Fanshawe college paramedics program questions

[Shifty]

I plan to go into this program next fall in London ontario. I've seen some terms thrown around such as ACP, etc. Does anyone know the specifics of this program in regards to what it qualifies you in, in regards to these 3 letter rankings? Yes, I'm planning to go to structural fire eventually.

I have an uncle who is a firefighter in kitchener ontario and this is the route he advised. I'm not going to ask if it's the correct route as I'm sure it's been asked, and he wouldn't give me bad advice.

Anyways if anyone here has done the fanshawe program, just give me a heads up on your experience with it and how fast you were in paramedics afterwards working a real job as one.

Also, if anyone recommends a specific college because of certs it gives, or what it's recognized for, etc.

Edit: It appears I've put this in the wrong forum, should be in paramedics sub-forum. My mistake.

[jenk513]

Hey,

I dont know a lot about the Fanshawe program but just have a back up plan of what you plan on doing if you dont get into the Paramedic program right away. Are you straight out of highschool because a lot of the Paramedic Programs dont accept ppl right from highschool. (My class only has 4 people from highschool and i expect only 2 to still be around after this semester)

I took firefighting first at Georgian college and I am now at Durham College for Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) which is what you would be going for. ACP is Advanced Care Paramedic and can only be obtained after being a PCP. I originally applied to several schools for Paramedic and fire and didnt get into any schools for paramedic on my first try. It has taken me 2 years of applying to PCP schools to finally get accepted.

Durham is a pretty good program from my experience. I wont say its the best because i really dont know how the other schools run there programs. Durham is however 1 of only 2 Colleges to be accredited by the CMA (canadian medical association). Im not sure what the other college is that has this accredation but it could very well be fanshawe. Going to a program that is accredited by the CMA would allow you to work outside of Ontario after you graduate.

[theleafsyear]

Taking the PCP program is a great idea if you want to eventually go fire. I have my NFPA 1001 and I've been working as a PCP for over 2 years and I don't think I would have a hard time getting through a fire recruitment now.

As for working, the paramedic market is hugely oversaturated with graduates who are not working. So don't expect to walk into a job. The competition is stupid and the fact is not everyone who graduates will work as a paramedic. Programs are pumping out grads and the job openings just aren't there. But don't let me discourage you, I'm just giving you the facts. Fire Dept's like medics and with that kind of training behind you, you can definately stand out in a fire recruitment.

[Shifty]

Thanks for the response guys. I have taken a course for technology at fanshawe before, so I'd be a mature applicant. Does that apply across all colleges though in ontario or just that one? Does being a mature applicant get me in easier? I took forest firefighting this summer and was hired as part time, but it was a wet summer and I never saw any action unfortunately.

I'm trying to work my way into paramedics and then from there go into fire. I hope this is the fastest way. I assume you have to do the PCP first which is basic paramedics at any college and then the advanced is probably offered by specific colleges.

Have you heard of anyone going to paramedics school and then jumping straight into being a paramedic or going to fire college? I'm applying for fire college this fall. I have pretty good english/math/chem/bio marks from highschool that I improved over the last few years to 80s in advanced levels for grade 11 and 12.

[jenk513]

I personally think it deffinitly helps to be applying as a mature student. Only 4 People in my PCP class have no Post secondary education (college, Uni) all the rest of us have either completed a program in Fire, pre health science, nursing etc. or have received a diploma from a University.