Becoming a Paramedic
Paramedic Employment Requirements
- If you are interested in a professional career as a Paramedic in Grey County, the following are the prerequisites as per the Ambulance Act of Ontario:
- Must hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- Must read, write and speak English fluently
- Must not have received, during the year immediately prior to employment as a paramedic, six or more demerit points recorded on his or her drivers license
- During the two years immediately prior to employment as a paramedic and during employment as a paramedic, must have maintained a valid driver’s license (ie; no license suspensions)
- During the three years immediately prior to employment as a paramedic, must not have been prohibited from driving under the criminal code
- Must hold a valid Class "F" Ontario driver's license
- Must be immunized against the following diseases; tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and hepatitis B (or have proof of immunity or medical contraindication for vaccinations)
- Must be free of symptoms of all communicable diseases set out in the “Ambulance Services Communicable Disease Standard” from the Emergency Health Services Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
- Must not have been convicted of any crime of moral turpitude (that has not been pardoned)
- Must hold valid BCLS (Basic Rescuer or Level “C” CPR) or ACLS certification at the time of employment as a paramedic and continuously hold a valid BCLS or ACLS certification while employed as a paramedic
- Must be a graduate from a Paramedic Program of a recognized College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Must have obtained a pass on the EMCA (Emergency Medical Care Attendant) exam or Advanced EMCA exam at the time of employment as a paramedic or within 210 days of completion of a paramedic program
Admission Requirements for Ontario Primary Care Paramedic Programs
In Ontario, anyone who wishes to become a Primary Care Paramedic must attend a recognized 2 year Primary Care Paramedic program in a community college. Most colleges require proof of the following prerequisites before you apply to their program:
- Current Standard First Aid (or equivalent) certificate
- Current CPR (Level-C) - Basic Cardiac Life Support
- Senior math, biology, chemistry and English high school courses
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- Class 'F' Drivers License – Ontario
- Current Immunizations (including Hepatitis A/B, Chicken Pox & Influenza vaccine)
- Be free of all Communicable Diseases
- Be physically fit & able to lift
- Possess good communication skills & be able to fluently read & write English
- Be at least 18 years of age upon completion of the program