Northern College’s Integrated Emergency Services Complex is state of the art, and one of a kind 40,000 square foot facility that houses Emergency Services Programming alongside active, working emergency service providers.
This unique learning environment promotes the interdisciplinary cooperation that emergency services utilize in the professional realm, ensuring that our graduates have a well-rounded, experiential understanding of the field as they actively complete their studies.
Students put their training to the test in a robust simulation program that allows professors to craft unique scenarios that mirror complex, real life natural disasters, and emergency situations.
Does this program sound like a good fit for you? Connect with us to learn more.
This course introduces learners to the normal development, structures and functions of the human body. Learners will examine the physiological components of the human body in order to obtain understanding of how the structures and functions of the body are related.
42 Hours
This course examines and explores communication needs associated with contexts of heightened concern (e.g., crisis, conflict, disasters) that support individuals, organizations and communities making effective risk/benefit decisions, managing fear and uncertainty, and responding to crisis.
42 Hours
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
This course will provide the foundational knowledge for the safe administration of medication. The learner will be introduced to the concepts of pharmacology as selected drug classifications are studied. Inherent in this is the responsibility of the paramedic to understand the effects of drugs on the client and the monitoring parameters required. The lab component will provide the foundational knowledge for the safe administration of medication.
42 Hours
This course emphasizes the introduction of assessment skills and the utilization of them to manage and transport patients in a variety of situations. Students will be introduced to the assessment, pathophysiological processes and management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients.
98 Hours
The emphasis in this course is placed on hands on learning, using demonstration, performance and practice to hone the student’s assessment and stabilization skills. It will follow the same outline as the theory course to help reinforce what has been learned in theory through practical application.
84 Hours
This course is designed to provide the students with important knowledge on a number of health related issues while focusing on the fitness component of the health spectrum. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications and essential exercise prescriptions that will improve and maintain the students’ personal and occupational fitness levels.
42 Hours
This course emphasizes techniques necessary to ensure driver and vehicle readiness for emergency service. Utilizing both classroom and in-vehicle situations students will acquire the skills required to: maintain emergency vehicles, prepare and safely operate an emergency vehicle, drive defensively avoiding hazards and controlling skids. In addition to these skills, students will also develop the ability to extricate victims from scenes, interact with Emergency Response aircraft and respond to hazardous material and multi-casualty situations. The techniques and skills required to work effectively with other emergency response personnel will be emphasized throughout the course.
42 Hours
Volunteer hours in the Community Services programs are designed to help students develop a sense of community identity. As professionals in training, it is vitally important that students have an awareness of community strengths and needs. These volunteer hours will provide students with the opportunity to positively engage with community while having fun.
14 Hours
A continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I, this course continues with the study of the major body systems, from the nervous system to the reproductive systems. The unifying themes of the interrelationships of body organ system, homeostasis, and the complementary nature of structure and function will provide the basis for understanding the workings of the human body.
42 Hours
The emphasis of this course is placed on gaining practical experience related to the skills and theory taught in the program. Students will be introduced to the roles of allied agencies involved in the care and continued care of pre-hospital patients. Students will also practice communication skills required when dealing allied agencies, peers, patients and their families.
56 Hours
The first part of this course examines various perspectives of abnormal psychology. We seek to understand the nature and causes of abnormal behaviour. The patterns of abnormal (maladaptive) behaviour to be examined are: behaviour and emotional disorders of childhood and adolescence, eating disorders, substance-related disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative and somatoform disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.
Stress and the psychological connection to mental illness and health will be investigated. Students will also study mental health law in Canada. The second part of this course examines the fundamental crisis theory that will serve as a basis for assessing, intervening and evaluating resolution of a crisis event. A six-step model of intervention is also presented along with specific helping objectives in order to guide the crisis interventionist.
Recognizing that suicide risk often accompanies a crisis, students will recognize suicide lethality, and acquire specific techniques involved in interrupting a suicide attempt. Prevention and postvention measures will also be examined. Other crises to be discussed are crises related to loss, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, child abuse, intimate partner abuse and sexual assault. Finally this course will deal with the topic of death notification.
42 Hours
This course is designed to develop the students’ critical thinking ability in identifying issues related to professionalism, the development of technology, medical ethics, labour relations, shift work, and continuing education to name a few. This will encompass the development and use of strategies to be able to locate, select, and discriminate pertinent information, to support decisions and assist in the growth of their personal and professional role as a Paramedic. The student will be introduced to the importance of an integrated emergency response system and related professions such as fire, police, air ambulance, emergency room staff and legal services. Ultimately, the students will appreciate their responsibility as leaders and/or agents of change in the future of pre-hospital care.
42 Hours
This course is designed to continue to provide the students with important knowledge on a number of health related issues while focusing on the fitness component of the health spectrum. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications and essential exercise prescriptions that will improve and maintain the students’ personal and occupational fitness levels.
42 Hours
This course emphasizes the introduction of assessment skills and the utilization of them to manage and transport patients in a variety of situations. Students will be introduced to the assessment, pathophysiological processes and management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients.
98 Hours
The emphasis in this course is placed on hands on learning, using demonstration, performance and practice to hone the student’s assessment and stabilization skills. It will follow the same outline as the theory course to help reinforce what has been learned in theory through practical application.
84 Hours
Students will become familiar with the various departments and services in a hospital setting. Observations may include emergency room, maternity, dialysis & Long term care. Students will also participate and learn about community based health care supports and their role in providing overall care to patients with different needs. Clinical will occur in local schools and home health care programs.
98 Hours
This course is a continuation of Patient Care Theory II. The major emphasis in this course focuses on the responsibilities of the student in assessing, applying the pathophysiological processes, managing and transporting patients in stabilized conditions, emergency situations and situations that may become emergencies. Students will demonstrate the knowledge of assessing and managing various medical and traumatic conditions that may afflict pre-hospital patients. In addition, this course provides students a working knowledge enabling them to deliver the Ministry of Health EHSB protocols for Symptom Relief (administration of medication), Semi-Automatic External Defibrillation and Intravenous Therapy (starting and monitoring an IV).
98 Hours
This course is a continuation of Patient Care and Assessment Lab II. The major emphasis in this course focuses on the responsibilities of the student in assessing, applying the pathophysiological processes, managing and transporting patients in stabilized conditions, emergency situations and situations that may become emergencies. Students will demonstrate the knowledge of assessing and managing various medical and traumatic conditions that may afflict pre-hospital patients. In addition, this course provides students a working knowledge enabling them to deliver the Ministry of Health EHSB protocols for Symptom Relief (administration of medication), Semi-Automatic External Defibrillation and Intravenous Therapy (starting and monitoring an IV).
112 Hours
This course is designed to continue to provide students with important knowledge on a number of health related issues while focusing on the muscular strength, power and endurance. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications and essential exercise prescriptions that will improve and maintain the students’ targeted occupational fitness components. The students will receive instructions on how to maintain fitness levels and continue progression towards maintaining and evolving components of physical well-being. Additional elements may include body composition, weight management and the possibility of some basic self defense. The training methods will vary and will incorporate the use of plyometrics; core body strength, resistance techniques (weights and machines), specific lifting tasks with relevant equipment and other specific types of exercises aimed at helping students achieve the level of physical fitness required of a paramedic. With the help of the professor, students will prepare and learn to effectively monitor their individual fitness programs and progressions by improving abilities to log exercise data and alter it to continue attain set goals. The final grade for the course will include some of the following: professionalism and attendance, log book completion and successful completion of a technical lift evaluation. Students will be encouraged to continue the maintenance program during their entire career.
42 Hours
This course builds upon the knowledge base of normal structure and function of the human body obtained in Anatomy and Physiology I & II. The intent of this course is to further examine the physiological changes to the body that result from disease processes. The examination of the causes and manifestations of pathological change will begin at the cellular level and progress towards a discussion of major systems with a focus on common pathologies encountered in the pre-hospital environment. This course is tailored to ensure coverage of relevant material as described in the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Basic and Advanced Care Patient Standards.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
Students will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive online program review. This self-directed review should be completed at the conclusion of the program and is designed to assist students in the review and preparation for the Provincial Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant exams.
16 Hours
As the concluding component of the program, students enrolled in this comprehensive course will consolidate key concepts of pre-hospital care. Utilizing a student-centred approach, course participants will relate and integrate theoretical concepts previously learned in clinical situations. Challenges to the student-to-paramedic’s transition will be thoroughly discussed. Students will receive individualized feedback following a comprehensive evaluation of their theoretical and practical skills.
28 Hours
This course provides students with a concentrated period of field experience to further develop the ability to assess and meet the needs of the patient. Under the direct supervision of a paramedic crew, students will review, participate in, and analyze emergency situations, which will form a basis for professional practice in the future.
448 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may work with an ambulance service, as technical assistants in hospital emergency departments, as well as in sports injury management services and emergency services.
Explore labour market information for related careers and employment trend data from the Government of Canada Job Bank.
This program is oversubscribed and receives more than enough qualified applicants to fill the seats available. Applicants accepted into oversubscribed programs confirm their offer and pay their fees early to reserve a place in the program.
Or equivalent.
Successful completion of Northern’s two semester pre-health program (with a minimum GPA of 2.8) will serve to meet the admission requirements for the Paramedic program.
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.
For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
In addition to the admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.
1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate with 70% in each equivalents for Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology.
2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):
If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.
All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.
For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
a) Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario.
b) Receipt of Application by February 1st.
c) Achievement in the Required Academic Preparation.*
Grade and course requirements are used in the selection process. If applicants are enrolled in Grade 12 required subjects (as indicated above), in the second semester (February to June), Grade 11 marks will be used to assess admission eligibility.
Required Documentation
Note: CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the student.
*Northern College partners with Paramed/Placement Pass for submission of clinical documentation required for clinical rotations/placements. An Orientation session at the start of the semester will inform students of the process.
Placement Pass will provide a portal to upload, verify and store all documents, which will be verified by Placement Pass’ nurses and professionals, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Year 1 students can preview the Placement Pass portal prior to the start of studies by visiting Placement Pass – Paramed.
Clinical Requirements
Students will be required to present proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 in order to participate in clinical learning/preceptorship courses required for graduation
To be eligible for participation in clinical training, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned (as outlined in the Ambulance Act of Ontario). An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in clinical placements and field internship courses and will prevent the student from graduating.
Student paramedics will be required to perform heavy lifting in varying conditions throughout the program. To develop and maintain adequate physical fitness, students have free access to the school gym. Practice labs provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate care in simulated medical and trauma emergencies. The labs are interactive and all students are required to participate in all components of the lab sessions.
A minimum lift requirement is in place for success in the patient care lab component of the program.
Students must be able to lift, carry, push and/or pull an 95 kg (210 lb) patient along with all appropriate equipment on varying surfaces including up and down flights of stairs. These lifts require coordinated movements with a partner and is a critical component of employment as a Paramedic. A Physical Demands Analysis is not readily available for this profession due to concerns surrounding privacy and confidentiality as well as the dynamic nature of the job. Please consult with the program coordinator for details regarding the lift requirement.
Upon completion of this program, graduates must be successful in theoretical examinations set by the Ministry of Health, Emergency Health Services Branch, Ontario in order to be certified as a Paramedic and thus to be eligible to work in an ambulance service in Ontario. The cost for the examination process is the responsibility of the student.
Field Placement
To be assigned a field placement, an essential component of the program, you must have been immunized against Hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza. Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements will not be allowed into the practice settings and as such may not be able to complete the practicum required to graduate from the program. You must possess a valid CPR, Basic Rescuer and Standard First Aid Certificate, and all theoretical and lab course work must be successfully completed prior to field placement.
Equipment
Students will be required to purchase their uniforms and crests, which can be ordered through the college, prior to the practicum experience and should budget accordingly for boots, books and supplies (approximately $1500.00). Placement kits need to be purchased by the student through Sands at a cost of $210.00 (subject to change). Please see your Coordinator for contact information.
Employment Eligibility
Applicants should also be aware of the following qualifications for employment (as outlined by the Ambulance Act of Ontario):
a) For a period of one year before the date he/she commences employment, must not have had six or more demerit points on his/her records by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act.
b) For a period of two years immediately prior to the date he/she commences employment, must not have had his/her driver’s license suspended under the Highway Traffic Act.
c) For a period of three years immediately prior to the date he/she commences employment, must not have been prohibited under the Criminal Code of Canada, from driving a motor vehicle in Canada.
d) Must be the holder of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent as set out by the Ministry of Education.
e) Must have a valid Class F Driver’s License and be 18 years old.
Mask Fit Testing
This program requires that students wear a full-face self-contained breathing air (SCBA) mask and an approved N95 particulate respirator during certain learning situations reflective of safe workplace practice and standards. To successfully complete Mask Fit Testing to wear an SCBA mask and N95 mask, students shall present themselves for fit testing free from interference of hair where the respirator seals to the skin or neck. Students are required to be clean-shaven or have no hair where the mask seals to the skin.
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Domestic: $2,720.56
International: $14,813.46
Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
The Convocation and Official Documentation Fee (GRA) of $100.00 only applies for the first year of each program.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
| Ancillary Fees by Campus | Domestic | International |
| Timmins (PC) | $945.50 | $1,558.00 |
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.
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