Programs & Courses
Paramedic
DIPLOMA / DEGREE
About the Program
When lives are on the line, the skills and knowledge of a paramedic can make the difference between life and death. 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.
Please Note: The Bachelor of Applied Health Science- Paramedic Applied Degree is a competitive entry program. Meeting minimum published admission averages does not guarantee entry to the program.
MHC’s Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Paramedic) Degree has been created to meet the emerging needs of patients, practitioners and employers. It enables you to move seamlessly through the various levels of preparation for careers in Emergency Medical Services, ultimately allowing you to attain the Advanced Care Paramedic Diploma or to continue on to the Bachelor of Applied Health Science Paramedic Degree.
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.
There is a high demand for paramedics who are employed by public and private ambulance services provincially, nationally and internationally. Paramedics also work in a variety of industrial and community-based emergency health settings.
Professional Info: The program prepares practitioners in accordance with the Paramedic Association of Canada’s National Occupational Competency Profile and the Alberta Occupational Competency Profile for Paramedics, and equips the student to write the Alberta College of Paramedic registration examinations. The Medicine Hat College curriculum extends beyond the learning of discipline specific skills to encompass broader learning goals that will prepare the graduate to excel in the present, as well as the future health care environment.
This program is approved through the Alberta College of Paramedics which signifies that our paramedic program has met provincial/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. It is designed to prepare you with the National Occupational Competencies for Paramedic Practitioners. On successful completion of the diploma program, you are prepared to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators licensing examination at the Advanced Care Paramedic level. You will have the additional benefit of enhanced transferability of various courses presented throughout your education.
Admission Requirements
High School
Overall average of at least 60% and a minimum mark of 50% in
- ELA 30-1
- Biology 30
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
- Grade 12 five credit subject (Chemistry 30 is recommended)
Transfer Route
Students require ELA 30-1, Biology 30 and Math 30-1 or 30-2 however, previous post-secondary coursework can be considered. Successful completion of a PCP/EMT or EMR program provides applicants a competitive average boost if you are deemed qualified – for more information contact admissions.
English Language Proficiency
For the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) students must have an overall band score of 7.0 with no band score less than 7.0.
Pre-Professional Requirements
After being admitted into the program, you must provide
- Proof of current CPR with the Heart & Stroke Heartsaver AED (C) CPR certificates
- Students will receive a health questionnaire and immunizations checklist that must be completed. In some cases, a chest x-ray may be required.
- A recent Police Information Check (within two months) prior to the first day of classes. Periodic Police Information Checks may be required prior to practicum and work experience to maintain current status throughout the program and to comply with provincial laws. Students are obligated to inform the Program Coordinator immediately of any change in the status of their criminal record.
- class 5 Drivers license with GDL removed
Post Diploma Degree Completion – Practicing Advanced Care Paramedics
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.
- ELA 30-1
- Current Advanced Care Paramedic license in the province you are located
- Continued employment as an Advanced Care Paramedic
Course List
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester
| BIOL 231 |
Introduction to Biology I |
| BIOL 275 | Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| IDST 100 | Introductory Communications for Helping Professionals |
| KNES 247 |
Introduction to Wellness, Fitness and Nutrition |
| PARA 100 | Foundations of Paramedic Practice I |
| Winter Semester | |
| BIOL 277 |
Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
| PARA 115 | Professional Communications for Paramedics |
| PARA 120 | Foundations of Paramedic Practice II |
| PARA 125 |
Assessment and Diagnostics |
| PARA 130 | Introduction to Paramedic Management of Emergency Situations |
| Spring Semester | |
| PARA 145** |
Introduction to Primary Care Practice |
| PARA 150** | Primary Care Practice |
EMR completed within the previous three calendar years may apply for transfer credit for Para 100.
** EMT/PCP from an Accreditation Canada accredited program and completed within the previous three calendar years may apply for transfer credit for PARA 100, PARA 115, PARA 120, PARA 125, PARA 130, PARA 145 and PARA 150. Awarding of credit is also dependent on work experience since the time of EMT/PCP program completion. Program specific guidelines for awarding of transfer credit are available from the Program Coordinator.SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester
| PARA 200 | Introduction to Advanced Care |
| PARA 215 | Pharmacology for the Prehospital Professional |
| PARA 220 | Paramedic Management of Trauma and Environmental Conditions |
| PHSL 200 | Pathophysiology |
| PSYC 205 | Principles of Psychology |
| Winter Semester | |
| IDST 485 | Death and Dying |
| PARA 205 |
Mental Health for First Responders |
| PARA 230 | Skills and Practice in Patient Modalities |
| PARA 240 | Management of Special Population Groups |
| PHIL 313 | Bioethics |
| Spring Semester | |
| PARA 210 |
Advanced Critical Care Practice |
THIRD YEAR
Fall Semester
| PARA 300 | Advanced Care Paramedic Practice I |
| PARA 305 | Advanced Paramedic Care |
| Winter Semester (Diploma Exit Only) | |
| PARA 310 | Advanced Care Paramedic Practice II** |
FOURTH YEAR (Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences - Post Diploma Entry Point)
| MGMT 243 | Human Resources Management |
| PHIL 313 | Bioethics++ |
| STAT 333 | Statistics for the Life Sciences |
| PARA 452 | EMS and the Canadian Health System |
| PARA 453 | Community Focused Theory |
| PARA 454 | Leadership in Health Care |
| PARA 455 | Research |
| PARA 470 | Paramedic Work Term I |
| PARA 480 | Paramedic Work Term II |
++ for students that did not complete the Medicine Hat College diploma
Career Opportunities
There is a high demand for paramedics who are employed by public and private ambulance services provincially, nationally and internationally. Paramedics also work in a variety of industrial and community-based emergency health settings.What is your education going to cost?
Our TUITION and FEES page provides a total cost estimate for your program including books and supplies and related expenses.
Looking for ways to help fund your education?
There are lots of options like student loans, scholarships, bursaries and emergency funding available.
Check out our FINANCIAL AID page for more information.
Many programs offered at Medicine Hat College qualify for transfer credits to other institutions. In some cases, you must transfer to another institution to complete your program and gain your credential.
The ACADEMIC CALENDAR has official information on transfer options for each program.
Please consult the calendar or meet with an academic advisor for more information.
At MHC, we care about students and want to help you succeed.
As a student, there may be times when you require support. Our SERVICES page provides you with links to a number of campus supports including academic success, counselling and care, health and wellness, and many other resources.
Have you always wanted to study abroad?
Enhance your education, share in cultural diversity and embrace new experiences. Visit the INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM section to find out more.
At various points within the program, students will be required to write Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) registration examinations. Students will be notified regarding the cost and date for each examination. Students unsuccessful at the initial examination, may apply to write only once more. All costs related to registration, travel, accommodation, and meals are the students responsibility. Further information is available on the ACP website. An ACP Preparation session may be offered in preparation for the EMT-PCP & EMT-P/ACP examinations at minimal cost.
Fitness Requirements
A career as a Paramedic requires a high level of physical and emotional well-being. Students are expected to participate in Physical Evaluation Testing in 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 Center. Any charges associated with the PET testing process are the responsibility of the student.
In the event of illness students must present a medical clearance certificate prior to returning to the program.
Professional Driving Improvement
Students will be required to successfully complete the Professional Driving Improvement Course (PDIC). This course is offered through Continuing Education at Medicine Hat College. Students will be responsible for paying the cost associated with this course. The course must be successfully completed by the end of the first
semester of the program.
Uniforms
Students will be required to buy uniforms and appropriate foot wear. Uniforms will be ordered in the first semester of the program. Students will also be responsible for purchasing a pen light, stethoscope, trauma shears, trauma glasses, and an emergency vest.
Electronic Charting
Students are required to purchase a wifi enabled device for completing patient care reports and competency tracking during practicum.
Required Withdrawal
Students will be required to withdraw if they fail to obtain satisfactory standing in a second attempt at a PARA course that have failed. (Please refer to Medicine Hat College Academic Policies regarding further details related to probation and dismissal)
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.
As a graduate of the diploma portion of the program, you may continue your studies with the college and complete the remaining 8 courses within the Bachelor of Applied Health Studies (Paramedic) degree section.
Please speak with an ACADEMIC ADVISOR for more information.
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Post Diploma Degree Completion |
In Class Demonstration Watch as the paramedic students demonstrate a standard ACS call in the simulation lab. |