A paramedic who has been fighting for the right to do his job is headed back to work this morning, feeling vindicated.

"It's exciting," said Dave McAllister. "It's what I love to do."

One year ago McAllister was diagnosed with work-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

He informed his employer and sought professional help.

A psychologist cleared him to go back to work, but the Alberta College of Paramedics refused to renew his registration.

The college's registration committee, an organization made up of para-medicine practitioners who volunteer their time, wanted details about what medications he might be taking, a list of situations that could trigger his disorder, and whether he was addicted to drugs or alcohol.

They also asked for a copy of his full psychological assessment.

McAllister refused the request and launched an appeal, believing the letter from his doctor should be enough, but the appeal failed.

"It kind of puts a dark cloud over getting better and getting treatment," he said Tuesday.

After nine months, McAllister threatened to take his case to the Court of Queen's Bench for a judicial review.

"Not long after that, I was given back my licence," he said.

On Wednesday McAllister begins a specialized re-integration work schedule with the goal of helping him gradually return to his full duties as a paramedic.

Still McAllister and three other Alberta paramedics with similar experiences will launch a human rights complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

McAllister said the struggle was worthwhile, if it makes it easier for others.

"The support and the changes that have come from people coming forward should show everyone that it's OK to come forward and get help," he said.

"It really isn't a scary monster that no one wants to talk about."