Advanced Care Paramedicine
Health Studies
Build on your expertise as a primary care paramedic and prepare for an expanded role as a first responder.
The Advanced Care Paramedicine program covers everything from operational and procedural skills to the skills you need to make critical decisions in an emergency. You will enhance your verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills.
Paramedics need to be physically and psychologically fit for a variety of employment opportunities. Program components include the successful completion of the Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (PPAT). Students have opportunities within the program to learn skills to support their psychological well-being.
September 2026
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
1 Year
Credential
Post-Graduate Certificate, Advanced Care Paramedic
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Waiting list
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Waiting list
Other International Applicants
Waiting list
January 2027
Distance Learning
Program Length
2 Years
Credential
Post-Graduate Certificate, Advanced Care Paramedic
Canadian Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Accepting Applications
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Accepting Applications
Other International Applicants
Accepting Applications
Notes:
Accepted students are required to complete their immunization form in their home province or country prior to program start. This helps avoid delays and ensures you're fully prepared for clinical placements, as some required vaccines can take time to complete.
If you're unable to complete your immunizations before arrival, you can reach out to the Holland College Health Clinic at 902-566-9392 or npclinic@hollandcollege.com.
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| University of Prince Edward Island | Bachelor of Applied Health in Paramedicine | Graduates with a 70% average receive 60 hours of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Health in Paramedicine degree. |
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-3005
The course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice and demonstrate proficiency in the following skills used in resuscitation: systematic approach, high-quality BLS, airway management, rhythm recognition, defibrillation, intravenous (IV)/intraosseous (IO) access, use of medications, cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, and team dynamics.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-3010
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider course enables healthcare professionals to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to better recognize and treat critically ill infants and children. The course materials are scenario-based, and a team approach is used to teach emergency management of pediatric patients approaching or already in respiratory or cardiac arrest, from the early minutes through patient stabilization and/or the transport phases of a pediatric emergency, in or out of the hospital.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-3020
Students develop a clinical query based on an approved topic of interest, conduct a literature search, select relevant articles, and perform a critique. The course is composed of a series of components, each including a lecture and/or large group exercise, followed by a worksheet and individual work, with the aid of course facilitators. To complete the course, students will compose a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT).
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-3025
Paramedicine is a physically demanding profession, and physical fitness underlies the Paramedic's ability to perform many job tasks. Successful completion of the Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (PPAT) is required for participation in the practicum course(s) in the Paramedicine program at Holland College. This assessment is also a current requirement for employment in most Atlantic province's EMS services. PPAT certification expires after six months and may need to be passed more than once throughout the program.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:PARA-3000
Course Description: A close examination of various topics related to professional development as a paramedic and promotion of the paramedic profession. In addition, the course addresses special topics pertinent to the paramedic role such as airway management, advanced assessment techniques, aspects of cardiac care, laboratory data interpretation, CBRNE, and medical research.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:PARA-3005
Elaborating on the basic pharmacological principles from primary care paramedicine, this course extends into pharmacology related to advanced care paramedicine. In addition, students learn the management of patients exposed to toxins or overdose and the administration of blood and blood products.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:PARA-3010
This course focuses on the diagnostic tools and procedures required for the management of patients experiencing cardiovascular and endocrine complications. Students also learn the management of patients experiencing external hemorrhage and trauma and their relation to the cardiovascular system.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3020
An exploration of the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of respiratory, neurological, and psychiatric illness. In addition to medical illness, topics include all aspects of airway management and trauma related injuries involving the above systems.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3030
An exploration of the disorders affecting the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and endocrine systems. Students will also explore human development throughout the lifespan. Students will gain skills and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of illness and injury to these systems.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3040
This course is a case based exploration of immunology, infectious disease and toxicology. Students gain skills and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of illnessness and events that represent these medical displines.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3054
Through individual and small group instruction and practice opportunities in scheduled lab sessions students gain the confidence and skills integration essential to Advanced Care Paramedicine practice. ACPs in practice gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated, timely manner. The team approach to application of skills is an important theme in this course.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:PARA-3055
Through individual and small group instruction and practice opportunities in scheduled lab sessions students gain the confidence and skills integration essential to Advanced Care Paramedicine practice. ACPs in practice gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated, timely manner. The team approach to application of skills is an important theme in this course.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PRAC-3000
A practical experience for the Advanced Care Paramedic student in a clinical environment. Students are exposed to various health care environments, are expected to perform effectively as a team member, and exhibit professional conduct in the work place.
Credit Value:8
Course Code:PRAC-3010
An on the job experience for Advanced Care Paramedic students where they are placed with a qualified Paramedic preceptor in the pre-hospital workplace for developmental mentoring and assessment of skills and integration of knowledge at the entry to practice level of competency. Students are exposed to the Paramedicine work environment and provide supervised care to obtain the confidence and skills integration essential to paramedic practice. They gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated and timely manner. They are expected to perform effectively as a paramedic team member and exhibit professional conduct in the work place and while involved with patients and other health professionals.
Credit Value:15
Course Code:NCPR-3005
The course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice and demonstrate proficiency in the following skills used in resuscitation: systematic approach, high-quality BLS, airway management, rhythm recognition, defibrillation, intravenous (IV)/intraosseous (IO) access, use of medications, cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, and team dynamics.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-3010
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider course enables healthcare professionals to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to better recognize and treat critically ill infants and children. The course materials are scenario-based, and a team approach is used to teach emergency management of pediatric patients approaching or already in respiratory or cardiac arrest, from the early minutes through patient stabilization and/or the transport phases of a pediatric emergency, in or out of the hospital.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-3020
Students develop a clinical query based on an approved topic of interest, conduct a literature search, select relevant articles, and perform a critique. The course is composed of a series of components, each including a lecture and/or large group exercise, followed by a worksheet and individual work, with the aid of course facilitators. To complete the course, students will compose a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT).
Credit Value:0
Course Code:NCPR-3025
Paramedicine is a physically demanding profession, and physical fitness underlies the Paramedic's ability to perform many job tasks. Successful completion of the Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (PPAT) is required for participation in the practicum course(s) in the Paramedicine program at Holland College. This assessment is also a current requirement for employment in most Atlantic province's EMS services. PPAT certification expires after six months and may need to be passed more than once throughout the program.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:PARA-3010
This course focuses on the diagnostic tools and procedures required for the management of patients experiencing cardiovascular and endocrine complications. Students also learn the management of patients experiencing external hemorrhage and trauma and their relation to the cardiovascular system.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3014
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3015
The course addresses topics pertinent to the Advanced Care Paramedic role such as advanced assessment techniques, and aspects of cardiac, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, endocrine, and adverse environmental conditions. Additionally, facets of pediatric, neonatal, and obstetrical management are explored.
Credit Value:1
Course Code:PARA-3020
An exploration of the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of respiratory, neurological, and psychiatric illness. In addition to medical illness, topics include all aspects of airway management and trauma related injuries involving the above systems.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3030
An exploration of the disorders affecting the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and endocrine systems. Students will also explore human development throughout the lifespan. Students will gain skills and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of illness and injury to these systems.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3040
This course is a case based exploration of immunology, infectious disease and toxicology. Students gain skills and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of illnessness and events that represent these medical displines.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PARA-3054
Through individual and small group instruction and practice opportunities in scheduled lab sessions students gain the confidence and skills integration essential to Advanced Care Paramedicine practice. ACPs in practice gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated, timely manner. The team approach to application of skills is an important theme in this course.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:PARA-3055
Through individual and small group instruction and practice opportunities in scheduled lab sessions students gain the confidence and skills integration essential to Advanced Care Paramedicine practice. ACPs in practice gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated, timely manner. The team approach to application of skills is an important theme in this course.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PRAC-3000
A practical experience for the Advanced Care Paramedic student in a clinical environment. Students are exposed to various health care environments, are expected to perform effectively as a team member, and exhibit professional conduct in the work place.
Credit Value:8
Course Code:PRAC-3010
An on the job experience for Advanced Care Paramedic students where they are placed with a qualified Paramedic preceptor in the pre-hospital workplace for developmental mentoring and assessment of skills and integration of knowledge at the entry to practice level of competency. Students are exposed to the Paramedicine work environment and provide supervised care to obtain the confidence and skills integration essential to paramedic practice. They gather patient information, assess patient condition and initiate necessary medical interventions in a fluid, integrated and timely manner. They are expected to perform effectively as a paramedic team member and exhibit professional conduct in the work place and while involved with patients and other health professionals.
Credit Value:15
Advanced Care Paramedicine students participate in clinical and ambulance practicum rotations. All practicum placements are in P.E.I., N.B., N.S., or N.L. There is no guarantee students will be placed at their location of choice. Depending on availability, students may be required to go out of province and to several different sites, and placements may also be completed in separate provinces. All clinical and practicum costs are the responsibility of the student including, but not limited to, travel costs, rental costs, lease breaks, uniform costs, and safety kit/PPE.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The Advanced Care Paramedicine program delivered by Holland College is accredited by Accreditation Canada.
Graduates from accredited paramedicine programs have met competency standards as reflected in the Paramedic Association of Canada’s National Occupational Competency Profile and are eligible to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) National Exam for Paramedics in Canada. Successful completion of the exam is required for paramedic registration in many provinces in Canada, including Prince Edward Island.
Note for PEI Applicants:
Residents of Prince Edward Island will receive financial assistance, including 100% tuition support to help them complete a post-secondary certificate or diploma and commit to working in Prince Edward Island. The process to apply can be found here: Licensed Practical Nursing and Paramedic Support Program | Government of Prince Edward Island
The Advanced Care Paramedicine distributed learning model offers practicing Primary Care Paramedics the opportunity to complete most of their Advanced Care Paramedic studies in a distance delivery format. The program mirrors the one-year Advanced Care Paramedicine on-site program but spreads the program over two years.
Build on your expertise as a primary care paramedic and prepare to play an expanded role as a first responder. Your training covers everything from operational and procedural skills to the skills you need to make critical decisions in an emergency. You will enhance your verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills.
Paramedics need to be physically and psychologically fit for a variety of employment opportunities. Students in the Advanced Care Paramedicine Distributed Learning program will successfully complete the Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (PPAT) and have various opportunities to learn skills to support their psychological well-being.
Year One:
Year Two:
Throughout the program, students are required to attend two three-week lab practice and testing sessions on-site in Charlottetown and prescribed hospital clinical and ambulance practicum shifts. All clinical and practicum placements are in P.E.I., N.B., N.S., or N.L. There is no guarantee students will be placed at their location of choice. Depending on availability, you may be required to go out of province and to several different sites within a province. Practicum and clinical placements may also be completed in separate provinces. All clinical and practicum costs are the responsibility of the student, including, but not limited to, travel costs, rental costs, lease breaks, uniform costs, and safety kit/PPE.
The instructors have been knowledgeable, supportive and quick to respond to requests for help.
Graduating Student Survey Respondent, Class of 2024