Program Overview

The Primary Care Paramedicine program will prepare you to be an integral part of the health care team working in the field of prehospital care. Upon completion of this program, you will understand human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology as it relates to medical and traumatic emergencies. You will also be able to perform a complete patient assessment including a physical examination and history taking, identifying and performing appropriate life support procedures, and communicating effectively using oral and written methods for documenting patient care.

The program not only addresses the operational/procedural skills of a Primary Care Paramedic but also the skills required to perform with confidence in a variety of situations, effectively interact with others and maintain professional decorum whether in minor or complex situations.

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) and have various opportunities within the program to learn skills to support your psychological well-being. Check out the National Occupational Competency Profile here.

You will complete one clinical practicum rotation and two ambulance practicum rotations. All clinical placement sites are at various sites on P.E.I. Practicum sites are located 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, safety kit/PPE.

This program is located in the Centre for Applied Science and Technology. Take a virtual tour of the CAST building here.

The Primary Care Paramedicine program delivered by Holland College is accredited by Accreditation Canada. www.accreditation.ca

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 National Exam for Paramedics in Canada (COPR). Successful completion of the exam is required for paramedic registration in many provinces in Canada, including Prince Edward Island. For more information about the COPR National Exam click here. 

Graduates of the PCP program receive advanced standing as a Medical Technician in the Canadian Forces. They are also eligible to receive a salary (with benefits), and support to offset tuition and materials if enrolled through the Canadian Forces Non-Commissioned Member – Subsidized Education Plan.

Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine
The University of Prince Edward Island is offering a degree pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine for graduates of Holland College’s paramedicine programs or any other two-year paramedicine program accredited by Accreditation Canada.

The pathway, which reduces the duration of the B.Sc. program from four years to two, is designed for paramedics interested in enhancing their scientific knowledge and their research and communication skills in order to access post-graduate opportunities, research experiences, or business opportunities to advance their careers.

For more information about the B.Sc. in Paramedicine program, visit the program page on the UPEI website.

View a detailed list of courses for this program.