MedicDelta Posted February 27, 2014 Posted February 27, 2014 So I'm highly interested in becoming a Paramedic in Canada. It's not only a dream career for me it's a passion. I am interested in joining the Canadian Forces as a Medical Technician and working part time at a local EMS station. A CF recruiter told me if I can't get into the Med Tech program I can take a PCP program at a civilian college and do a direct entry in the CF. Problem is the CF and the closest Paramedic program(which is CMA certified and partners with the DND) "require" me to have academic high school math, biology and chemistry or physics(civilian program only wants bio and math). I have Biology, no chemistry/physics and no academic math. There is almost no way I could take chemistry or physics, but I think if I really needed to I could take math. Math is not my strong suite at all, I'm absolutely horrible at it. And truth is I don't want to have to take an academic math. But if that's gonna put me behind should I? My dad who was a PCP said that taking an Emergency Medical Responder course might help equal things out. What's the best option here? Biology is no problem, I absolutely can't take chemistry/physics but maybe I can take math if I really need to. Will the military or the college not even consider me if I don't have math?
island emt Posted February 27, 2014 Posted February 27, 2014 You will need Math, Anatomy & physiology , Chemistry and English as requisites for any Paramedic college degree program.
paramedicmike Posted February 28, 2014 Posted February 28, 2014 If the programs you're interested in are telling you what you need then that is what you will need. It isn't a matter if you have the brain for it or want to do it or whatever. It's a matter of a simple question: how bad do you want it? If you want it you will do what you need to get there. If you don't want it you won't.
systemet Posted March 1, 2014 Posted March 1, 2014 Problem is the CF and the closest Paramedic program(which is CMA certified and partners with the DND) "require" me to have academic high school math, biology and chemistry or physics(civilian program only wants bio and math). I have Biology, no chemistry/physics and no academic math It sounds like you need to get Math, Biology and Chemistry or Physics. There is almost no way I could take chemistry or physics, Why? Have you considered distance education, if you don't have the time to attend traditional classes? I don't know what province you're in, but in most provinces, you can challenge the final exam for 100% for most high school courses as a mature student. but I think if I really needed to I could take math. It sounds like you really need to take Math. And probably Biology, and Chemistry or Physics. I don't want to have to take an academic math. But if that's gonna put me behind should I? It sounds like you really need to take academic math, and not taking it will not only "put you behind" but prevent you from your "dream career and passion". My dad who was a PCP said that taking an Emergency Medical Responder course might help equal things out. I don't know how taking a different course will help you meet your math and science prerequisites. Will the military or the college not even consider me if I don't have math? It sounds like you need to make a couple of phone calls, to (1) the military, and (2) the college, to see if they have any flexibility surrounding their pre-requisite requirements. I doubt anyone here is going to be able to answer your questions. Another possibility, if you absolutely can't take these courses --- and I don't understand why you can't, is to see if there's another province with a PCP program that has different pre-req's. Also, you may be able to find a program that will accept you, pending successful completion of the courses by distance education, e.g. as long as you finish the courses by graduation, they'll allow you to graduate. This seems less likely. So I'm highly interested in becoming a Paramedic in Canada. It's not only a dream career for me it's a passion Then you need to be prepared to work and sacrifice for that dream. That's the reality here. All this stuff seems difficult, until you actually do it. Then afterwards, you forget how much work it actually was, and remember it as easier than it actually was, and wonder what you ever worried about. You will likely face more difficult hurdles during your PCP programs, practicums, actually working as a PCP, and doing it all over again for your ACP and/or CCP levels. This is an attainable goal, but no one's just going to hand it to you. All the best.
rock_shoes Posted March 1, 2014 Posted March 1, 2014 I'm going to simplify this for you.If you truly have the passion to be a paramedic you say you do, you'll find a way to meet the requirements.It is neither uncouth or unreasonable for a school to expect you to have completed the courses you have mentioned. I wish you the best in your endeavors. The industry needs passion, but it also needs education to guide it. 1
Recommended Posts