How to Become a Paramedic (aka an Emergency Medical Technician)
Work on the front lines, serving your community with life-saving treatments by becoming an EMT. Here's how you can become a paramedic.
Emergency medical technicians, better known as EMTs or paramedics, form the front line of Canada's healthcare system. Paramedics are first responders, constantly on the move, responding to calls in real time to help save lives. The job is rewarding, but tough: many parts of the country need more paramedics.
What is an EMT or paramedic? What do they do?
EMTs treat patients with injuries or illnesses before the patient reaches a hospital. Paramedics identify and provide treatments on-site and in ambulances while en route to care. They may also assist hospital personnel with treatments or supplies as needed. Most EMTs operate out of an ambulance, but some transport patients by water or air, as in the case of the ORNGE air ambulance:
You may also come across Emergency Medical Responders (EMR). EMRs are like paramedics, but provide only a basic level of care, typically in rural or remote areas.
How to become a paramedic in Canada:
Paramedicine is a demanding job, but if you've got a good head for the sciences, and you're a driven, dedicated person, you may make a good EMT. Here's how you can explore a career as a paramedic:
Step one: Education
You'll need some training before you become an EMT. Paramedicine is typically offered by colleges, though some universities offer it too. An accredited program takes two years to complete. Check with the colleges near you; many offer EMT programs. Here are just a few of the many options you have available:
After getting trained, you'll need to pass a certification exam, no matter which program you choose.
Further training: advanced and critical care
You can learn even more about the human body and the EMT profession by pursuing further studies in advanced or critical care. These programs are supplemental, building on what you've learned, offering more detailed and specific training in areas like pathophysiology and pharmacology. In most cases, you'll need to complete basic training before you can take the advanced courses.
If you're interested in further studies in paramedicine, here are a few options to consider:
Step two: Certification and licensing
In most cases, you'll need to pass a certification or licensing exam that will permit you to practice as an EMT. The organization that will certify you will depend on your province. The territories don't currently require licensing. It's up to you to book a licensing exam before you seek employment.
You can find a full list of provincial regulators via the Paramedic Association of Canada website.
Entry-to-practice examinations
Where and how you take your entry-to-practice exam will depend on your location. Many province rely on the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators, including Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Others, like Ontario, run exams directly through the provincial Ministry of Health. The test is typically done online, but there may only be a handful of opportunities to write it each year. Questions are multiple choice, and will look at your ability to judge, interpret, and prioritize decisions that paramedics must make.
Here's a list of exam organizations by province:
Be aware that the territories; Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon, don't currently have paramedic licensing requirements in place.
Preparing for your entry-to-practice exam
You can find study guides and practice exams online that will help you prepare for your exam. Here's just a couple examples:
Don't worry about studying too hard, though. You should have a strong grounding in everything you need to know just from attending classes and doing your homework! If your program had a co-op component, even better. You'll be well-prepared for your qualifying exams.
Step three: Finding work as a paramedic in Canada
When looking for a job as a paramedic, you'll need to be aware of provincial regulatory restrictions. Just because you're permitted to work as a paramedic in Ontario, for example, doesn't mean you can hop behind the wheel of an ambulance in BC.
Paramedics are in demand, but the profession isn't facing a wave of retirements like many skilled trades. Your prospects for employment are generally good, but just what you can expect will vary depending on your location. You can try the Government of Canada's Job Bank, which has listings for paramedics at hospitals and private companies across the country.
On the low end, you can expect to earn about $45,000 per year. On the high end, you might exceed $90,000. Your salary will likely grow alongside your experience as you progress your career.
Volunteering as a paramedic
Some communities have volunteer paramedic positions. You'll still need to be trained as an EMT, and in many cases, be certified as well. Volunteering is a great way to build up your resumé, feels good, and supports the people in your community who need help. St. John Ambulance has more info on becoming a first response volunteer.
Personal and professional challenges as a paramedic
Being a first responder isn't easy. Paramedics are often under immense pressure: a national survey found mental disorders like post-traumatic stress are more common in emergency personnel than the general public. EMTs are exposed to suffering more than most, which can take a toll on your wellbeing. A recent article from Maclean's digs into the lived experiences of Canada's paramedics.
If you feel the call of this noble profession, more power to you! Canada needs EMTs. Just be aware of what you're getting into, and know that there are supports for people in the field who need a hand.
Emergency Medical Responder, Primary Care Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic — what's the difference?
These titles seem to overlap, but there are a few subtle distinctions you'll want to watch for:
| | Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) | Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) | Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) |
| Education | Diploma or certificate. Training may be done online through an accredited school. | Two-year diploma from an accredited college or university. | One- to two-year program from an accredited school. Usually requires PCP training to be completed first. |
| Level of complexity | EMRs provide basic care, usually in remote or rual areas. | PCPs provide pre-hospital emergency medical services in towns and cities. | ACPs specialize in life support and advanced cardiac care, usually in cities. |
| Salary | In Canada, EMRs earn approximately $21 an hour on average. For more info, check out how much EMRs make in each province. | In comparison, PCPs earn about $35 an hour on average. Explore what PCPs make in each province. | ACPs also earn roughly $35 an hour on average. See the earning expectations across Canada. |
So, we've covered the basics on becoming a paramedic: a true working class hero! Whether you're interested in volunteering as a paramedic in your community, or you want to climb the career ladder and learn advanced and critical care techniques, you're doing the world a favour by taking on this important, challenging role as an EMT.
Learn more about working as an EMT