If you saw an abundance of ambulances driving down Harvester Road on Tuesday – there is no cause for concern. Oxford College celebrated the opening of its new Burlington campus with the flagship Primary Care Paramedic Program on full display.
Dozens of students – most of them dressed in their uniforms – turned out to celebrate the opening, which coincided with the school’s 20th anniversary.
“Out of the Burlington location, we have the paramedic program, massage therapy, and dental assistant programs,” Meghan Maddigan, director of Paramedicine at Oxford said. “We’re looking at getting a medical lab technician program up and running, and we run a number of programs out of this campus online including video game programming, personal support worker, and medical office assistant.”
Tuesday was a scorcher, with the humidex peaking around 42 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, a barbecue and drinks were provided for attendees, as well as inflatable games of life-sized Hungry Hungry Hippos, and a dunk tank.
“Today is a mix between our student appreciation barbecue that we do every summer as a Beat The Heat thing, and we’re also in the grand opening of the facility,” Maddigan said.
The students took part in the games and were eager to dunk their professors.
Representatives from Halton, Hamilton and Peel paramedic services were on site as well to provide information on potential co-op opportunities.
“Oxford really tries to get you not only where you want to go, but nearby where you live as well,” first year paramedic student Ryan Nadernejad said. “Not only is it convenient for those long shifts that go on for days, but they really try to put you on those clinical trucks.”
Nadernejad added the course is different as it is an accelerated program, meaning students are finished after only 15 months.
That faster timeline means they are able to get to work significantly faster than other students.
“What makes Oxford unique compared to other schools is they don’t compromise the quality of getting a full paramedic program – even though it is accelerated,” he said. “Another part is the instructors, they’re all amazing. They want to watch you learn and get better with each scenario you’re in, and every practical you do.”
Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre and Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman – as well as representatives from MP Karina Gould – were on site for the festivities.
“We’re delighted when we have a business that’s doing well in Burlington because it demonstrates what the future is going to be with all these bright young folks doing great work and becoming qualified,” Sharman said.
Paramedic students at Oxford are required to participate in a 450-hour ride out in their fourth semester, where they are in ambulances and trucks providing healthcare to real people. The Burlington campus was previously located on Brant street for six years.
There are approximately 140 paramedic students, and 35 students in both the massage therapy and dental programs.
