to Advanced Care PARA 220 Paramedic Management of Trauma and Environmental Conditions
Winter IDST 485 Death and Dying PARA 230 Skills and Practice in Patient Modalities PARA 240 Management of Special Population Groups PHIL 313 Bioethics PSYC 205 Principles of Psychology
Spring PARA 210 Advanced Critical Care Practice
Third Year Fall PARA 300 Advanced Care Paramedic Practice I PARA 305 Advanced Paramedic Care
Winter (Diploma Exit) PARA 310 Advanced Care Paramedic Practice II
*If you have an EMT/PCP and EMR, you may apply for advance credit for PARA 101 Essentials of Emergency Care.
+ If you are considering the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree you should complete BIOL 231 instead of BIOL 205
++ EMT/PCP from a CMA accredited program and completed within the previous three calendar years may apply for advance credit for PARA 145 Introduction to Primary Care Practice and PARA 150 Primary Care Practice. Awarding of credit is also dependent on work experience since the time of EMT/PCP program completion. Program specific guidelines for awarding of advance credit are available from the Program Coordinator.
Student Standing To maintain satisfactory standing, you must attain
Satisfactory Standing You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 throughout the program.
If you defer clinical or practica or have been deemed unsuccessful you must complete a medical-trauma evaluation scenario and written exam prior to returning to the program. Depending on the results of the assessment further remediation may be required prior to commencing practica.
You may only be absent from the program for one calendar year. A longer absence will require reapplication and readmission to the entire program.
The program must be completed within 6 years of initial entry.
Required Withdrawal You will be required to withdraw if you
As a student in the paramedic program you are expected to exercise responsible conduct that reflects favourably on you, the program and the Medicine Hat College. Please refer to social guidelines for further details related to dismissal.
You may be required to complete clinical and field experiences at sites throughout Alberta. Clinical and field experiences may be scheduled days, evenings, nights, and weekends. Participation in all activities related to practical experiences is mandatory. You are expected to make accommodation for commitments outside Medicine Hat to fit this scheduling. Questionable performance and conduct at any time may result in dismissal from the practicum site and a failing grade in the course.
The Bachelor of Applied Science - Paramedic (BHSc-P) is designed to build on the previous knowledge and experience of practicing paramedics. Qualified candidates are able to obtain the BHSc-P by completing the nine courses offered in the program.
Diploma graduates continuing in the degree or practicing paramedics who wish to earn the Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Paramedic) degree will be able to remain at home. The following courses will be offered by distributed learning (distance).
** for students that did not complete the Medicine Hat College diploma
ACP Registration Exams At various points within the program, you will be required to write Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) registration examinations. You will be notified regarding the costs and date for each examinations. If you are unsuccessful at the initial examination, you may apply to write only once more. All costs related to registration, travel, accommodation, and meals are your responsibility. Further information is available on the ACP website.
An ACP Preparation session may be offered in preparation of the EMT/PCP and EMT-P/ACP examinations at minimal cost.
IAPD The International Academy of Professional Driving (IAPD) course will be offered at various times each year. IAPD course offerings will be provided through Medicine Hat College Continuing Studies and there is an additional cost for this course. Fitness Requirements A career as a Paramedic requires a high level of physical and emotional well-being. You are expected to participate in Physical Evaluation Testing in your first year by a recognized fitness appraiser (e.g., Medicine Hat College Fitness Resource Centre). Further information including the PET test description, process, contacts and required forms can be found at the MHC Be Fit for Life Centre. Any charges associated with the PET testing process are the responsibility of the student.
In the event of illness you must present a medical clearance certificate prior to returning to the program.
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