How to Become a Paramedic in Canada

Paramedic positions in Canada vary by the province that you are in. However, there are three main types of paramedic positions that you can have in Canada: a primary care paramedic, an advanced care paramedic and a critical care paramedic. To become a paramedic in Canada, you will need to get the appropriate training and education, complete the required certification courses and find an ambulance company or medical institution to work for.

Instructions

Become a Paramedic in Canada

1. Complete the requirements to become a Primary Care Paramedic. To do this you will need to take the two year PCP program, pass the provincial PCP exam, find a job as a PCP and get approval from the local medical director. This is the most common level of paramedic in Canada.

2. Advance your paramedic career by earning your certification as an Advanced Care Paramedic. To do this you will need to work as a PCP for between six months and two years, you will need to then complete your 1200 hour ACP program and pass all subsequent exams and certification programs that are required by the Canadian province that you are working in.

3. Become the highest level of paramedic possible, the Critical Care Paramedic. A CCP requires one year of work experience as an ACP, a certificate in Basic Trauma Life Support, a certificate in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, a certificate in Aeromedical Certificate and you will need to complete the CCP program, which will take you about a year.

Tips & Warnings

• Each province in Canada has its own terminology and requirements for their paramedics. Make sure you understand what your province is looking for before you start signing up for paramedic courses.