In this 2 year diploma program you will build on your prior learning as a primary care paramedic and learn about providing advanced emergency care, including assessment and treatment of patients with a variety of medical disorders and injuries. Your learning environment will consist of lectures, labs, clinical simulations and practicum. Areas of learning will be focused on but are not excluded to:
- Human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
- Advanced life support skills including medical and trauma management
- Pharmacology
- Child birth and neonatal care
- Pediatric patient care
- Diverse patient populations
- Professionalism, inter professionalism, and medical legal aspects
You will also be trained in physical and mental health self-care, to ensure you are prepared for a demanding patient care environment.
Practicum will consist of placement with ambulance services and a variety of acute care hospitals. You will be expected to work shifts including evenings, nights and weekends, and you may be required to travel outside of Edmonton for your practicum placement.
The first year of the program consists of lectures, labs and clinical simulations. The second year of the program consists of some lectures, labs and clinical simulation in advanced courses, as well as approximately 1200 hours of practicum.
You can expect to spend, on average:
- 28 hours per week attending classes over the course of a semester
- 15 to 20 hours per week studying and completing class assignments
- 40 hours per week on practicum