Are you a primary care paramedic looking to take your expertise and career to the next level? An Advanced Care Paramedicine Program is designed to build upon your existing foundation, equipping you with the enhanced skills and knowledge necessary for an expanded role as a first responder in critical situations. This comprehensive program goes beyond basic operational and procedural skills, delving into the crucial decision-making capabilities required in emergency scenarios. You’ll refine your verbal and written communication, strengthen your interpersonal abilities, and cultivate essential leadership qualities.
A hallmark of the Advanced Care Paramedicine program is its emphasis on practical experience. Students engage in invaluable clinical and ambulance practicum rotations, providing real-world exposure to advanced care settings. While practicum placements are primarily within Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), New Brunswick (N.B.), Nova Scotia (N.S.), and Newfoundland and Labrador (N.L.), flexibility is key. To ensure diverse experiences, students may need to undertake placements outside of their preferred location and potentially across multiple provinces. It’s important to note that students are responsible for all costs associated with these placements, including travel, accommodation, uniforms, and safety equipment.
The demanding nature of paramedicine requires individuals to be both physically and psychologically resilient. The program integrates this reality by including the Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (PPAT) to assess physical readiness. Furthermore, recognizing the critical importance of mental well-being in this profession, the curriculum offers resources and training to support students’ psychological health and resilience.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Advanced Care Paramedicine program, graduates will be equipped to:
- Advanced Clinical Knowledge: Apply in-depth knowledge of clinical and biomedical sciences to provide superior patient care.
- Diagnostic Proficiency: Utilize advanced point-of-care diagnostic tools to enhance patient assessments across diverse environments.
- Clinical Judgement & Decision-Making: Employ sound reasoning and clinical judgment to develop and prioritize effective patient care plans.
- Complex Patient Management: Recognize and manage medical complexities and physiological instabilities, adapting care plans to consider the patient’s broader health journey.
- Pharmacological Expertise: Adhere to all pharmaco-legal responsibilities related to medication administration, including controlled substances and vaccines.
- Therapeutic Communication: Utilize advanced therapeutic communication techniques with patients, families, and healthcare teams to optimize treatment delivery.
- Commitment to Research & Advancement: Engage in professional research and continuous learning to enhance patient care practices.
- Quality Improvement Initiatives: Conduct quality improvement activities aimed at refining and elevating paramedic practice standards.
- Professional Development & Well-being: Participate in activities promoting lifelong learning, personal health, safe practice, and self-reflection for continuous professional growth.
Financial Assistance for Island Students
Important Information for PEI Applicants:
Prince Edward Island residents have access to significant financial support, covering 100% of tuition fees for eligible post-secondary certificate or diploma programs, including Advanced Care Paramedicine. This financial assistance is designed to encourage residents to pursue advanced education and commit to working within Prince Edward Island post-graduation. Detailed application information is available through the Licensed Practical Nursing and Paramedic Support Program | Government of Prince Edward Island.
The Advanced Care Paramedicine program offered by Holland College is fully accredited by Accreditation Canada, ensuring adherence to the highest educational standards.
Graduates of accredited programs meet the competency benchmarks set by the Paramedic Association of Canada’s National Occupational Competency Profile and are eligible to undertake the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) National Exam. Successful completion of this exam is a prerequisite for paramedic registration in many Canadian provinces, including Prince Edward Island, solidifying your professional standing and career prospects across Canada.
This program is conveniently located within the Centre for Applied Science and Technology. Explore the facilities further with a virtual tour of the CAST building.
