Advanced Care Paramedic ADP

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.

General requirements

• This is a graduate certificate program, meaning applicants must have previous education and/or training.
• Applicants must have ONE OF the following: A Paramedic Ontario College Diploma – or – a Paramedic diploma from a CMA accredited college in Canada – or – an Ambulance and Emergency Care Certificate
• In addition to a credential, applicants must have ALL of the following:
  • Provincial certification at the Primary Care Paramedic level
  • 4000 hours of work experience within the last three years as a Primary Care Paramedic
  • Pass a pre-admission Theoretical Preparedness Test with a mark of 70% or higher

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Work well under pressure
• Strong leadership abilities
• Sound decision-making skills
• Ability to apply sound judgment to make critical decisions in high stakes situations
• Ability to empathize with others
• Ability to work in a team
• Self-motivation and work independently
• Desire to work with sick people of all ages
• The ability to remain firm, reassuring, and efficient in moments of crisis
• Willing to handle situations involving blood, body fluids, and matter and extreme personal situations
• Ability to accept & comply with industry (professional) standards & expectations – i.e. wear a uniform, follow rules of conduct, maintain honesty & integrity
• Able to take charge and provide clear directions to people

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become

Advanced Care Paramedic.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Paramedic service, emergency medical transport, patient transfer, hospitals, community events.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• This work is physically demanding. Emergency medical personnel are required to lift loads over 95kg (210lbs) with assistance.
• Observe safety precautions to avoid injury when working with equipment and exposure to potentially hazardous biological agents.
• Work both indoors and outdoors, often in stressful circumstances.
• Work shifts that include evenings, weekends, and holidays; may work 8, 10, 12,14, or 24-hour shifts.
• Diverse/uncontrolled working conditions, including periods of inactivity
• Deal with blood/vomit/body material/body parts
• Placed in  situations that most never see, involved with extremes of human behaviour

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace:

• See the full list at Ontarioparamedic.ca
• conduct patient assessments
• provide basic airway management
• administer oxygen by demand, by bag-valve-mask or basic mechanical ventilation
• perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• provide basic trauma care (e.g. spinal and wound care, limb immobilization/traction)
• administer symptom relief medications and perform semi-automated external defibrillation (SAED)

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant (AEMCA) certification
• Canadian Medical Association (CMA)
• Ontario Paramedic Association
• Paramedic Association of Canada
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• With further training, can advance to Critical Care Flight Paramedic.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024