Program Information

Provision of emergency medical services (EMS) is a unique and vital community service. Paramedics are highly skilled members of a health care team who function within the discipline of emergency and pre-hospital care. Paramedics initiate medical treatment for individuals in urgent and non-urgent situations. Based on sound knowledge, these practitioners demonstrate rational problem-solving abilities and excellent decision-making skills. This program addresses the operational/procedural skills of the primary care paramedics, as well as the ethical and professional behaviours such as effective communication. Mental/physical fitness and healthy lifestyles are emphasized throughout the program, as paramedics must be fit to perform the requirements of the occupation.
 
This is a challenging program that provides the student with extensive classroom and clinical/practicum experience. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in a competent and skillful manner providing pre-hospital care in accordance with the national standards for paramedics.
 

At the time of application to the Primary Care Paramedicine program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:
 
1.         High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
I.          English: 3201 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
Note: Effective 2026-2027 Academic Year intake applicants will need to have completed English 3201
II.         Mathematics chosen from: III.        Three Science courses: College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology: BL1025

, BL1026

b. Chemistry: CH1035

, CH1036

3.         Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
I.          English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
II.         Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
III.        Science : Note:  Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.

Note: ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Completion of the Casper Admissions Exam.
  • The Casper Admissions Exam official score will be used as part of the points-based system to determine ranking in the competitive entry process
  • All applicants are required to complete Casper* Admissions Exam (Casper 2 – CSP10211)
    as part of their application for the 2023/2024 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper (acuityinsights.app).

*Casper. The Casper test comprises 14 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 90-110 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at TakeCasper.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 14-section practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.
 
Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it. 
Casper Test Dates 2024-2025 Application Cycle

• October 3, 2024
• October 10, 2024
• November 7, 2024
• December 5, 2024
• January 9, 2025
• January 21, 2025
• February 20, 2025
• March 4, 2025
• April 8, 2025

 
For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:

• Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
• NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form

2. Program specific requirements:

• Standard/Intermediate First Aid
• CPR (BLS) – Annual renewal required for duration of the program.
• Class 05 Learner (Level 1) Driver’s License (minimum)

Note: Employers may require that Paramedics have a Class 04 driver’s license which can be obtained through a Provincial Motor Vehicle Registration Office.
 
See the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants (Definitions and Regulations) section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details. 
 
Notes: 

• Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
• The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2025
Program Start Date   September 2025    
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program

Deadline for receipt of application	February 26, 2025
Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation*	March 7, 2025
Initial round of acceptances	April 15, 2025

*Documentation received after the deadline WILL NOT be considered
**Candidates not accepted for the intake to which they applied must re-apply for admission to future offerings.  Applications WILL NOT be kept on file.

CODE	TITLE	Hrs/wk
Semester 1		Cr	Le	La
BL1180	Anatomy and Physiology	5	5	0
HG1681	Ethics in Health Care	3	3	0
TM1130	Medical Terminology	3	3	0
CM1250	Communications in the Workplace	3	3	0
PA1210	Health & Fitness I	2	1	3
PA1370	Pharmacology I	2	2	0
PA1125	EMS Basics	5	4	4
Semester 2		Cr	Le	La
PA1460	Medical Emergencies I	3	2	2
CM1270	Communications in Health Care	3	3	0
PA1211	Health & Fitness II	2	1	3
PA1520	Mental Health	2	2	1
PA1371	Pharmacology II	3	2	3
PA1230	Airway Management	2	1	3
PA1280	Cardiology	4	3	2
Semester 3	Intersession	Cr	Le	La
PA1290	Community Paramedicine	2	1	2
PA1470	Medical Emergencies II	5	4	2
Prior to beginning PA1440 students in the PCP program complete PA1290 and PA1470
PA1440	Clinical	3	0	3 wks
Semester 4		Cr	Le	La
PA2000	Traumatology	5	3	5
PA2005	Obstetrics and Pediatrics	3	2	3
PA1515	Special Considerations	2	2	0
PA1415	Interagency Relations	3	2	2
PA2020	Simulation Lab	3	0	9
Semester 5		Cr	Le	La
PA2025	Practicum	14	0	14 wks