Advanced Care Paramedic

Course ID: BIOL230

Name: ANATOMY I

Hours: 45

Credits: 3

This course provides an in-depth study of the structures of the human body and their interrelationships using a systems approach. The correlations between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) are noted. Major topics include body organization, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary and reproductive systems, the general and special senses, and human development. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students.

Course ID: COMM135

Name: COMMUNICATIONS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Hours: 45

Credits: 3

This course explores basic and therapeutic communication skills for the health professional. Communication skills required for the development of caring relationships and to overcome barriers will be discussed, as well as, the skills needed for interprofessional practice, group and family communication. Conflict resolution, self-reflective practice and health teaching are key components of this course. PREREQUISITE: Admission to a Health & Wellness program

Course ID: EMS275

Name: EMR DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Hours: 40

Credits: 2

The Portage College Emergency Responder Defensive Driving Course has been designed to help Emergency Responders to become safer drivers. This course gives you the opportunity to learn and apply knowledge and skills involved in operating an emergency vehicle defensively in a variety of environments and conditions.

Course ID: ACP203

Name: INTERMEDIATE SKILLS

Hours: 143

Credits: 5

The Intermediate Skills course emphasizes mastery of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) basic life support skills with the introduction of advanced practice knowledge. Students are expected to integrate core knowledge from the foundational courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology as well as critical thinking and concepts of an advanced practitioner throughout this course. The Student will demonstrate proficiency in the application of all competencies in a skills, scenario or simulation environment.

Course ID: ACP226

Name: OBSTETRICS

Hours: 81

Credits: 3

Pregnancy, labor and delivery are a life-changing experience for a mother and her family unit. The majority of pregnancies progress in a predictable, natural manner, however, there is the potential for life-threatening complications for the woman and fetus. Prompt recognition and treatment of these complications is essential. A paramedic can expect to encounter women in all stages of pregnancy, labor and delivery. The Obstetrics course is designed for the student to develop skilled, efficient, thorough, and systematic approaches in the assessment and care of obstetrical patients, women in labor in all stages of pregnancy, labor/delivery and post-delivery. Assessments and care of the newborn will also be discussed. The knowledge and skills obtained in this course prepare the student to meet competencies related to Obstetrical and Neonatal patients in the clinical setting. Obstetrical and Neonatal interventions are a crucial part of Advanced Paramedic Practice.

Course ID: HEED105

Name: PERSONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

Hours: 45

Credits: 3

This course will introduce you to the physical, social, mental, occupational, emotional, environmental and spiritual dimensions of personal health and wellness. These dimensions are described within the context of the Canadian Health Care System and your own individual community. Topics include primary health care, nutrition, exercise, stress management, weight management, eating disorders, common health issues and their prevention. You will be expected to integrate knowledge of the seven dimensions of health and apply this knowledge to a self-analysis of your own health and physical fitness. Finally, you will incorporate change management theory to develop, implement and evaluate a personal wellness plan. The intent of this course is to promote a healthy lifestyle. By examining determinants of health, the current health care system, the seven dimensions of health and applying these concepts to your own lifestyle, you will be better equipped to function as role models and act as change agents for health promotion in your community. Prerequisite 60% in ELA 30-1

Course ID: PHRM250

Name: PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Hours: 45

Credits: 3

This course focuses on the theoretical knowledge required for safe medication administration. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology will be integrated into the curriculum as mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and drug interactions are explored. The study of common drug classifications along with selected frequently used medications in each classification will be included. Legislation is reviewed with regards to over-the-counter and prescription drugs as well as political, social, economic and ethical factors will be discussed. Applicable professional practice interventions are examined with supporting rationale.

Course ID: ACP221

Name: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION & HISTORY GATHERING

Hours: 45

Credits: 3

The ability to obtain an accurate health history and perform a systematic physical examination is essential in paramedicine practice. Paramedics must be able to accurately describe and document assessment findings. The student will learn to obtain histories and perform physical examinations when working with patients who are in different states of physical, mental and emotional health. The Physical Examination course is designed for the student to develop skilled, efficient, thorough and systematic histories and physical examinations

Course ID: BIOL231

Name: PHYSIOLOGY I

Hours: 45

Credits: 3

This course provides a study of the overall function of the human body. Major topics include fundamental chemistry, homeostasis, cytology and cell physiology, cell signaling and communication, and muscle, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary and reproductive physiology, as well as fundamental genetics as it applies to human physiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Pre/Corequisite 60% in ELA 30-1 and BIO 30-1; BIOL230

Course ID: BIOL232

Name: PHYSIOLOGY II

Hours: 45

Credits: 3

This course focuses on the study of homeostasis and how it is altered by physical, biochemical, microbial or genetic factors, providing an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of human body function, pathophysiology (disordered physiology) and disease processes. The course summarizes the normal function of each organ system and then presents a number of major diseases of each system, showing how symptoms and signs of selected diseases are produced by pathophysiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students.

Course ID: ACP227

Name: PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS 3

Hours: 49

Credits: 2

This course provides the opportunity for learners to build strategies and resources to support professional paramedic practice. Legal and ethical responsibilities in achieving and maintaining licensure under the ACP, including fitness to practice, continuing competency and life-long learning will be explored. The learner will gain an understanding of personality and strengths in order to help build collaborative practice and the leadership roles required of a paramedic within heath systems.

Course ID: ACP212

Name: ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY

Hours: 90

Credits: 6

The Advanced Pharmacology course encompasses the knowledge of drug classes, actions, onset, duration, indications, contraindications, adverse reactions, drug interactions, administration routes, dosages, special circumstances and drug dose calculations which are applied in medical and traumatic situations. This course teaches students advanced concepts of pharmacology and expands the student’s knowledge on the medications regularly administered within their scope of practice. There is a major focus on the importance of pharmacology and drug therapy as a complex role that sets the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Provider apart from the Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider. The student will need to apply knowledge and critical thinking to determine the appropriate medication(s) for each individual patient, as well as interventions that should be provided concurrently.

Course ID: ACP202

Name: ADVANCED SKILLS

Hours: 250

Credits: 6

In the Advanced Paramedic Skills course, students will practice psychomotor skills related to paramedic practice as defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada: National Occupational Competency profile and the Alberta College of Paramedics. These skills will be practiced and assessed in the skill and lab simulation environment. Students will integrate these skills into treatment plans incorporating: assessment, diagnostic data interpretation and differential diagnosis learned in previous program courses and concurrently in ACP212 and ACP222. This knowledge will be assessed through the use of case studies, laboratory and online scenarios. Students will also incorporate principles of pain management, procedural sedation and anesthesia in the performance of advance interventions as well as the use of assessment and diagnostic technologies into the ongoing monitoring of advanced interventions. In conjunction with this course along with ACP212 and ACP222, students prepare for the transition from simulated application of clinical knowledge from the laboratory setting to the clinical and practical learning environment.

Course ID: ACP241

Name: AEROMEDICAL

Hours: 54

Credits: 3

In the Advanced Paramedic Skills course, students will practice psychomotor skills related to paramedic practice as defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada: National Occupational Competency profile and the Alberta College of Paramedics. These skills will be practiced and assessed in the skill and lab simulation environment. Students will integrate these skills into treatment plans incorporating: assessment, diagnostic data interpretation and differential diagnosis learned in previous program courses and concurrently in ACP212 and ACP222. This knowledge will be assessed through the use of case studies, laboratory and online scenarios. Students will also incorporate principles of pain management, procedural sedation and anesthesia in the performance of advance interventions as well as the use of assessment and diagnostic technologies into the ongoing monitoring of advanced interventions. In conjunction with this course along with ACP212 and ACP222, students prepare for the transition from simulated application of clinical knowledge from the laboratory setting to the clinical and practical learning environment.

Course ID: ACP250

Name: AGE SPECIFIC ADVANCED CARE

Hours: 51

Credits: 1

This course provides students with knowledge and skills required to perform assessments and interventions to age-specific populations within the context of Advanced Care Paramedic practice.  Pediatric, neonatal and geriatric care is the focus of this course with competency attainment at the level of proficiency during the mandatory on—site labs.

Course ID: ACP242

Name: CLINICAL PLACEMENT

Hours: 270

Credits: 6

The Clinical Placement is designed to provide the Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) student exposure to diverse patients across the lifespan to facilitate application of newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice in a health care facility as they rotate through various clinical areas. The Clinical Placement provides the opportunity for the student to incorporate assessments, advanced pharmacology, and advanced skills in the treatment of patients of all ages. Students will act as a member of the multidisciplinary heath team and develop an awareness of the roles and responsibilities of other health professionals while developing strategies to work effectively within a team setting. Students are assigned to a RN, RT or physician for the duration of their placement, and will only perform advanced skills under direct and indirect supervision. While on placement, the student acts as a role model for the profession and ambassador for Portage College, while integrating the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice into their professional practice. The student will maintain the highest level of professionalism throughout the placement while integrating leadership, history, assessment, clinical presentations and diagnostic findings into the treat of the patient.

Course ID: ACP222

Name: EMERGENCY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Hours: 151

Credits: 6

This course deals with the diagnosis and treatment of both medical and trauma emergencies at the advanced paramedic level. It is well understood that to provide safe and competent care, the advanced paramedic must quickly and efficiently assess patient signs and symptoms in the context of setting, physical exam, history, and diagnostic findings, to determine a provisional diagnosis. Differentially diagnosing between life threatening and non-life-threatening diagnoses is an art as much as a science. Although it may not be definitive, a provisional diagnosis provides the framework to determine pharmacological & procedural interventions. The overall goal of the Emergency, Diagnosis & Treatment course is for the student to integrate knowledge, skills and critical thinking to the scope of an advanced paramedic practitioner.

Course ID: ACP248

Name: FINAL AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

Hours: 576

Credits: 6

The Final Ambulance placement is designed to provide the student the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills to provide care for diverse patients across the lifespan in an ambulance setting. The overall outcome of the Final Ambulance Placement is for the student to demonstrate confidence and meet entry to practice ACP competencies at the proficiency level. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating critical thinking and leadership skills by managing the overall advanced care of the ill or injured patient and the resources on hand, independent of the preceptor, while under indirect supervision. Students are assigned to a Registered ACP for the duration of their placement and will only perform skills under direct and indirect supervision. While on placement, the student acts as a role model for the profession and ambassador for Portage College, while integrating the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice into their professional practice. The student will maintain the highest level of professionalism throughout the placement. While integrating leadership, delegation, complete physical assessments, thorough history taking, clinical presentation and diagnostic findings, the student will develop and implement advanced care treatment plans based on the provisional diagnosis.

Course ID: ACP246

Name: INITIAL AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

Hours: 384

Credits: 6

The initial placement course is designed to provide the student the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills to provide care for diverse patients across the lifespan in an ambulance setting. It is the beginning of the transition toward critical thinking in advanced practice. Students are assigned to a Registered ACP for the duration of their placement and will only perform skills under direct and indirect supervision. While on placement, the student acts as a role model for the profession and ambassador for Portage College, while integrating the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice into their professional practice. The student will maintain the highest level of professionalism throughout the placement. While integrating leadership, delegation, complete physical assessments, thorough history taking, clinical presentation and diagnostic findings, the student will begin to develop advanced care treatment plans based on the provisional diagnosis.