Paramedic (Cornwall) at St. Lawrence College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-10-27

Program overview

The Paramedic program at St. Lawrence College is tailored to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in pre-hospital emergency care. This program emphasizes foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, emergency management, and effective communication. Graduates will be prepared to meet the increasing demands of the workforce, focusing on patient-centered care and workplace readiness. Upon completion, students are eligible to write the provincial Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant (AEMCA) exam, which is crucial for employment as a Primary Care Paramedic in Ontario.

Program structure

The Paramedic program is a 2-year full-time diploma course offered at the Cornwall campus. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in pre-hospital emergency care through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Key features of the program structure include:

Hands-On Experience: Starting in semester 2, students engage in community placements to enhance their communication skills and clinical knowledge.
Clinical Placements: Students participate in clinical placements in regional hospitals during semesters 2 and 3, allowing them to practice essential patient care skills.
Full-Immersion Experience: In semester 4, students work full-time with an experienced Paramedic Crew, solidifying their skills in real-world settings.

This structured approach ensures that students not only learn the necessary theoretical concepts but also gain valuable hands-on experience, preparing them for the challenges of a career in emergency medical services.

Featured Experiences

The Paramedic program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and skill development:

Community Placements: Students engage with diverse populations in non-clinical environments, fostering communication skills and understanding of community needs.
Hospital Clinical Placements: Students gain practical experience in various hospital departments, focusing on patient assessments and care.
Ambulance Observation Shifts: Students observe paramedic teams in action, learning about patient assessments and care decisions.
Consolidation Placement: A concentrated field placement in semester 4 allows students to apply their skills under the guidance of a preceptor.

These experiences are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, ensuring they are fully prepared for their roles as Primary Care Paramedics.

Career Options

Graduates of the Paramedic program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Primary Care Paramedic: Provide emergency medical care and transportation to patients in various settings.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel: Work within ambulance services to respond to emergency calls and provide critical care.
Patient Transfer Services: Facilitate the safe transfer of patients between healthcare facilities.
Fire and Rescue Departments: Collaborate with fire services to provide emergency medical assistance during rescue operations.
Industrial First Aid: Offer first aid and emergency response services in industrial settings, ensuring workplace safety.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a significant impact in their communities through emergency medical services.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit St. Lawrence College official website

Last updated on 2025-10-27

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Paramedic program at St. Lawrence College has specific academic requirements for admission. Applicants must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U, or M level, including the following prerequisites:

Grade 12 English at the C or U level
Grade 11 Math at the C, U, or M level
Grade 12 Chemistry at the C or U level (or SCH3U)
Grade 11 or 12 Biology at the C or U level

If you are missing prerequisite courses, you can enroll in the Career/College Prep program, which is free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.

For international students, especially those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is essential to ensure that your transcripts are evaluated properly. Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

In addition to academic qualifications, the program has specific health and physical fitness requirements:

Completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form is mandatory for clinical/practical placements.
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of physical fitness, flexibility, and lifting strength, maintaining this throughout the program.
Students must pass a program lift test in Semesters 1, 2, and 3, which involves moving and transporting a patient up and down two flights of stairs.

Furthermore, students are required to have valid certifications in Standard First Aid & CPR (BLS - HCP Level) by September 1st, and these must remain current throughout the program.

Lastly, a Criminal Background Check is necessary for participation in field or clinical placements, and certain criminal convictions may prevent program completion. For any clarification and support regarding these requirements, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

All applicants must be fluent enough in English to understand instructors and the technical language used in their subject area.

To meet the English proficiency requirement for the Paramedic (Cornwall) Diploma program, applicants can demonstrate their proficiency through the following accepted English proficiency tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Overall 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) or Home Edition: 78
TOEFL Computer-based Test: 213
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): Overall 60
EIKEN (Test in Practical English Proficiency): Pre-1
The Michigan English Test: Overall 58 with no individual score below 56
Pearson Test of English - Academic: 55
Cambridge English Proficiency: 173
Oxford English Language Level Test: 6
Duolingo (Temporarily accepted): Overall 110 with no sub score less than 85

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-10-26

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
January 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
September 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
January 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available