Emergency Medical Technology - Paramedic

A paramedic is a medical professional who is trained to assess and treat sick and injured people at an advanced life support (ALS) level of care for medical and trauma cases, primarily in the prehospital setting.

Paramedic training offers a rewarding and challenging career for those individuals interested in providing emergency medical care. Prospective students must be mature and highly motivated to deal with the stress of emergency care, critical care, shift work and a difficult training program. Paramedics must think independently, exercise good judgment, communicate effectively with others and work well in multidisciplinary environments.

The program involves the study of human anatomy and physiology, diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of medical and trauma emergencies, advanced procedures in emergency care, emergency equipment and mobile communication systems. Physical conditioning is also emphasized. Paramedic training is provided to the student through facilities at NAIT, active treatment hospitals, advanced life support ambulance services and other allied emergency services. The final semester features both ambulance and hospital practicums.

A number of course hours must be completed off campus and involve weekend and shift work. The student may be required to travel outside the Edmonton region for a practicum. Housing, board and transportation costs incurred during practicum placements are the responsibility of the student.