Press Release

Monday, December 11, 2017

Oulton College partners with Université de Moncton to enhance French language skills for Primary Care Paramedic students

Oulton College is excited to announce a partnership with the Université de Moncton to provide an integrated French language training component for Primary Care Paramedic students starting in February 2018.

With an increase in demand for bilingual paramedics in the province of New Brunswick, Oulton College has taken the steps necessary to produce students who are career ready. Darcie Robichaud, President of Oulton College said, “In keeping with the major employer’s interest, it was time for Oulton to add this critical skill to our graduates’ portfolio so that we ensure they are the most employable. This is not a bilingual program, but rather a learning model that allows students to study in English while improving their French language abilities.”

Students will be offered five language courses over the course of the program and are eligible to obtain Université de Moncton credits for their learning.

“Our institution is pleased to partner with Oulton College to assist in developing the French language skills of students enrolled in the Primary Care Paramedic program,” stated Raymond Théberge, the Université de Moncton’s President and Vice-chancellor. “I am confident that the future paramedics coming out of this program will be better equipped to deliver safe, quality service to patients in their official language.”

The mission of Oulton College has always been to ensure student success by responding to employers' needs. “Our 62-year history speaks to our responsiveness in working with industry to ensure a vibrant and sustainable workforce. With an increased need for bilingual paramedics, we are eager to allow our February 2018 intake of students the opportunity to acquire French language training alongside their technical skills,” said Janelle Bourgeois, Director of Organizational Performance at Oulton College. “We are also extremely excited to be working with Université de Moncton on this innovative project and are looking forward to further collaboration,” added Bourgeois. Oulton College provides a quality education with a focus on real life learning and connecting students with employers.

Students will graduate with improved French proficiency as well as their Primary Care Paramedic Diploma and will help in filling existing positions within Medavie Health Services New Brunswick, previously known as Ambulance New Brunswick, while making students more readily employable.

The Continuing Education service of the Université de Moncton was the ideal partner for this initiative in light of its more than 40 years of experience in teaching French as a second language. Their expertise will now benefit students in the Primary Care Paramedic program at Oulton College.


For more information:

Oulton College
Darcie Robichaud, President
(506) 858-9696 ext. 125

Université de Moncton
Communications, Public Affairs and Marketing Department
(506) 858-4129



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