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Advanced Care Paramedicine


Start Date: September


Location: Prince of Wales Campus


Length: 1 Year


Credential: Post-Graduate Certificate, Advanced Care Paramedic


Program Availability: Fall 2024 Term

Canadian Applicants: Closed

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Closed

Other International Applicants: Closed



Program Availability: Fall 2025 Term

Canadian Applicants: Open

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Open

Other International Applicants: Open


Get your certificate in Advanced Care Paramedicine


Build on your expertise as a primary care paramedic and prepare for an expanded role as a first responder. The Advanced Care Paramedicine program covers everything from operational and procedural skills to the skills you need to make critical decisions in an emergency. You will enhance your verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills.

Advanced Care Paramedicine students participate in clinical and ambulance practicum rotations. All practicum placements are in P.E.I., N.B., N.S., or N.L. There is no guarantee students will be placed at their location of choice. Depending on availability, students may be required to go out of province and to several different sites, and placements may also be completed in separate provinces. All clinical and practicum costs are the responsibility of the student including, but not limited to, travel costs, rental costs, lease breaks, uniform costs, and safety kit/PPE.

Paramedics need to be physically and psychologically fit for a variety of employment opportunities. Program components include the successful completion of the Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (PPAT).  Students have various opportunities within the program to learn skills to support their psychological well-being.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES


Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply an advanced knowledge of the clinical and biomedical sciences to patient care.
  2. Utilize point of care diagnostic tools and instruments to advance patient assessments as indicated by patient presentation and environment.
  3. Use sound reasoning and clinical judgement to establish patient care plans and prioritize care. 
  4. Recognize medical complexity, physiological instability, and other factors that contribute to adverse patient outcomes and adapt plans for care with consideration of a patient’s life journey.
  5. Adhere to pharmaco-legal responsibilities for administering and dispensing medications, including controlled substances and vaccines.
  6. Utilize therapeutic communication techniques for patients, care partners, and members of the health care team when carrying out all treatment.
  7. Engage in professional research and advanced learning as a commitment to patient care.
  8. Conduct quality improvement activities to improve paramedic practice.
  9. Participate in activities that promote lifelong learning, personal health and well-being, safe practice, personal development, and self-reflection.

Financial Support for Island Students

Note for PEI Applicants: 

Residents of Prince Edward Island will receive financial assistance, including 100% tuition support to help them complete a post-secondary certificate or diploma and commit to working in Prince Edward Island.  The process to apply can be found here: Licensed Practical Nursing and Paramedic Support Program | Government of Prince Edward Island


The Advanced Care Paramedicine program delivered by Holland College is accredited by Accreditation Canada.

Graduates from accredited paramedicine programs have met competency standards as reflected in the Paramedic Association of Canada’s National Occupational Competency Profile and are eligible to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) National Exam for Paramedics in Canada. Successful completion of the exam is required for paramedic registration in many provinces in Canada, including Prince Edward Island.

This program is located in the Centre for Applied Science and Technology.
Take a virtual tour of the CAST building.

  • Graduation from an AC accredited 2-year Canadian Primary Care Paramedicine program or equivalent
  • Current Heart and Stroke BLS
  • Completion of Immunization Verification Form (required after acceptance) (this is a PDF and will open in a new window)
  • Valid Class 4 (taxi, ambulance or small bus) driver’s license
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program.

Notes:

  • If you are accepted to this program, you can book your immunizations and medical assessment through our Health Clinic. To book an appointment, please email npclinic@hollandcollege.com or call 902-566-9392. You will need your health card and your vaccination record. 
  • Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check: Before attending any practicum or clinical portions of the program, a student must submit a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check. If the check indicates that a record exists, the student may not be able to complete portions of their program that are required for graduation. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
  • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements page.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

Fees are Course Based

1 Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $7,885 $13,885
Fees $3,058 $3,808
Other Costs $4,550 $4,550
Total $15,493 $22,243
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year

Tuition $7,885
Lab Fee $2,150
NCPR Course Fee $80
Student Union $178
Health Insurance Fee $470
Fitness Centre Fee $80
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $10,943
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $6,007
2nd installment due first day of second semester $4,936
   

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, exams, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

1 Year

Books $1,000
Materials/Supplies $200
Equip/Tools/Uniforms/Teaching Aids/PDA $2,500
Exam $850
     Total $4,550
   
Grand Total $15,493

 

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year

Tuition* $13,885
Lab Fee $2,150
NCPR Course Fee $80
Student Union $178
Health Insurance Fee $1,220
Fitness Centre Fee $80
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $17,693
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $12,757
2nd installment due first day of second semester $4,936
   

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, exams, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

1 Year

Books $1,000
Materials/Supplies $200
Equip/Tools/Uniforms/Teaching Aids/PDA $2,500
Exam $850
     Total $4,550
   
Grand Total $22,243

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Ground ambulance
  • Industrial First Aid
  • Recreation and sports facilities
  • Emergency medical education
  • Medical supply sales
  • Emergency departments
  • Air ambulance
  • Communication centres

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-3005

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

The course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice and demonstrate proficiency in the following skills used in resuscitation: systematic approach, high-quality BLS, airway management, rhythm recognition, defibrillation, intravenous (IV)/intraosseous (IO) access, use of medications, cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, and team dynamics.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-3010

Pediatric Advanced Life Support

The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider course enables healthcare professionals to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to better recognize and treat critically ill infants and children. The course materials are scenario-based, and a team approach is used to teach emergency management of pediatric patients approaching or already in respiratory or cardiac arrest, from the early minutes through patient stabilization and/or the transport phases of a pediatric emergency, in or out of the hospital.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-3020

Paramedic Evidence Based Practice

Students develop a clinical query based on an approved topic of interest, conduct a literature search, select relevant articles, and perform a critique. The course is composed of a series of components, each including a lecture and/or large group exercise, followed by a worksheet and individual work, with the aid of course facilitators. To complete the course, students will compose a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT).

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-3025

Paramedic Physical Abilities Test C

Paramedicine is a physically demanding profession, and physical fitness underlies the Paramedic's ability to perform many job tasks. Successful completion of the Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (PPAT) is required for participation in the practicum course(s) in the Paramedicine program at Holland College. This assessment is also a current requirement for employment in most Atlantic province's EMS services. PPAT certification expires after six months and may need to be passed more than once throughout the program.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:PARA-3000

ACP Theory and Professional Practice

Course Description: A close examination of various topics related to professional development as a paramedic and promotion of the paramedic profession. In addition, the course addresses special topics pertinent to the paramedic role such as airway management, advanced assessment techniques, aspects of cardiac care, laboratory data interpretation, CBRNE, and medical research.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:PARA-3005

ACP Pharmacology and Toxicology

Elaborating on the basic pharmacological principles from primary care paramedicine, this course extends into pharmacology related to advanced care paramedicine. In addition, students learn the management of patients exposed to toxins or overdose and the administration of blood and blood products.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:PARA-3010

Prehospital Cardiology

This course focuses on the diagnostic tools and procedures required for the management of patients experiencing cardiovascular and endocrine complications. Students also learn the management of patients experiencing external hemorrhage and trauma and their relation to the cardiovascular system.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3020

Prehospital Respirology

An exploration of the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of respiratory, neurological, and psychiatric illness. In addition to medical illness, topics include all aspects of airway management and trauma related injuries involving the above systems.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3030

Prehospital Gastroenterology

An exploration of the disorders affecting the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and endocrine systems. Students will also explore human development throughout the lifespan. Students will gain skills and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of illness and injury to these systems.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3040

Prehospital Immunology

This course is a case based exploration of immunology, infectious disease and toxicology. Students gain skills and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of illnessness and events that represent these medical displines.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3054

ACP Lab A

Through individual and small group instruction and practice opportunities in scheduled lab sessions students gain the confidence and skills integration essential to Advanced Care Paramedicine practice. ACPs in practice gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated, timely manner. The team approach to application of skills is an important theme in this course.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:PARA-3055

ACP Lab B

Through individual and small group instruction and practice opportunities in scheduled lab sessions students gain the confidence and skills integration essential to Advanced Care Paramedicine practice. ACPs in practice gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated, timely manner. The team approach to application of skills is an important theme in this course.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PRAC-3000

ACP Clinical

A practical experience for the Advanced Care Paramedic student in a clinical environment. Students are exposed to various health care environments, are expected to perform effectively as a team member, and exhibit professional conduct in the work place.

Credit Value:8


Course Code:PRAC-3010

ACP Practicum

An on the job experience for Advanced Care Paramedic students where they are placed with a qualified Paramedic preceptor in the pre-hospital workplace for developmental mentoring and assessment of skills and integration of knowledge at the entry to practice level of competency. Students are exposed to the Paramedicine work environment and provide supervised care to obtain the confidence and skills integration essential to paramedic practice. They gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated and timely manner. They are expected to perform effectively as a paramedic team member and exhibit professional conduct in the work place and while involved with patients and other health professionals.

Credit Value:15


Course Code:NCPR-3005

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

The course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice and demonstrate proficiency in the following skills used in resuscitation: systematic approach, high-quality BLS, airway management, rhythm recognition, defibrillation, intravenous (IV)/intraosseous (IO) access, use of medications, cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, and team dynamics.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-3010

Pediatric Advanced Life Support

The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider course enables healthcare professionals to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to better recognize and treat critically ill infants and children. The course materials are scenario-based, and a team approach is used to teach emergency management of pediatric patients approaching or already in respiratory or cardiac arrest, from the early minutes through patient stabilization and/or the transport phases of a pediatric emergency, in or out of the hospital.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-3020

Paramedic Evidence Based Practice

Students develop a clinical query based on an approved topic of interest, conduct a literature search, select relevant articles, and perform a critique. The course is composed of a series of components, each including a lecture and/or large group exercise, followed by a worksheet and individual work, with the aid of course facilitators. To complete the course, students will compose a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT).

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-3025

Paramedic Physical Abilities Test C

Paramedicine is a physically demanding profession, and physical fitness underlies the Paramedic's ability to perform many job tasks. Successful completion of the Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (PPAT) is required for participation in the practicum course(s) in the Paramedicine program at Holland College. This assessment is also a current requirement for employment in most Atlantic province's EMS services. PPAT certification expires after six months and may need to be passed more than once throughout the program.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:PARA-3010

Prehospital Cardiology

This course focuses on the diagnostic tools and procedures required for the management of patients experiencing cardiovascular and endocrine complications. Students also learn the management of patients experiencing external hemorrhage and trauma and their relation to the cardiovascular system.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3014

ACP Lab Theory and Professional Practice A

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3015

ACP Lab Theory and Professional Practice B

The course addresses topics pertinent to the Advanced Care Paramedic role such as advanced assessment techniques, and aspects of cardiac, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, endocrine, and adverse environmental conditions. Additionally, facets of pediatric, neonatal, and obstetrical management are explored.

Credit Value:1


Course Code:PARA-3020

Prehospital Respirology

An exploration of the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of respiratory, neurological, and psychiatric illness. In addition to medical illness, topics include all aspects of airway management and trauma related injuries involving the above systems.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3030

Prehospital Gastroenterology

An exploration of the disorders affecting the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and endocrine systems. Students will also explore human development throughout the lifespan. Students will gain skills and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of illness and injury to these systems.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3040

Prehospital Immunology

This course is a case based exploration of immunology, infectious disease and toxicology. Students gain skills and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of illnessness and events that represent these medical displines.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PARA-3054

ACP Lab A

Through individual and small group instruction and practice opportunities in scheduled lab sessions students gain the confidence and skills integration essential to Advanced Care Paramedicine practice. ACPs in practice gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated, timely manner. The team approach to application of skills is an important theme in this course.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:PARA-3055

ACP Lab B

Through individual and small group instruction and practice opportunities in scheduled lab sessions students gain the confidence and skills integration essential to Advanced Care Paramedicine practice. ACPs in practice gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated, timely manner. The team approach to application of skills is an important theme in this course.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PRAC-3000

ACP Clinical

A practical experience for the Advanced Care Paramedic student in a clinical environment. Students are exposed to various health care environments, are expected to perform effectively as a team member, and exhibit professional conduct in the work place.

Credit Value:8


Course Code:PRAC-3010

ACP Practicum

An on the job experience for Advanced Care Paramedic students where they are placed with a qualified Paramedic preceptor in the pre-hospital workplace for developmental mentoring and assessment of skills and integration of knowledge at the entry to practice level of competency. Students are exposed to the Paramedicine work environment and provide supervised care to obtain the confidence and skills integration essential to paramedic practice. They gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated and timely manner. They are expected to perform effectively as a paramedic team member and exhibit professional conduct in the work place and while involved with patients and other health professionals.

Credit Value:15


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The instructors have been knowledgeable, supportive and quick to respond to requests for help.

Graduating Student Survey Respondent, Class of 2024

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