Sault College is launching a new two-year Primary Care Paramedic diploma program that aims to strengthen emergency health staffing across the Algoma region<\/p>\n
NEWS RELEASE
\nSAULT COLLEGE
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\nSault College, in collaboration with the Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services Administration Board (SSMDSSAB) and with support from the Algoma District Services Administration Board (ADSAB), is launching a new two-year Primary Care Paramedic diploma program designed to strengthen the emergency health workforce across the Algoma region.<\/p>\n
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding local training opportunities and addressing the ongoing shortage of qualified paramedics in Northern Ontario communities.<\/p>\n
As Sherri Smith, interim president of Sault College, explained, \u201cOntario continues to experience strong demand for paramedics, particularly in rural and Northern regions. Through this partnership, students will be able to train close to home while helping communities build a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled professionals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Building local capacity in health care<\/p>\n
Paramedics play an essential and evolving role in Ontario\u2019s health care system serving as the first point of contact in emergencies, while also contributing to community health, chronic disease management, and mental health response. By developing this new program locally, the partners aim to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to serve rural and Northern communities effectively.<\/p>\n
\u201cInvesting in local education is a critical step toward strengthening emergency services across our communities,\u201d said Katie Kirkham, chief, paramedic services, SSMDSSAB.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur collaboration with Sault College will allow students to train in the same region where they are most needed, supporting both strong learning outcomes and stronger communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program directly responds to verified workforce pressures across Northern Ontario and beyond. Current data estimate that the North will need roughly 450 new paramedics within three years. Kirkham added that the expansion of community paramedicine has made local training programs even more critical, as \u201cstudents educated here bring valuable regional insight to their practice, strengthening care across the continuum.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jeff Pulvermacher, chief\/director, ADSAB, emphasized that the initiative highlights what can be achieved through regional partnership.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis program is a great example of how Northern partners can work together to address shared workforce challenges and improve access to care,\u201d he said. \u201cBy investing collectively in education and practical experience, we\u2019re ensuring that communities are better served for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Program overview<\/p>\n
Launching in Fall 2026, the new Ontario College diploma will include classroom and laboratory instruction, simulation-based training, and supervised clinical and field placements with local paramedic services. The curriculum is being developed in close collaboration with regional employers to ensure alignment with provincial standards and Northern practice environments.<\/p>\n