Becoming A Paramedic

Education and Training

Generally colleges require the following prerequisites:

• Senior high school biology

• Senior high school science

• High school graduation diploma

• Current standard first aid certificate

• Current CPR C (basic rescuer level)

• Current immunizations - Hep B, (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), proof of immunity to Varcella TDP, flu shot (recommended), MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Free from all communicable diseases

• Class F Ontario driver's license

• Physically fit and able to lift

• Able to fluently read and write in the English language

• At least 18 years of age - prior to graduation of college

Becoming a paramedic involves a 4 Step process:

Step 1:Graduate from a certified Ontario college with a Paramedic diploma.

Step 2: Upon completion of your Paramedic diploma, graduates must pass the provincial certification exam (Advanced Emergency Medical Care Attendant).

Step 3: As a provincially licensed AEMCA you may apply to work in EMS services. Perth County Paramedic Service requires that all potential Paramedic recruits partake in paramedic Competency Recruitment Testing process.  

Step 4: Upon employment, new Paramedic recruits must pass a certification exam by our local base hospital physician as well as a detailed County orientation program including defensive driving testing.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides a list of colleges offering certified paramedic programs. Paramedics from out of the Province interested in working in Ontario may need to complete the Paramedic Equivalency Process.  

Becoming a Paramedic in Perth County

Thank you for your interest in Perth County Paramedic Services, this information is designed to outline our recruitment process and answer common questions.

How do I apply for a Paramedic Position?

Perth County Paramedic Services will post any active job postings to www.perthcounty.ca/employment

Whenever a posting is listed it indicates Perth County Paramedic Services is actively recruiting Primary Care Paramedics.

When applying please be sure to prepare all the required documentation listed on this page. You will be required to bring all documentation with you to STAGE 4.  You will need to provide a copy of each document as well as the original for validation.

What are the stages in the Paramedic Recruitment Process?

Stage 1 - Complete applications reviewed and candidates contacted 

Stage 2 - Written Test - Top % of scores will be contacted for stage 3 

Stage 3 - Practical Test - Top % of scores will be contacted for stage 4

Stage 4 - Personal Interview / Documentation Review and Validation - Top % will be contacted for conditional offer of employment.  

Candidates will be required to be successful/pass each phase of the process in order to be considered for employment. Candidates that make it to the interview stage will be required to provide three (3) written references. These references must be employment-related in a reporting capacity. References will only be contacted if you are successful in the interview process.

Note: If you are a recent graduate and you advance to the interview stage, we will require a reference from your main preceptor.

What documents must be submitted in order to be considered for employment?

Please use the PS Recruitment Documentation Checklist. If a candidates application is missing any of the required documentation their application will not continue to the next step of the process. Candidates will also require a Completed Physical Assessment through an approved vendor attached to their application (note vendor will be on the check sheet). For those who don't have a current updated Criminal Record Check, you may need to download the Police Letter if Requested and have the areas filled out.

What do I need to know if I am offered a position?

If you are one of the successful candidates through the Paramedic Recruitment Process, you will be required to attend and successfully complete a mandatory orientation session, driver training and submit a County approved medical completed by a duly qualified Physician prior to orientation (Health Questionnaire). Orientation may take up to 10 days to complete.

If you fail to attend the orientation sessions on the dates provided or fail to submit an approved medical prior to the beginning of orientation you will forfeit your employment opportunity.