Paramedicine


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

Paramedicine Program Coordinator: Jenn Chaskavich, email: paramedicine.utsc@utoronto.ca 

This is a unique program, 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 Ontario College Diploma in Paramedicine 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 administered by the Department of Health and Society. Further information about the program is available on this page or on the Joint Programs website. Questions may be directed to the Program Coordinator at paramedicine.utsc@utoronto.ca.

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) - SCSPEPMD

Program Supervisor: W. Tavares
Program Coordinator: Jenn Chaskavich paramedicine.utsc@utoronto.ca

The Honours Specialist (Joint) Program in Paramedicine is administered by the Department of Health and Society. Students who complete the requirements of the program will qualify for an Honours Bachelor of Science degree and an Ontario College Diploma in Paramedicine from Centennial College. This ensures students are provided with theoretical breadth related to health and society and the practical knowledge, skills, and eligibility to take the Ministry of Health exam required to qualify as a Primary Care Paramedic in Ontario.

Enrolment Requirements
This program has limited enrolment. Applicants must fill out a Paramedicine Declaration Form that outlines additional details about their enrolment. 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, F-class driving licensure, and face mask fit certification will also ultimately be required. Additional details regarding these requirements may be found at Centennial College'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 the Joint Programs section of the UTSC Calendar.

Program Requirements
This program requires 17.0 core credits. Additional electives and breadth courses are required as part of overall degree requirements (see the Academic Calendar page on Degree Requirements for details). Students should take 2.5 credits in each semester of their four year degree.

Note: Three PMD courses and two HLTD-level research course options are 1.0 (Y) credit.

1. 0.5 Credit of Introductory Biology Course
BIOA11H3 Introduction to the Biology of Humans

2. 1.0 Credit of Introductory Psychology Courses
PSYA01H3 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
PSYA02H3 Introduction to Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology

3. 0.5 Credit of B-Level Psychology Courses
PSYB32H3 Introduction to Clinical Psychology

4. 1.5 Credits of Introductory Health and Society Courses
HLTA02H3 Exploring Health and Society: Theories, Perspectives, and Patterns
HLTA03H3 Navigating Health and Society: Research, Practice, and Policy
HLTA20H3 Physiology Through the Life Course: From Birth Through Death

5. 1.0 Credit of Statistics/Data Analytics Courses
STAB23H3 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
HLTB27H3 Applied Statistics for Public Health

6. 3.0 Credits of Core Health & Society Courses
HLTB15H3 Health Research Methodology
HLTB16H3 Public Health
HLTB40H3 Health Policy and Health Systems
HLTB41H3 Social Determinants of Health
HLTB80H3 Paramedicine as a Community Based Health and Social Service
HLTC81H3 Health Professions and Practice

7. 1.0 Credit from the following C-Level HLT courses:
HLTC19H3 Chronic Diseases
HLTC22H3 Health, Aging, and the Life Cycle
HLTC27H3 Community Health and Epidemiology
HLTC42H3 Emerging Health Issues and Policy Needs

8. 1.0 credit from the following D-level HLT courses, including at least one *research-based course:
HLTD02H3 Health Research Seminar (*research-based course)
HLTD05H3 Directed Research on Health Services and Institutions (*research-based course)
HLTD71Y3 Directed Research in Health and Society (*research-based course)
HLTD80H3 Critical Health Education
HLTD81H3 Health Professions Education
HLTD82H3 Solving Black Health Disparities: Education and Promotion
HLTD96Y3 Directed Research in Paramedicine (*research-based course)

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

Recommended Course Sequence
*Please note: We recommend that, where possible, students complete UTSC courses during Summer terms to avoid taking courses at both Centennial and UTSC during the Fall/Winter. Please consult the Program Coordinator for help with navigating your pathway through this program.

First Year
5.0 credits as follows:
BIOA11H3 Introduction to the Biology of Humans
HLTA02H3 Exploring Health and Society: Theories, Perspectives, and Patterns
HLTA03H3 Navigating Health and Society: Research, Practice, and Policy
HLTA20H3 Physiology Through the Life Course: From Birth Through Death
HLTB80H3 Paramedicine as a Community-Based Health and Social Service
PSYA01H3 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
PSYA02H3 Introduction to Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology
STAB23H3 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
1.0 additional elective credits

Second Year
5.0 credits as follows:
*PMDB22H3 Pre-Hospital Care 1: Theory and Lab
*PMDB25H3 Therapeutic Approaches to Behaviour in Crisis
*PMDB33H3 Anatomy
*PMDB41H3 Professional Issues, Research and Leadership
*PMDB30H3 Alterations of Human Body Function I
*PMDB32Y3 Pre-Hospital Care 2: Theory, Lab and Clinical
*PMDB36H3 Pharmacology for Allied Health Pre-requisite
HLTB15H3 Health Research Methodology
HLTB40H3 Health Policy and Health Systems

Third Year
5.0 credits as follows:
*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
HLTB16H3 Public Health
HLTB41H3 Social Determinants of Health
0.5 elective credit

Fourth Year
5.0 credits as follows:
HLTB27H3 Applied Statistics for Public Health
HLTC81H3 Health Professions and Practice
PSYB32H3 Introduction to Clinical Psychology

1.0 credit from the following:
HLTC19H3 Chronic Diseases
HLTC22H3 Health, Aging, and the Life Cycle
HLTC27H3 Community Health and Epidemiology
HLTC42H3 Emerging Health Issues and Policy Needs

1.0 credit from the following that includes at least one *research-based course:
HLTD02H3 Health Research Seminar (*research-based course)
HLTD05H3 Directed Research on Health Services and Institutions (*research-based course)
HLTD71Y3 Directed Research in Health and Society (*research-based course)
HLTD80H3 Critical Health Education
HLTD81H3 Health Professions Education
HLTD82H3 Solving Black Health Disparities: Education and Promotion
HLTD96Y3 Directed Research in Paramedicine (*research-based course)

1.5 additional elective credits
*Students are encouraged to consider the routes and threads available through the Department (e.g., Aging, Development and the Lifespan; Body Systems; Contemporary Issues in Health; Disability, Ableism, and Health Humanities; and more). See Health and Society.

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

Note: To remain in the program, students must 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.

Prospective students with a recognized Diploma from Centennial College or other publicly funded and approved College in Ontario can be considered for enrollment in this Specialist program. Course credit will be considered for PMD credits listed above.

 

paramedicine Courses

HLTB80H3 - Paramedicine as a Community Based Health and Social Service

This course introduces students to the foundational principles shaping paramedicine in Canada. Emphasizing patient-centered care, integration within healthcare systems, and the continuum of health and social services, the course explores the evolving healthcare and professional landscape and paramedicine’s role within it. Students will also learn about the guiding principles for effective paramedicine, including professional autonomy, community health prioritization, evidence-informed practice, social responsiveness, prioritizing the health professionals and how quality is determined. The course aims to provide an understanding of paramedicine as it exists and how it is evolving in several areas. Designed for paramedic students (and other 2nd year students), this course emphasizes evolving paramedicine to meet modern healthcare challenges effectively and prepares learners for future studies by establishing a strong foundation in the values and direction of modern paramedicine.

Prerequisite: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: This course is designed for paramedicine students and therefore priority should be given to students enrolled in the Joint Paramedicine Specialist degree program with Centennial College. However, other students in health policy, population health or health humanities streams can enroll in this course. Understanding how health professions exist in the healthcare system, provides a mechanism (of many) for how health is achieved. Students in all streams will be given an opportunity to understand why and how paramedicine as a community-based health and social service can contribute to broader health system goals, including attending to disparities. This will assist students (and future graduates) to explore various strategies when navigating change in the health care system.

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) or BIOA11H3
Corequisite: PMDB25H3 and PMDB41H3 and PMDB33H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine.

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) or BIOA11H3
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine.

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
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine

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
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine

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) or BIOA11H3
Corequisite: PMDB22H3
Exclusion: ANA300Y, ANA301H, BIOB33H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Restricted to students in the Specialist (Joint) Program in Paramedicine.

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
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine

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) or BIOA11H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine.

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
Corequisite: PMDC42Y3 and PMDC43H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine

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
Corequisite: PMDC40H3 and PMDC43H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine

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
Corequisite: PMDC40H3 and PMDC42Y3
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies
Note: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine

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
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine

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
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is limited to students in the Specialist Program in Paramedicine

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