ParaMed FAQ

Why the rush to get this done so quickly?
What if my current requirements expire before my field placement?
How do I get a letter from the college to obtain a Vulnerable Sectors Police Records Check?
Why do I need to make an appointment with Algonquin College Health Services or my healthcare provider?
What if I don’t have a primary health care provider (Physician or Nurse Practitioner)?
Other than the completed form what other documentation might I be leaving with, from Health Services or my health care provider’s office?
What if there are requirements that I cannot complete?
How can I pay for my appointment?
What if I need to cancel or miss my appointment?
What happens at the ParaMed appointment?
What if I forget to bring some of my documentation to the appointment?

Why the rush to get this done so quickly?

In a worst-case scenario for students who are missing specific immunizations, completing these requirements can take up to 6 months. For students with current immunization records the average time to prepare all ParaMed documentation is 6-12 weeks. If you are not cleared by the placement deadline, you will not be eligible for placement. This will prolong your graduation and may result in additional fees.

What if my current requirements expire before my field placement?

You are responsible for making sure your medical and non‐medical requirements are valid for the duration of your placement. If they expire, you will need to redo them prior to the placement deadline.

How do I get a letter from the college to obtain a Vulnerable Sectors Police Records Check?

Some districts will require a letter from the college indicating why you require a VSPRC. If you require a letter, please complete this online request form.

Why do I need to make an appointment with Algonquin College Health Services or my healthcare provider?

Section A of both forms covers all the medical requirements as outlined by your academic facility and your field placement facility/organization. It is your health care provider’s responsibility to complete and sign all the areas on section A where it requires his/her signature. These are the shaded areas. While they will guide you through what will be required from you in the process, it will be your responsibility to make sure the health care provider completes all the shaded areas required and provide you with the proof of the identified immunizations and blood test results.

What if I don’t have a primary health care provider (Physician or Nurse Practitioner)?

If you are in the Ottawa Capital Region please go to Algonquin College Health Services. If you are outside the Ottawa Capital Region please visit a local walk-in clinic. There is a requirement in section A, which Algonquin College Health Services or my health care provider says that I don’t really need. What should I do? All items of this form are required for placement. It will be your responsibility to impress upon the health care provider that if you don’t have this, you cannot be cleared for field placement and will not be able to participate in this mandatory program course.

Other than the completed form what other documentation might I be leaving with, from Health Services or my health care provider’s office?

At the end of your visit, you will need copies of all supporting documentation: the completed Clinical/Field Pre-Placement Health Form, your yellow immunization card and/or municipal/regional health unit documentation denoting record of your immunization history and blood test results if applicable.

What if there are requirements that I cannot complete?

Please contact the Field Placement Officer immediately.

How can I pay for my appointment?

You can pay with Debit, Credit or pre-loaded cards; cash will not be accepted after March 1, 2017. The current rates are posted on the ParaMed website. If you bring a “parent” credit card, you will need written permission.

What if I need to cancel or miss my appointment?

As long as you cancel or reschedule 24 hours prior to your appointment, there is no penalty. If you need to cancel and it’s less than 24 hours to your appointment, you will be charged. The current rate for appointment cancellations or missed appointments is posted on the ParaMed website.

What happens at the ParaMed appointment?

A Registered Nurse will review all your submitted documents and will determine your clearance for field placement. This appointment may take up to 15 minutes.

What if I forgot to bring some of my documentation to the appointment?

All documentation must be submitted at the time of your appointment. You will not be permitted to send in documentation via courier, post or fax after your appointment.