Becoming a Paramedic

If you are interested in becoming a paramedic in Ontario please determine which of the following best describes your starting point:

1. No previous paramedic training
2. Currently certified as a paramedic in a province other than Ontario
3. Currently certified as a paramedic in a country other than Canada

Each respective scenario is broken down into some quick and easy steps to provide you with the information you require.

Select 1 of the following 3 scenarios

1 - No previous paramedic training

PROBLEM

• You have no previous paramedic training and you are a Canadian resident interested in becoming a paramedic in Ontario.

SOLUTION

• You can attend an Ontario College to become a paramedic.
• Please visit this schools link to find out which colleges offer paramedic programs.

2 - Currently certified as a paramedic in a province other than Ontario

PROBLEM

• You are currently certified as a paramedic in a province other than Ontario but you would like to determine how to achieve reciprocity so you may become a paramedic certified to work in Ontario.
• NOTE: You will need to follow one of the following two processes when applying to work in Ontario (1) Agreement on Internal Trade or (2) The Standard Equivalency Process. The Standard Equivalency Process will be more complex and time consuming than those paramedics who can achieve reciprocity under the Agreement on Internal Trade.

SOLUTION

• STEP 1 - Visit the Paramedic Association of Canada - Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) which is an agreed upon comparator tool for use by Canadian paramedic practitioners. The tool is a guide to help you assess gaps that occur from province to province. Licensure of paramedics is the responsibility and domain of the various provincial regulatory bodies. Consult the provincial regulators for final decisions regarding practice.
• STEP 2 - Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health - Ontario Paramedic Equivalency Process to present your experience and qualifications on a case-by-case basis, to determine eligibility to challenge the AEMCA Theory Examination. The Equivalency Process for all applicants involves two phases - validation of educational and work experience, and qualifying evaluations.
• STEP 3 - Follow the AIT process as defined by the Ontario Ministry of Health (contact ehs.websitecontact@sdsx.moh.gov.on.ca if you require specific information on the AIT process).
• STEP 4 - Apply to a Paramedic Service for employment.
• STEP 5 - Upon successful employment you must become certified to perform specific Delegated Medical Acts under the license of an Ontario Base Hospital Medical Director.

3 - Currently certified as a paramedic in a country other than Canada

PROBLEM

• You are currently certified as a paramedic in a country other than Canada - OR - you do not meet the AIT equivalency requirements within Canada and you would like to determine how you may become a paramedic certified to work in Ontario.
• NOTE: You will need to follow one of the following two processes when applying to work in Ontario (1) Agreement on Internal Trade or (2) The Standard Equivalency Process. The Standard Equivalency Process will be more complex and time consuming than those paramedics who can achieve reciprocity under the Agreement on Internal Trade.

SOLUTION

• STEP 1 - Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health - Ontario Paramedic Equivalency Process to present your experience and qualifications on a case-by-case basis, to determine eligibility to challenge the AEMCA Theory Examination. The Equivalency Process for all applicants involves two phases - validation of educational and work experience, and qualifying evaluations.
• STEP 2 - Follow Standard Equivalency process as defined by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
  • Primary Care Paramedic Standard Equivalency
    • Phase 1 - Documents and Qualifications
    • Phase 2 - Examinations
    • Phase 3 - Certification
  • Advanced Care Paramedic Standard Equivalency
    • Phase 1 - Documents and Qualifications
    • Phase 2 - Examinations
    • Phase 3 - Certification
• STEP 3 - Apply to a Paramedic Service for employment
• STEP 4 - Upon successful employment you must become certified to perform specific Delegated Medical Acts under the license of an Ontario Base Hospital Medical Director.

Information:

If you require more information about working as a paramedic in Ontario, please contact the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care - Emergency Health Services Branch at:

Ontario Ministry of Health - Emergency Health Services Branch
5700 Yonge Street, 6th Floor
Toronto, ON Canada M2M 4K5
Phone : (416) 327-7900
Toll-free : (800) 461-6431
Fax : (416) 327-7911

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care have recently updated their website and have a very comprehensive section that details the Equivalency process. One of the FAQ's is "I am a qualified paramedic in a foreign country. What steps must I take before I can be employed as a paramedic in Ontario?"

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ehs/edu/equiv_qa.html#4