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Primary Care Paramedicine

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Primary Care Paramedicine

  • Program Code: 2B1
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Health Sciences
  • Area: Health Sciences
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: CLOSED
  • Location/Delivery Modes & Dates:
  • C
    Bay St. George - On Campus - September 2026
  • C
    Prince Philip Drive - On Campus - September 2026

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

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Program Overview

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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 they 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 (PCP) 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 two-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 Home — Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators.

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
  • Mask fit testing

Note: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation requires the use of an approved respirator when there is potential for exposure to airborne hazards. This program requires respirator use and you must be fit tested on the respirator approved for your program. A fit test ensures the respirator is suitable to you, sized appropriately, and provides a tight seal. It will also educate you on respirator use and care. Facial hair impacts the fit of respirators, therefore, students with facial hair will be required to be clean shaven at the time of fit testing and every time you wear a respirator. Your instructor will arrange fit testing. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to wear a respirator, you must be assessed by a health care provider before being fit tested. Your provider will need to confirm that it is safe for you to use a respirator. If you are unable to pass a fit test, alternative respirator options may be available; however, these options are more expensive, and students are responsible for any associated costs.

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

The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador provides some financial incentive for healthcare programs.  For more information on this and other incentives visit Incentives | Health Care Careers in Newfoundland & Labrador 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. Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
iv. 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.
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: MA1040 (minimum 50%), MA1041 (minimum 60%)
iii.  Biology: BL1025, BL1026 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
iv Chemistry CH1035, CH1036 (minimum of 50% in both courses) or Physics PH1055, PH1056 (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 Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
4 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)
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.
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 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 Pathophysiology 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

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.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

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 - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences $1,301.00 (per semester) $625.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences $4,685.00 (per semester) $2,344.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2025–2026 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

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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