Become a Paramedic
For those interested in a career as a Paramedic.
The Ambulance Act Of Ontario has certain criteria that must be met prior to being certified by the government to work as a Paramedic in Ontario.
- An Ontario Secondary School graduation diploma, or Equivalent.
- The ability to read and write the English language fluently.
- A valid driver’s license that authorizes the person to drive an Ambulance. E.g. Class F.
- Maintained, during the past two years prior to employment, and maintain during employment a valid drivers license.
- Not have at any time in the three years prior to employment, been prohibited from driving under the Criminal Code of Canada.
- Not received in the year immediately prior to hire six or more demerit points on their driver’s license.
- A valid certificate signed by a physician that states a person has up to date immunization against disease. Person must also be free of all communicable diseases.
- A criminal record search proving the person has not been convicted of any crime of moral turpitude for which the person has not been pardoned.
- Valid certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the basic rescuer level. (Min.) This must be maintained on a yearly basis after hire.
A two-year college course – Primary Care Paramedic Program – is also required. This course includes classroom time, hospital practicum, as well as ride outs on an ambulance with a fully qualified crew of paramedics. For more information about the paramedic program, contact one of the many colleges in Ontario that offer the course.
High school students can consult with a guidance counselor to help find information on the paramedic course.
After completing the college program, all graduates must write and pass a provincial exam. This will enable them to be able to work as a Paramedic in the Province of Ontario.
Further training will be required once a person is hired by an ambulance service.
For those interested in becoming a paramedic, contact the local EMS Provider to find out more details about what the job can entail. Keep in mind that the paramedic position is not for everyone.