Program Information

Health Care in Motion. 
 
Paramedics are health care professionals who answer the call for emergency care outside of a hospital. These 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. Paramedics save lives.  
 
If you have excellent teamworking 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 requirements of the occupation.? 
 
Does this sound like your calling? Keep calm and apply now. 

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:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
III.        Three Science courses:
Biology: 2201 and 3201
Chemistry: 3202
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.
Note: 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, 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 :
Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
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.


Effective Academic Year 2026 – 2027 intake:
At the time of application to the Primary Care Paramedic 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
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
    Chemistry: 3202 or Physics 3204
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.
Note: 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

, CM1061

ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040

, MA1041

iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology: BL1025

, BL1026

 b. Chemistry: CH1035

, CH1036

or Physics PH1055, PH1056
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
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
OR
Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
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 come, first served basis. Before final acceptance is granted, additional documentation must be submitted; see the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.

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

 

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