Student Experience

What to Expect

The Paramedic program is an intense program in emergency medicine. You will develop clinical reasoning skills to deal effectively with medical and traumatic emergencies. Program excellence centers on leadership, commitment, compassion, and professionalism. The Paramedic program provides in-class theory, online learning, practical lab simulation, hospital clinicals and field practicums.

If you are a leader, a high academic achiever and are interested in a dynamic and challenging program, the Paramedic program at Algonquin College is for you. Algonquin has a high success rating amongst colleges in Ontario at the AEMCA Provincial Certification Exams. Algonquin Paramedic graduates have also had great success in obtaining work with many finding employment within 6 months of completing the program.

Year 2 Paramedic Students training on High Risk Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), this will prepare them for their placements.

Paramedic Students participating in Personal Protective Equipment Training.Paramedic students practicing Personal Protective Equipment Training

Success Stories and Testimonials

Paramedic student“Within the first week of the program, I was already learning and practicing fascinating skills, techniques, protocols, and other aspects of a paramedic’s job. You truly learn something new every day. From ways to help a patient, to the way the body works, you will constantly be challenged and pushed to refine your practical skills and knowledge.

After first year you quickly start hospital clinical placement to observe what you have been learning. In the final semester, you complete 500 hours of practical experience with a paramedic crew. The faculty is extremely knowledgeable, always ready to help you, and tailor their teaching to your learning style. I spend most of my time in the program’s lab which allows me to practice on my own time as much as I need to so I can be prepared for the road.

If you love a good challenge, and love learning medicine in a hands-on environment, this program is definitely for you.”

– Matthew Aziz, Graduate, Paramedic



Work Integrated Learning

Our facilities include a large simulation lab with a mock apartment, two ambulance training vehicles, a mock-up ambulance and two trauma ER stations, high fidelity simulation mannequins, and on-site weight training and fitness facilities.

Paramedic students will spend several hundred hours in hospital clinical and ride-out practicums alongside active Paramedics. Besides having truly amazing and rewarding experiences there will be some calls that are tragic and traumatic. The challenges presented by working in the Paramedic profession means that maturity, life experiences, and leadership are essential elements for candidates entering the program.