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Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)

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The scope of practice for Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP) in Nova Scotia is regulated by the Nova Scotia Regulator of Paramedicine (NSRoP). ACPs are required to maintain their certification through ongoing professional development, continuing education, and periodic recertification to ensure they remain competent in their advanced skills and knowledge. 

ACPs have a broader and more advanced scope of practice compared to Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs). Their scope of practice includes the following:

Advanced Life Support (ALS)

  • Advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation, supraglottic airways, cricothyrotomy, and performing surgical airway management in extreme emergencies
  • Cardiac care, including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), 12-Lead ECG interpretation, and administering cardiac medications

Intravenous and Medication Administration

  • IV therapy
  • Administering intravenous medications including analgesics, sedatives, and medications for various medical emergencies

Trauma Care

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), including chest decompression and advanced hemorrhage control techniques
  • Advanced fracture management

Medical Emergencies

  • Advanced respiratory care, including nebulized medications and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
  • Administering advanced treatments for anaphylaxis beyond epinephrine autoinjectors

Patient Assessment and Monitoring

  • Advanced patient assessment
  • Using advanced monitoring equipment to continuously assess vital signs and other critical parameters

Specialized Procedures

  • Intramuscular and subcutaneous injections
  • Establishing intraosseous access for fluid and medication administration when IV access is not feasible

Collaboration and Communication

  • Consulting with medical directors or online medical control for guidance on complex cases
  • Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and hospital staff

On This Page

Steps
Current Opportunities

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Step 1
Become a Certified Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)

Successfully complete a recognized Primary Care Paramedic program, and obtain certification and registration with the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS).

Step 2
Gain experience as a PCP

Accumulate experience working as a PCP. Most ACP programs require a minimum amount of field experience (often 2-3 years) to ensure you have a solid foundation of practical knowledge and skills. Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills while working as a PCP.

Step 3
Complete an Advanced Care Paramedic program

Enrol in and complete an accredited Advanced Care Paramedic program. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete. The ACP program will cover advanced topics such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), advanced airway management, pharmacology, advanced patient assessment, and critical care transport. Participate in advanced clinical placements and field internships to gain hands-on experience with advanced medical procedures under the supervision of experienced ACPs and healthcare professionals.

Step 4
Obtain certification as an Advanced Care Paramedic

After completing the ACP program, pass the provincial certification exam administered by the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS). This exam assesses your advanced knowledge and skills.

Step 5
Register as an Advanced Care Paramedic

Apply for registration as an ACP with the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia. Provide proof of your ACP education and certification. Be prepared to meet continuing competency requirements, which include ongoing education and professional development to maintain your ACP registration.

Step 6
Maintain certification and registration

Engage in continuous professional development to keep your advanced skills and knowledge up to date. This may involve attending specialized training courses, workshops, and conferences. Periodically, you will need to recertify your ACP credentials. This may involve passing recertification exams and demonstrating continued competence in advanced practice.

Current Opportunities

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Approximately 1 Opportunity Across Nova Scotia.
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