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Apr 25, 2024
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PUBLISHED 2023-2024 Credit Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Advanced Care Paramedic
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Program Description
The Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program provides education and training to those who wish to extend their professional training and credentials to work as paramedics. In the ACP program, students become extensively familiar with human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, as well as a wide variety of pharmacological and other therapies.
Students in this program spend their first year acquiring a strong theoretical framework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, treatments for various medical and traumatic emergencies, adult advanced life support, neonatal resuscitation protocol, and assessment skills. Opportunities to practice these skills and integrate theory into practice are provided through simulation laboratory classes.
In the second year, students begin their clinical and ambulance practica placements while simultaneously learning about precepting and professional practice. Students will also prepare for registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics as an ACP.
Train in emergency care and advanced life support with a focus on critical emergency interventions. The program includes both theory and hands-on learning with high fidelity human patient simulation education in the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation, supplemented with clinical and ambulance practica. Accredited by Accreditation Canada at the Advanced Care Paramedic Level. Graduates are eligible to register with the Alberta College of Paramedics as an Advanced Care Paramedic.
Fast Facts
- This program includes face-to-face and online learning components
- Attendance at the program orientation session is mandatory
- Based on the availability of the practicum sites, students may have to travel or re-locate to anywhere in Alberta (and in some circumstances outside of Alberta) in order to complete their practica
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
Your Career
Graduates are prepared for positions in the emergency medical services field, including ambulance services, the oil and gas industry, and various international opportunities.
Student Success
Job expectations for success in this profession include: - Fine motor skills
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- Able to work independently
- Able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- Adaptable
- Able to work well under stress
- Able to use technology
- Attention to detail
- Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
- Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time
- Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- Able to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- Able to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning of patients and/or equipment
- Able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. spend most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, repetitive tasks)
- Able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- Comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Emergency Medical Personnel, the Paramedicine National Occupational Competency Profile and Alberta Health Service’s F.A.R.E. Paramedic requirements to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the functional ability required to achieve all the competency-based objectives and bona fide occupational requirements for the program and profession. Some examples include: - Lift a stretcher with a 95.5 kg (210 lbs) patient with a partner from a lower level to the load position and back down
- Lift and carry a long spine board with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) and ascend and descend 10 stairs with a partner
- Push a stair chair 10 m with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) and ascend and descend 20 stairs with a partner
- Lift a bilateral side carry of 9 kg (20 lbs) of weight in each hand
- Front carry 18 kg (40 lbs)
- Perform CPR for 2 minutes
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Advanced Care Paramedic diploma.
Other certificates received include Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Advanced and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
All graduates are eligible to register with Alberta College of Paramedics and work in Alberta as an advanced care paramedic.
Accreditation
The Advanced Care Paramedic program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada at the Advanced Care Paramedic level and meets the Alberta College of Paramedics core competency requirements.
Progression
The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a Primary Care Paramedic or an Emergency Medical Technician certificate program, or equivalent. Proof of completion must be submitted by August 1.
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program will be prepared for positions in the emergency medical services field, including ambulance services, the oil and gas industry and various international opportunities. Graduates will practice the following at the level of an advanced care paramedic as defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada’s National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP).
- Demonstrate professionalism, legal and ethical behaviour, and teamwork within the work environment.
- Perform effective oral and written communication specific to the work environment.
- Perform health and safe work-practices within the work environment.
- Perform effective patient assessment and diagnostic practices relevant to patient care.
- Provide safe and effective therapeutic interventions to patients in accordance with the Advanced Care Paramedic scope of practice.
- Integrate assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic practices during patient care.
- Prepare patients for safe ground and air transport.
- Perform safe road ambulance operation and continuous vehicle maintenance.
- Promote health and public safety.
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