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Program Information

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Primary Care Paramedicine

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Health Sciences
  • Duration: Two Years


LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
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Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Bay St. George - On Campus delivery - September 2026
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2026

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | CURRICULUM | CERTIFICATIONS | CLINICAL PLACEMENTS | PARAMEDIC PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS | ACCREDITATION | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | INCENTIVES | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Bay St. George - On Campus delivery - September 2026
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2026

Health Care in Motion.

Paramedics are health care professionals who answer the call for emergency care outside of a hospital. These dedicated emergency heroes are often the first medical responders on the scene when 911 is called. They administer pre-hospital patient care on the scene and during transport to the nearest hospital.  
 
Paramedics are highly skilled members of a health care team who demonstrate rational problem-solving abilities and excellent decision-making skills when called to an emergency situation. This provision of emergency medical services (EMS) is a unique and vital community service and a truly meaningful vocation. Everyday make a difference, and often, they save lives.  
 
If you have excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills, the ability to think quickly and critically, and can stay calm under pressure, this profession may be for you.  
 
The Primary Care Paramedicine program offers a challenge and will provide you with extensive classroom and clinical/practicum experience. You will address the operational and procedural skills of the primary care paramedic, as well as the ethical and professional behaviours such as effective communication. Mental and physical fitness and healthy lifestyles are emphasized throughout the program, as paramedics must be fit to perform the demanding requirements of the occupation. Graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce and contribute meaningfully to emergency medical services provincially and beyond!
 
Does this sound like your calling? Keep calm and apply now. 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Prepares you to work in a competent and skillful manner providing pre-hospital care in accordance with the national standards for paramedics 
  • Portable credentials to other provinces 
  • Prepares you to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) exam 
  • Accredited by Accreditation Canada 
  • Clinical placements assigned at approved training sites 
  • Practice driving in the CNA ambulance; take part in mock simulation disasters 
  • Over 650 practical hands-on hours 
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Newfoundland and Labrador has a critical need for paramedics. Due to province-wide staffing shortages, graduates have a very high probability of employment upon graduation.
  • According to Salary Expert, the average salary for a Paramedic in Canada is $57,426 per year.2 A senior level paramedic (8+ years’ experience) earns an average of $70,046. 
  • Paramedics are employed in various settings including ambulance services, emergency rooms and health care clinics, industrial and marine environments, disaster response, police tactile teams, and expedition medicine. 
  • This program can serve as a prerequisite for the Advanced Care Paramedicine program
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Primary Care Paramedicine program, graduates will be able to:
 
  1. Demonstrate required skills, knowledge, and abilities, as prescribed by the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) with consistency, independence, timeliness, accuracy, and appropriateness.
  2. Integrate assessment, diagnostic, and treatment procedures into the holistic management of patients in the out-of-hospital setting.
  3. Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills that promote logical and independent decision-making in the provision of paramedic care.
  4. Maintain a level of physical and mental health necessary to perform the bona fide occupational requirements.
  5. Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other members of the health care team to serve patients and employers with the highest degree of competence.
  6. Reflect professionalism through personal deportment and public interactions.
  7. Demonstrate ethical behaviour, empathy, and respect for individuals.
CURRICULUM
This 2-year program includes a combination of training at CNA, and clinical placements across the province with NL Health Services (NLHS). Graduates of the Primary Care Paramedicine program are eligible to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) licensing examination.

Provincial registration of paramedics is overseen by the Newfoundland and Labrador Paramedicine Regulation (NLPR). Visit the NLPR website for more details.
CERTIFICATIONS
During the program students will complete the following certificate(s)/certification(s): 
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Incident Command System (ICS 100)
  • Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (CEVO)
  • International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
  • Pediatric Emergency Assessment Recognition and Management (PEARS)
  • Workplace NL Introduction to MSK injuries
  • Mental Health Commission of Canada “The Working Mind”

 
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program, and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.  
 
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement.  Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.
 
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.
PARAMEDIC PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Becoming a paramedic is physically demanding, and success in the program requires students to meet the physical standards of the profession. This includes successfully completing the Paramedic Physical Assessment Testing (PPAT) within 7 minutes at various stages throughout the program.
 
The PPAT consists of:

  • Carrying 2 x 30lbs trauma bags along a pathway (74m / 242ft)
  • Performing 2 minutes of compression only CPR
  • Carrying 2 x 50lbs simulated extrication equipment along a set pathway including stairs (37m/ 121ft)
  • Perform (with a partner) an extremity lift of a 200lb manikin from the floor to a chair
  • Move a stair chair with a 200lb manikin along a pathway including stairs (37m/ 121ft)
  • Move a 145lbs barbell (simulated loaded stretcher) along a pathway (32m/ 104 ft)

 


 
ACCREDITATION

The Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) program is accredited with condition by Accreditation Canada until September 30, 2027.

This program is “Accredited with condition” with Accreditation Canada/Equal. This program demonstrates partial compliance with accreditation standards. It must implement specific changes within two years of receiving conditional status to maintain its accreditation. However, students should be aware of the risk that the program may not be able to make the necessary changes, potentially resulting in a loss of accreditation. If the required changes have been made, the program is then accredited and graduating students may be eligible for further credentialing/certification/registration as required by their professional and/or regulatory authorities. 

If you require additional information regarding our accreditation status and endeavors and/or any potential implications our accreditation status may have on your future abilities to practice as a healthcare professional, we encourage you to reach out to the Dean for the School of Health Sciences.

Note: Graduates of the program are eligible to write the certification examination set by Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR).


 
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
  • The Canadian government requires all international students in a program with a placement component (e.g. Co-Op, Clinical, etc.) to have a valid international Student Co-op Work Permit, in advance to your study permit
  • Your Co-op Work Permit must NOT contain any restrictions against working in a health care setting
  • If you are not sure what the Co-op Work Permit is or how to obtain it or if you would like assistance, please reach out to our International Student Development Officer Linda Spingle linda.spingle@cna.nl.ca

 
INCENTIVES

Healthcare occupation incentives such as bursaries, tuition relief, signing bonuses and more, can be explored at: Incentives | Health Care Careers in Newfoundland & Labrador

 

REFERENCES
[1] Lightcast, 03, 2023 Data Set, Occupational Overview; Paramedical occupations in Newfoundland and Labrador
[2] Indeed.com, 2024; Paramedic Job Description | Indeed
 

Admission Requirements


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(60% minimum)
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
    Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
    Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science:
    Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
    Chemistry: 3202 (minimum of 50%) or Physics 3204 (minimum of 50%)
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.CNA will not apply newly revised requirements to the disadvantage of an applicant whose high school courses were established by earlier requirements. 
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060
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, CM1061
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ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040
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, MA1041
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iii.  Science courses:
a. Biology: BL1025
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, BL1026
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(minimum of 50% in both courses)
b. Chemistry: CH1035
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, CH1036
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(minimum of 50% in both courses) or Physics PH1055
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, PH1056
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(minimum of 50% in both courses)
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):
1 English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
2 Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
3 Science from two of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
OR
Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
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.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

Note:  Students meeting academic entrance requirements are accepted on a first qualified, first accepted. Before final acceptance is granted, additional documentation must be submitted

English Proficiency
The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). English as a Second Language (ESL) students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.

International Applicants
All international applicants to the SHS may be required to submit official IELTS Academic Test scores that meet the minimum thresholds listed above. For more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

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.
Note: Students will need to have a full Class 05 Driver’s License by fall year 2 of the paramedic program. Information can be obtained about Driver’s License via link: Motor Registration - Government Modernization and Service Delivery
 
Note: Employers may require that Paramedics have a Class 04 driver’s license which can be obtained through a Provincial Motor Vehicle Registration Office.

Courses


 
CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
BL1180
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Anatomy and Physiology 5 5 0
TM1130
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Medical Terminology 3 3 0
HG2051
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Professional Practice & Ethics 3 3 0
PA1115
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Health & Wellness 2 2 0
PA1231
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Airway Management 3 2 3
PA1126
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EMS Basics 5 4 4
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
PA1250
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Social Responsibilities of the Paramedic 2 2 0
CM1250
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Communications in Healthcare 3 3 0
PA1255
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Pathophysiology 6 6 0
PA1521
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Mental Health 3 2 3
PA1295
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Prehospital Pharmacology 4 3 3
PA1280
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Cardiology 4 3 2
         
Semester 3   Cr Le La
PA1375
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Lifting and Moving 2 1 3
PA1385
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Medical Emergencies 5 4 2
PA1395
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Pediatrics 3 2 2
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
PA2000
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Traumatology 5 3 5
PA2006
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Obstetrics and Neonatal 3 1 2
PA1516
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Special Considerations 4 3 3
PA1416
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Interagency Relations 3 2 3
PA1480
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Clinical 4 0 4 wks
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
PA2020
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Simulation Lab 3 0 9
PA2026
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Practicum I 7 0 7 wks
         
Semester 6   Cr Le La
PA2075
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Practicum II 7 0 7 wks

Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Application fees must be paid for each application to the College.
    Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $1,301.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $625.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $320.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 


College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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