Paramedicine


Faculty List

  • W. Tavares, H.B.Sc, Ph.D. (Toronto), Assistant Professor


This is a unique program in Canada, offered jointly by the University of Toronto Scarborough and Centennial College, which combines a four-year Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) with a two-year Paramedic Diploma program into a specialized degree that is completed over a four-year period. In the Specialist (Joint) Program in Paramedicine students benefit from tailored curricular design and exceptional faculty at UTSC and Centennial College. The program gives students the critical thinking, analytical and technical skills to succeed in the knowledge and performance-based field of Paramedicine. Graduates of the Specialist (Joint) Program in Paramedicine receive a B.Sc. and are qualified for certification as Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs) in Ontario, contingent on passing the Advanced Emergency Care Assistant Exam (AEMCA) offered by the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Students spend the first year of their degree at UTSC; in the second and third year, students complete a total of 7.5 credits at the Centennial College Morningside Campus alongside taking courses at UTSC. Students complete the program by finishing off year four of their studies at UTSC. Upon successful completion of the Centennial College portion of the program, students are eligible to write the AEMCA exam. Program graduates are well prepared for employment in the field of Paramedicine and have a strong foundation for future studies in professional fields related to health care.

Effective July 1, 2023, the (Joint) Specialist in Paramedicine is now administered in the Department of Health and Society.  Program advisors may continue to be reached at paramedicine@utsc.utoronto.ca.  Note, the program requirements for 2023-24 remain unchanged; students who are presently enrolled in the program or entering in Fall 2023 will follow the program as outlined in the calendar for the year they began the program. For more details regarding this program please contact paramedicine@utsc.utoronto.ca, or refer to the Paramedicine section of the Calendar or the Joint Programs website.

Program Combination Restrictions in Paramedicine

The Specialist in Paramedicine cannot be combined with any programs in Biological Sciences.

Experiential Learning and Outreach

For a community-based experiential learning opportunity in your academic field of interest, consider the course CTLB03H3, which can be found in the Teaching and Learning section of the Calendar.

paramedicine Programs

SPECIALIST (JOINT) PROGRAM IN PARAMEDICINE (SCIENCE)

Supervisor: W. Tavares paramedicine@utsc.utoronto.ca

The Specialist (Joint) Program in Paramedicine is administered by the Department of Health and Society. Students who complete the requirements of the program will also qualify for the Paramedic Diploma from Centennial College. Students who have completed the requirements for Centennial's diploma are eligible to take the Ministry of Health exams required to qualify as a Primary Care Paramedic.

Enrolment Requirements
This program has limited enrolment. Applicants must fill out a Paramedicine Declaration form. Prior to taking courses at Centennial College, students must also fill out a medical certificate and have current qualifications in CPR and standard first aid. Other non-academic requirements such as a vulnerable sector police check, fitness standards and face mask fit certification will also ultimately be required. Additional details regarding these requirements may be found at Centennial's website. Applicants may arrange to complete some of these requirements during their first year of study at the University of Toronto Scarborough. For more information on admission and deadlines, see section 6B.4 (Joint Programs with Centennial College) of this Calendar.

Program Requirements
This program requires the completion of 16.5 credits. Including electives, students should take 2.5 credits in each semester of their four year degree.

Note: three of the PMD courses are 1.0 credit (Y courses) rather than 0.5 credit (H courses).

1. 1.0 Credit of Introductory Biology Courses
BIOA01H3 Life on Earth: Unifying Principles
BIOA02H3 Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions

2. 1.5 Credits of Core Biology Courses
BIOB10H3 Cell Biology
BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Genetic Processes
BIOB34H3 Animal Physiology

3. 1.5 Credits of Foundational Biology Courses
BIOC17H3 Microbiology
[BIOC21H3 Vertebrate Histology: Cells and Tissues or BIOC32H3 Human Physiology I]
BIOC34H3 Human Physiology II

4. 1.0 Credit of Advanced Biology Courses
Choose From:
BIOD17H3 Seminars in Cellular Microbiology
BIOD26H3 Fungal Biology and Pathogenesis
BIOD29H3 Pathobiology of Human Disease
BIOD33H3 Comparative Animal Physiology
BIOD43H3 Animal Movement and Exercise
BIOD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System
BIOD96Y3 Directed Research in Paramedicine

5. 1.0 Credit of Introductory Chemistry Courses
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms

6. 1.0 Credit of Introductory Psychology Courses
PSYA01H3 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
PSYA02H3 Introduction to Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology

7. 1.0 Credit of B-Level Psychology Courses
PSYB20H3 Introduction to Developmental Psychology
PSYB32H3 Introduction to Clinical Psychology

8. 1.0 Credit of Statistics/Data Analysis Courses
[STAB22H3 Statistics I or PSYB07H3 Data Analysis in Psychology]
PSYC08H3 Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology

9. 7.5 Credits of Paramedicine Courses
*PMDB22H3 Pre-Hospital Care 1: Theory and Lab
*PMDB25H3 Therapeutic Approaches to Behaviour in Crisis
*PMDB30H3 Alterations of Human Body Function I
*PMDB32Y3 Pre-Hospital Care 2: Theory, Lab and Clinical
*PMDB33H3 Anatomy
*PMDB36H3 Pharmacology for Allied Health Pre-requisite
*PMDB41H3 Professional Issues, Research and Leadership
*PMDC40H3 Alterations in Human Body Function II
*PMDC42Y3 Pre-Hospital Care 3: Theory, Lab and Field
*PMDC43H3 Medical Directed Therapeutics and Paramedic Responsibilities
*PMDC54Y3 Pre-Hospital Care 4: Theory, Lab and Field
*PMDC56H3 Primary Care Practice Integration and Decision Making

*A grade of 60% is required in these courses both to pass the course and to maintain standing in the program. All PMD courses are taught at Centennial College. Note, some PMD courses require that 60% be achieved in all components of the course (i.e., lecture component, practical component, and clinical-placement component).

Note: In order to remain in the program, students must typically maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 should consult the program supervisor to discuss their options. Please also note, space in some Centennial College courses is limited. Students who must repeat one of these courses and whose cumulative GPA has fallen below 2.0 will be allowed to register in these courses only if space permits.

Suggested Course Sequence

Year 1: Fall Semester*

  1. BIOA01H3 Life on Earth: Unifying Principles
  2. CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
  3. PSYA01H3 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology

Year 1: Winter Semester*

  1. BIOA02H3 Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions
  2. CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II; Reactions and Mechanisms
  3. PSYA02H3 Introduction to Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology

*In Year 1 students must also complete 0.5 credit in statistics [STAB22H3 Statistics I or PSYB07H3 Data Analysis in Psychology].

Year 2: Fall Semester

  1. BIOB10H3 Cell Biology
  2. PMDB33H3 Anatomy
  3. PMDB22H3 Pre-Hospital Care 1: Theory and Lab
  4. PMDB25H3 Therapeutic Approaches to Behaviour in Crisis
  5. PMDB41H3 Professional Issues, Research and Leadership

Year 2: Winter Semester

  1. BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Genetic Processes
  2. PMDB30H3 Alterations of Human Body Function I
  3. PMDB32Y3 Pre-Hospital Care 2: Theory, Lab and Clinical
  4. PMDB36H3 Pharmacology for Allied Health Pre-requisite

Year 3: Fall Semester

  1. BIOB34H3 Animal Physiology
  2. PMDC40H3 Alterations in Human Body Function II
  3. PMDC42Y3 Pre-Hospital Care 3: Theory, Lab and Field
  4. PMDC43H3 Medical Directed Therapeutics and Paramedic Responsibilities

Year 3: Winter Semester

  1. BIOC17H3 Microbiology
  2. BIOC34H3 Human Physiology II
  3. PMDC54Y3 Pre-Hospital Care 4: Theory, Lab and Field
  4. PMDC56H3 Primary Care Practice Integration and Decision Making

Year 4: Fall Semester

  1. BIOC21H3 Vertebrate Histology: Cells and Tissues or BIOC32H3 Human Physiology I
  2. PSYB20H3 Introduction to Developmental Psychology
  3. PSYB32H3 Abnormal Psychology
  4. [BIOD33H3 Comparative Animal Physiology or BIOD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System or BIOD26H3 Fungal Biology and Pathogenesis or BIOD96Y3 Directed Research in Paramedicine*]

Year 4: Winter Semester

  1. PSYC08H3 Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology
  2. BIOD17H3 Seminars in Cellular Microbiology or BIOD43H3 Animal Movement and Exercise or BIOD29H3 Pathobiology of Human Disease
  3. 0.5 credits of elective courses

*Students may take any 2 of the D-level courses listed above to meet program requirements. The sequence here merely reflects the current scheduling of courses in the various sessions.

Paramedicine Courses

PMDB22H3 - Pre-hospital Care 1: Theory and Lab

Allows students to develop the critical thinking skills and problem solving approaches needed to provide quality pre-hospital emergency care. Emphasizes the components of primary and second assessment, and the implementation of patient care based on interpretation of assessment findings. Discusses principles of physical and psycho-social development, and how these apply to the role of the paramedic. Students must pass each component (theory and lab) of the course to be successful. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. 

Prerequisite: BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3
Corequisite: PMDB25H3 and PMDB41H3 and PMDB33H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is restricted to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine.
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

PMDB25H3 - Therapeutic Communications and Crisis Intervention

Focuses on the utilization of effective communication tools when dealing with persons facing health crisis. Students will learn about coping mechanisms utilized by patients and families, and the effects of death and dying on the individual and significant others. Students will have the opportunity to visit or examine community services and do class presentations. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is restricted to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine.
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

PMDB30H3 - Alterations of Human Body Function I

Discusses how human body function is affected by a variety of patho-physiological circumstances. The theoretical framework includes the main concepts of crisis, the adaptation of the body by way of compensatory mechanisms, the failure of these compensatory mechanisms and the resulting physiological manifestations. Students will learn to identify such manifestations. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: PMDB22H3 and PMDB25H3 and PMDB41H3 and PMDB33H3
Corequisite: PMDB32Y3 and PMDB36H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

PMDB32Y3 - Pre-hospital Care 2: Theory, Lab and Clinical

Provides the necessary knowledge, skill and value base that will enable the student to establish the priorities of assessment and management for persons who are in stress or crisis due to the effects of illness or trauma. The resulting patho-physiological or psychological manifestations are assessed to determine the degree of crisis and/or life threat. Students must pass each component (theory, lab and clinical) of the course to be successful. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: PMDB22H3 and PMDB25H3 and PMDB41H3 and PMDB33H3
Corequisite: PMDB30H3 and PMDB36H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

PMDB33H3 - Anatomy

The basic anatomy of all the human body systems will be examined. The focus is on the normal functioning of the anatomy of all body systems and compensatory mechanisms, where applicable, to maintain homeostasis. Specific differences with respect to the pediatric/geriatric client will be highlighted.  This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3
Corequisite: PMDB22H3
Exclusion: ANA300Y, ANA301H, BIOB33H3
Enrolment Limits: Restricted to students in the Specialist (Joint) Program in Paramedicine.
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

PMDB36H3 - Pharmacology for Allied Health

Introduces principles of Pharmacology, essential knowledge for paramedics who are expected to administer medications in Pre-hospital care. Classifications of drugs will be discussed in an organized manner according to their characteristics, purpose, physiologic action, adverse effects, precautions, interactions and Pre-hospital applications. Students will use a step-by-step process to calculate drug dosages. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: PMDB22H3 and PMDB25H3 and PMDB41H3 and PMDB33H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

PMDB41H3 - Professional and Legal Issues, Research, Responsibilities and Leadership

Discusses the changing role of the paramedic and introduces the student to the non-technical professional expectations of the profession. Introduces fundamental principles of medical research and professional principles. Topics covered include the role of professional organizations, the role of relevant legislation, the labour/management environment, the field of injury prevention, and basic concepts of medical research. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is restricted to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine.
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

PMDC40H3 - Alterations of Human Body Function II

Strengthens students' decision-making skills and sound clinical practices. Students continue to develop an understanding of various complex alterations in human body function from a variety of patho-physiological topics. Physiologic alterations will be discussed in terms of their potential life threat, their effect on the body's compensatory and decompensatory mechanisms, their manifestations and complications and treatment. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: PMDB30H3 and PMDB32Y3 and PMDB36H3 and BIOB11H3
Corequisite: PMDC42Y3 and PMDC43H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

PMDC42Y3 - Pre-hospital Care 3: Theory, Lab and Field

Provides students with the necessary theoretical concepts and applied knowledge and skills for managing a variety of pre-hospital medical and traumatic emergencies. Particular emphasis is placed on advanced patient assessment, ECG rhythm interpretation and cardiac emergencies, incorporation of symptom relief pharmacology into patient care and monitoring of intravenous fluid administration. Students must pass each component (theory, lab and field) of the course to be successful. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: PMDB30H3 and PMDB32Y3 and PMDB36H3 and BIOB11H3
Corequisite: PMDC40H3 and PMDC43H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

PMDC43H3 - Medical Directed Therapeutics and Paramedic Responsibilities

Applies concepts and principles from pharmacology, patho-physiology and pre-hospital care to make decisions and implementation of controlled or delegated medical acts for increasingly difficult case scenarios in a class and lab setting. Ethics and legal implications/responsibilities of actions will be integrated throughout the content. Patient care and monitoring of intravenous fluid administration. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: PMDB30H3 and PMDB32Y3 and PMDB36H3 and BIOB11H3
Corequisite: PMDC40H3 and PMDC42Y3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

PMDC54Y3 - Pre-hospital Care 4: Theory, Lab and Field

Combines theory, lab and field application. New concepts of paediatric trauma and Basic Trauma Life Support will be added to the skill and knowledge base. Students will be guided to develop a final portfolio demonstrating experiences, reflection and leadership. Students must pass each component (theory, lab and field) of the course to be successful. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: PMDC40H3 and PMDC42Y3 and PMDC43H3
Corequisite: PMDC56H3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

PMDC56H3 - Primary Care Paramedic Integration and Decision Making

Challenges students with increasingly complex decisions involving life-threatening situations, ethical-legal dilemmas, and the application of sound foundational principles and knowledge of pharmacology, patho-physiology, communication, assessment and therapeutic interventions. Students will analyze and discuss real field experiences and case scenarios to further develop their assessment, care and decision-making. This course is taught at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre.

Prerequisite: PMDC40H3 and PMDC42Y3 and PMDC43H3
Corequisite: PMDC54Y3
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

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