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Graduate as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) in 16 months
Feel the satisfaction of saving lives for a living – get Primary Care Paramedic career training at Oxford College. Paramedics are true heroes without a cape. They are the ones we rely on in times of medical crisis. If you are level-headed, unfettered in emergency situations, and think you could provide emergency medical care, then being a paramedic could be the right career move for you.
As a Paramedic, you would:
- Be responsible for responding to emergency medical situations, stabilizing the patient, and getting them to the hospital quickly and safely.
- Coordinate with other emergency workers, and assist hospital staff when needed, documenting the illness or injury and treatment provided.
Oxford College’s Primary Care Paramedic program equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in this dynamic profession. Our graduates get jobs – 95% are successful in six months following graduation!
FULL TIME
IN-PERSON
MON – FRI 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
480
Hours of hands-on practical lab training
92%
AEMCA certification pass rate based on February 2026 results
90%
Graduates are hired within the first 6 months
16
Of our 49 instructors are Oxford PCP alumni
Ontario Needs Paramedics. But Not Just Anyone.
- The market
In 2023, Ontario needed 1,388 new paramedics. Only 997 were hired. Over the next decade, Canada will need to fill more than 20,900 paramedic positions just to keep up with demand and retirements. - The opportunity
350,000+ EMS calls in Toronto in 2024 alone (+3% annually) - The profession
When every second counts, preparation leads. Our students train through unmatched hands-on experience – becoming confident first responders, ready for whatever comes their way.
- The reward
A program designed for the passionate. We are dedicated to helping those who are committed to helping others.
Our Training Advantage
480 hours of practical lab training across 16 months
3 to 5 times more than any other paramedic program in Ontario
Training starts in semester one (120 hours in semester one alone)
Training happens in a fully equipped ambulance, not just a classroom
Clinical placements with hospital and paramedic services
How Oxford Compares
| Dimension | Oxford College | Leading Public Colleges | Other Private Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical lab hours | 480 hours (8 to 16 hrs/week) |
Approx 400 hours (5 to 6 hrs/week) |
Varies, generally 4 to 8 hrs/week |
| AEMCA pass rate | 92% (based on February 2026 results) |
Not published | Not published |
| Time to career | 16 months | 24 months (2 years) | 12 to 16 months |
| Job placement | 90%+ within first 6 months |
Not published | Not published |
| Intakes per year | 3 (Sept, Jan, May) | 1 (September only) | 1 to 2 |
Get Certified And Become More Employable
Paramedic services that hire Oxford graduates
Peel Regional Paramedic Services
Hamilton Paramedic Service
York Region Paramedic Services
Halton Region Paramedic Services
Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service
Toronto Paramedic Services
16 of 49 instructors are Oxford PCP alumni who returned to teach
92% AEMCA pass rate, based on February 2026 results
Learning with instructors who have your best interests at heart.
Teachers from diverse backgrounds with a depth of knowledge.
A challenging program to challenge oneself.
Semester Overview
What you’ll cover, semester by semester
SEMESTER 1
FOUNDATIONS:
Anatomy, physiology, patient assessment basics, pathophysiology.
120 hours of lab training
SEMESTER 2
CORE SKILLS:
Pharmacology, advanced patient care, legal and ethical frameworks.
Driver Training and immersive hiring/interview preparation.
SEMESTER 3
ADVANCED PRACTICE:
Hospital clinical placements. Emergency scenario simulations.
16 hours/week of practical lab
SEMESTER 3
CONSOLIDATION:
Ride-outs and ambulance clinical placements. Comprehensive review.
AEMCA exam preparation
SCHEDULE
Mon–Fri
8:30 AM–5:00 PM
CAMPUSES
Burlington & Barrie
CREDENTIAL
Diploma AEMCA eligible
INTAKES
January, May, September
ACCREDITED BY
Ministry of Health | Ministry of Education | Ministry of Private Career Colleges
Ready to learn more about the program?
Speak with an Admissions Advisor about program requirements, upcoming intakes, and funding options. Requesting details is free and comes with no commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements?
You need one of the following:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with Senior Biology, Senior Chemistry, and Grade 12 Math
- Mature Student Status with a Wonderlic assessment
- Completion of the Oxford College’s Primary Care Paramedic Preparatory Course
Is the program available online or part-time?
No. The Primary Care Paramedic program is full-time and in-person only. Classes run Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, for 16 months.
The 480 hours of practical lab training required by this program cannot be delivered online or on a part-time basis.
How much does the program cost, and is financial aid available?
Total tuition is $28,950. Several funding options are available:
- OSAP (grants and loans)
- Second Career: Up to $28,000 for eligible applicants
- Ian Campbell Memorial Scholarship: Up to $20,000 for Oxford College’s Primary Care Paramedic program graduates
- Payment plans arranged through a Financial Aid Advisor
A Financial Aid Advisor will assess your situation and build a funding plan specific to you.
Where do graduates get hired?
Oxford College’s Primary Care Paramedic program graduates are hired by regional paramedic services across Ontario, including:
- Peel Regional Paramedic Services
- Hamilton Paramedic Service
- York Region Paramedic Services
- Halton Region Paramedic Services
- Toronto Paramedics
- Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service
90% of graduates are hired within 6 months of completing the program.
What makes Oxford different from public college paramedic programs?
Three measurable differences:
- More training hours: Oxford College provides 480 hours of practical lab training, which is 3 to 5 times more than comparable programs in Ontario. Public colleges usually offer around 400 hours at 5 to 6 hours per week. Oxford College runs 16 hours per week.
- Faster path to a career: Oxford’s program is 16 months. Most public college programs are 24 months.
- Published outcomes: Oxford publishes its AEMCA certification pass rate (92 % pass rate based on February 2026 results) and employment rate (90% hired in 6 months). Most programs do not publish either figure.
Can I work while in the program?
The program runs Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, for 16 months. Most students find it difficult to maintain employment during the program. If financing the 16 months is a concern, speak with a Financial Aid Advisor about OSAP, Second Career funding, and payment plan options before applying.
I'm a career changer. Is this program right for me?
Career changers are a significant part of Oxford College’s student body. If you meet the admission requirements and can commit to the full-time schedule, the program is structured to bring you from foundational knowledge in Semester 1 through to AEMCA exam preparation in Semester 4, regardless of your previous field. Three intakes per year (September, January, May) mean you can plan your transition around a start date that works for you.
What if I don't pass the AEMCA exam?
The AEMCA (Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant) is the provincial certification exam required to work as a paramedic in Ontario. Oxford College’s AEMCA pass rate is 92% as per the data of February 2026.
That success rate comes from 480 hours of practical training, clinical placements in every semester, and 16 instructors who are alumni of Oxford College’s Primary Care Paramedic program and have passed the same exam themselves.