Paramedic Salaries In New Brunswick

Paramedics in New Brunswick, Canada, earn between $2,500 and $4,500 per month, or approximately $31.97 per hour. To become a paramedic, one must complete nearly 200 hours of training, on top of a high school education and fluency in English. Despite the extensive requirements, paramedics in New Brunswick are reportedly overworked and underpaid, with the president of their union noting that a wage increase is necessary to address staff shortages.

Paramedic salary range in New Brunswick

Paramedics in New Brunswick typically earn between $2,500 and $4,500 per month, which equates to an annual salary of around $48,000 for what is considered physically and mentally demanding work. This salary can vary depending on factors such as overtime pay and work experience.

To become a certified paramedic in New Brunswick, individuals must complete specific education requirements, pass a certification exam, and gain field placement or work experience. The first step is to obtain either a Secondary School Diploma or equivalent post-secondary education. Applicants must also complete an approved pre-hospital emergency medical care program, such as the Primary Care Paramedic Program at St. Thomas University or the Advanced Care Paramedic Program at the University of New Brunswick.

Once the educational requirements are met, individuals must pass the certification exam administered by the College of Paramedics of New Brunswick (CPNB). This exam tests both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills related to providing emergency medical care. After successfully passing the exam and receiving certification from CPNB, applicants must complete a minimum of 400 hours of field placement or work experience with an ambulance service provider in the province. This hands-on experience allows aspiring paramedics to gain practical experience under supervision before working independently.

While the salary for paramedics in New Brunswick can be considered low compared to other provinces and Canada as a whole, it is important to note that the cost of living and other economic factors may vary across different regions. Additionally, the high demand and staff shortage in this field present opportunities for overtime work and potential wage increases in the future.

Paramedic salary compared to other jobs

Paramedics in New Brunswick earn an estimated salary of $31.97 per hour or between $2,500 and $4,500 per month. This range considers factors such as overtime pay and the level of training and qualification of the paramedic.

Paramedics are part of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and are often compared to EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians). In New Brunswick, EMTs earn a salary of $30,000 per year, which is considered low compared to other provinces in Canada. This salary is also relatively stable and not subject to significant fluctuations.

Compared to other jobs in New Brunswick, paramedics earn a competitive salary. For example, administrative assistants, a common occupation, earn an average hourly wage, while paramedics earn a higher hourly rate.

Other jobs in the healthcare sector, such as medical radiation technologists, medical sonographers, and pharmacy technicians, also have varying salaries. These professionals earn hourly wages that are subject to change based on factors like experience and location within New Brunswick.

In summary, paramedics in New Brunswick earn a salary that is generally higher than EMTs and administrative assistants but may vary when compared to other healthcare professionals. Their earnings are dependent on factors such as qualifications, overtime, and location.

Paramedic salary compared to other provinces

Paramedics in New Brunswick earn between $2,500 and $4,500 per month, or approximately $31.97 per hour. This equates to an annual salary of around $38,364 to $54,000. Basic Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the province are paid a salary of $30,000 per year.

Compared to other provinces in Canada, paramedic salaries in New Brunswick are among the lowest. The mid-range salary for paramedics across Canada is $75,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $48,000 and experienced workers earning up to $95,000. The province with the highest mid-range paramedic salary is Yukon Territory, followed by Ontario, where salaries are almost 30% above the national average. In contrast, the lowest paramedic salaries are found in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, where pay is nearly 30% below the national average.

However, it is important to consider the cost of living when comparing salaries across provinces. While New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have lower paramedic wages, the cost of living in the Maritimes region is also lower than in many other parts of Canada.

Paramedic overtime pay

Paramedics in New Brunswick earn between $2,500 and $4,500 per month, which equates to around $31.97 per hour. This figure does not include overtime pay, which is often required of paramedics. Paramedics in New Brunswick are working up to 400 extra hours beyond what is required each year for full-time work, according to the president of the union representing Ambulance New Brunswick paramedics and dispatchers. This amounts to between 300 and 400 hours of overtime each year.

In 2019, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) negotiated double overtime pay for paramedics with Medavie Health Services and the government of New Brunswick. This was a short-term solution to the shortage of paramedics in the province during the summer months when many people take vacations. The union president, Gregory McConaghy, argued that a wage increase would be more effective than an overtime boost in encouraging people to join the field. He stated that the starting salary of $48,000 per year is not enough for the physically and mentally stressful work that paramedics do.

The issue of low wages and overtime has led to low recruitment and retention rates in the province, causing staff shortages. The union has called for a long-term solution, such as a wage adjustment, to address the broader human resources issues in the ambulance system.

Paramedic career and training requirements

Paramedics are licensed healthcare professionals who provide emergency medical care to critically ill or injured patients. They are often the first responders at an accident or emergency and work to stabilise patients for transport to a hospital or clinic. Paramedics typically work in pairs, with one person driving the ambulance and the other caring for the patient.

Training and Education Requirements

To become a paramedic, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to complete a state-approved EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course, which is the first and most basic level of EMT training. This course covers taking vital signs, offering basic life support, administering oxygen, performing CPR, and a range of other non-invasive techniques. EMT-B training is available through community colleges and other institutions and usually takes around six months to complete, with 120 to 150 hours of training.

After completing the EMT-B course, you will need to take a state certification test. As an EMT, you can gain experience working in ambulances or other venues. Most people work as EMTs for a couple of years before progressing to paramedic training.

Paramedic training is intense and rigorous, and programs may require you to have prior EMT work experience. The training provides candidates with advanced skills in cardiology, trauma management, patient assessment, medication administration, airway procedures, and patient stabilisation. Paramedic courses can take up to a year to complete and typically require 1,200 to 1,800 hours of training.

Certification and Licensure

To become a certified paramedic, you will need to pass the National Paramedic Certification through the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians. Once certified, you can apply for licensure, which varies by state. All states require paramedics to be licensed, and you will need to pass the relevant NREMT exam, which includes a cognitive and psychomotor exam.

Essential Skills

Paramedics need a range of essential skills to successfully navigate the challenges and pressures of their job:

• Problem-solving skills: Paramedics must evaluate patients quickly and determine the best course of treatment.
• Physical strength and dexterity: Paramedics need to lift patients and perform various physical tasks.
• Ability to remain calm: Paramedics must keep a cool head in stressful and crisis situations.
• Empathy: Paramedics must provide emotional support to patients and their families or friends, who may be in distress.
• Strong communication skills: Paramedics need to communicate effectively with patients and exchange vital information with their team members.

Frequently asked questions