Facts from Paramedics in the field

[MichelleW]

Hi, I have a few questions for those of you who are currently a Paramedic.

I am interested in taking the program (in Toronto).

I have graduated from the recreation and leisure services program and I am interested in the career path of a paramedic. I have researched the program and I am interested in taking it next year.

As I said I have a few questions.

For those of you who took this program in ontario, was/is it difficult? I have taken the required courses but worry because Math is not my strong suit.

Do you find there is a lot of job opportunities in Ontario? I have heard recently that there is not many jobs in Ontario for paramedics. True?

I have heard you will not find full time work and will end up working two jobs as a paramedic. Is this true?

Is there any advice you could give to me or anyone else seeking a job as a paramedic? And please do not hold back. I have not had the opportunity to meet many people who are paramedics so I have not had a chance to get a grasp of what others in the field think/say.

I appreciate any feedback you can provide.

Warm wishes

[Nccity2002, MSN, RN]

Hey Michelle,

You should consider a Paramedic message board, you may find it more helpful.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

I would concur. A Paramedic/EMS board would be much more helpful for this. While there are quite a few Nurses that are also Paramedics, I wouldn't expect that a Nursing board would have the kind of info you seek, in any significant depth.

Good luck in your travels!

[AStephenson]

The program in Ontario can be difficult, since you already have some experience in college, you will probably have an easier time than people coming out of highschool because you have already adjusted to post secondary working. Speaking with colleagues, the had anywhere between 25% to 50% attrition throughout the program.

Probably the hardest part will be getting into the program. GTA colleges have as many as 1000 applicants for less than 50 spots. I would recomend going to college elsewhere in the province, and if you are bilingual, french colleges have the fewest applicants per seat. Generally around 50% of people who make it into the program already have a B.Sc.. Also consider Centenial & U of T joint B.Sc. Paramedicine program, or after graduation Charles Sturt's B.Clinical.Prac.

You can also hedge your bets by applying to Holland College in PEI, or College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland and Labrador. (though they run a 1year - 2 year PCP to ACP split as opposed to a 2 year - 1 year which Ontario runs)

Job opportunities are somewhat variable. There is more demand and less supply in Nothern Ontario, but its entirely possible ot get a job in Southern Ontario. Things that will help are

1. A university degree (either in paramedicine or another science)

2. Being bilingual

3. Precepting at the service you want to work for

4. Scoring well on the exam portion of the application

Getting a job really isnt as hard as people make it out to be. At worst, you work at a northern servce until you have some experience, then apply to the service you want (or you could go for ACP) You can also consider other provinces (avoid BC and Quebec) Nova Scotia, PEI, Manatoba, and Saskatchewan offer lower salaries, but also have a lower cost of living (and Halifax is better than Toronto anyways)