Overview
Train in all aspects of pre-hospital emergency care, including patient assessment and treatment of medical and traumatic emergencies, for a career in emergency medical services.
The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program provides education and training for pre-hospital care professionals and prepares them to work within a multi-discipline healthcare team.
This program is taught by experienced practitioners and covers all aspects of pre-hospital emergency care including Advanced Life Support (ALS) and International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) assistance, patient assessment, diagnostics, treatment and critical interventions.
This program is competency-based and provides applied theory as well as hands-on learning through high fidelity human patient simulation education in the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation as well as during practicum rotations. Working under the direct supervision of a preceptor, practicums occur in both hospital or urgent care and ambulance settings.
Completion of the program is a requirement for continuing into the Advanced Care Paramedic program.
Is this the right fit for me?
This program is fast-paced and requires a significant contribution of time and energy.
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks and effective communication skills in English usually experience greater success in SAIT’s programs.
Students who experience success in this program and profession:
- have higher secondary or post-secondary grades
- possess effective communication skills in both written and spoken English
- are self-directed, detail-oriented, highly motivated, and well organized
- are disciplined for learning in the classroom, online, and professional settings, as well as through self-study required of all courses
- enjoy working in a team environment
- anticipate the emotional toll that the role can take on the paramedic profession, and actively pursue strategies to bolster personal resilience and preserve mental health
Students are strongly encouraged to refer to the Paramedicine National Competency Profile and Alberta Health Service’s F.A.R.E. – Paramedic requirements to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the functional ability skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives and bona fide occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Some examples include:
- lift a stretcher with a 95.5 kg (210 lbs) patient with a partner from a lower level to the load position and back down
- lift and carry a spine board with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) and ascend and descend 10 stairs with a partner
- push a stair chair 10 m with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) and ascend and descend 20 stairs with a partner
- lift a bilateral side carry of 9 kg (20 lbs) of weight in each hand
- front carry 18 kg (40 lbs)
- repetitively kneel, crouch, bend, reach, carry, push and pull
- perform CPR for 2 min
Accreditation
The Primary Care Paramedic program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada at the Primary Care Paramedic level and meets the Alberta College of Paramedics' core competency requirements.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Primary Care Paramedic certificate. All graduates are eligible and required to register with the Alberta College of Paramedics to work in Alberta as a PCP.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in:
- emergency medical services
- industrial sites
Related careers include:
- firefighter
- police officer
- audiometric technician
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $6,421
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and achieve at least 50% on the scoring rubric for the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process. Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first offered basis, until the program is full.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for Fall 2022 are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021, to March 1, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
Discover the updated Emergency Medical Responder program
According to the Government of Alberta, more than 500 ambulances and 5,500 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) practitioners answer the call of people in need each year in our province.
Admission requirements
Application dates
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted from Oct 6, 2021, to March 1, 2022.
- Please note: Access to the PCP Profession Specific Entrance Assessment will close end of day March 18, 2022.
*This program does not accept international students
Program requirements
At least 50% in each of the following courses or their equivalents:
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Pure Math 20 or Applied Math 20
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- Biology 30 or Science 30. *
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Students must be 18 years old by Jan. 1 (second semester of the program).
Proof of completion of an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certificate or a medical sciences-related diploma or degree or equivalent.
Successful applicants must meet or exceed 50% on the scoring rubric for the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process.
Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
*ANPH 209 (Anatomy and Physiology) can be used in place of the Biology 30 or Science 30 requirement. This course is available through Open Studies.
Direct entry: five-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Review the information related to the necessary components of the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process
Step 3: Complete the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process non-academic admission requirement. Ensure that you meet all of the academic admission requirements listed above.
Step 4: Apply to the Primary Care Paramedic program and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades prior to the application close date.
- Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first offered basis, until the program is full.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. Find out how to monitor your application status.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades for the admission pre-requisites will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Paramedicine National Competency profile
Students are strongly encouraged to refer to the Paramedicine National Competency Profile and Alberta Health Services' F.A.R.E Paramedic requirements to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives and bona fide occupational requirements for the program/profession.
Some examples include:
- lift a stretcher with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) patient with a partner from a lower level to the load position and back down
- lifting and carrying a long spine board with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) and ascending and descending 10 stairs with a partner
- push a stair chair 10 m with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) and ascend and descend 20 stairs with a partner
- able to lift a bilateral side carry of 9 kg (20 lbs) of weight in each hand
- able to front carry of 18 kg (40 lbs)
- able to repetitively kneel, crouch, bend, reach, carry, push and pull
- able to perform CPR for two mins.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum. Due to limited practicum spots for the paramedicine programs provincially, some of the practica may not end until August.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practica such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- current Heart and Stroke Foundation BLS Provider course
- updated immunization records
- security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- N95 respiratory mask fitting
- health and wellness status
Please Note: If a practicum student cannot obtain a tight facial seal due to the presence of facial hair and has refused to shave for religious reasons, the PCP practicum student is considered unfit by AHS standards and will not be allowed on an ambulance practicum.
As practicum is an essential component to graduate from the program, the student will not be able to successfully complete the Primary Care Paramedic program.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-201 | Physiology & Physical Assessment | 1.5 |
| EMRG-223 | Basic Pharmacology | 1.5 |
| EMRG-230 | Community Integration | 1.5 |
| EMRG-233 | Respiratory Emergencies | 3.0 |
| EMRG-236 | Primary Care Paramedic Lab I | 3.0 |
| EMRG-244 | Professional Practice I | 1.5 |
| EMRG-262 | Cardiac Emergencies | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EMRG-227 | Traumatic Emergencies | 3.0 |
| EMRG-249 | Medical Emergencies | 3.0 |
| EMRG-251 | Special Populations | 3.0 |
| EMRG-266 | Primary Care Paramedic Lab II | 3.0 |
| FTNS-202 | Fitness and Wellness | 1.5 |
| PRAC-242 | Clinical Practicum | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EMRG-265 | Professional Practice II | 1.5 |
| PRAC-252 | Ambulance Practicum center;">3.0 | |
| Semester 3 total | 4.5 | |
| Program total | 34.5 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,412 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $5,745 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,900 for the program. There is a $75 CompTracker user fee per semester.
There is a fee for the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) provincial exam and an annual registration fee. ACP annual registration fees are approximately $425 (the initial registration fee is approximately $475).
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e. relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check and is payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $135
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $4,657.50 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $6,421 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $245
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $250
- Student technology fee: $250
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $436.50
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,900 for the program. There is a $75 CompTracker user fee per semester.
There is a fee for the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) provincial exam and an annual registration fee. ACP annual registration fees are approximately $425 (the initial registration fee is approximately $475).
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e. relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check and is payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Plan ahead!
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Fall 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on campus. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
We are expecting to meet you at new student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes which start on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an open registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
You will be evaluated on your level of competency performance using a tracking system called CompTracker. You will require a wi-fi enabled Apple tablet with the ability to run the most up to date operating system to support the CompTracker system. Any size tablet is acceptable. Keyboards are advisable but not mandatory. Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker. There is a required user license fee billed on a per semester basis. Each program will have a different student fee depending on how the system is used within the program. More information will be shared at orientation.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniform
Uniforms and PPE are to be purchased prior to Orientation day and worn to Orientation.
Print and take the uniform order form to Trademark Workwear Inc. to order your SAIT uniforms. Refer to the form for details and ensure you order your uniform early. CSA approved safety glasses and CSA approved black steel-toed duty boots may be purchased where available.
Ballistic vests:
Ballistic vests are not required by the SAIT PCP or ACP programs. Currently, many practitioners have the option of being issued a ballistic vest by their employer as PPE. This is an employee decision if they want the ballistic vest or not. As best practice for scene safety, police deem the situation safe before EMS crews enter, and students are not first into any situation where this type of PPE is required. If a student wishes to purchase their own ballistic vest for use on practicum they can do so through the AHS approved vendor (Urban Tactical, Winnipeg) who has the required minimum specifications for a ballistic vest. If a student decides to purchase and wear the vest, they must ensure that their SAIT crest and student identification are clearly visible on the vest without compromising the integrity of the vest. >
Please note: If a student has a ballistic vest from an employer, they are not allowed to wear that employer’s issue as part of the SAIT uniform. If a student chooses to wear a ballistic vest during their program they must purchase a personal ballistic vest. Ballistic vests are personally fitted, have a finite lifespan, and are not resalable as they do not provide the appropriate protection second-hand. If a student chooses to wear a personal ballistic vest, they will be required to wear it for every call during their practicum rotations.
Other requirements
- Heart and Stroke BLS Provider Course
- N95 Mask-fit testing
- Police Information Clearance (Criminal Records Check) with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Up to date immunizations record
- Health and Wellness Status
- Note: A Class 4 Driver's license may be required for employment. It is recommended that you review the Alberta government information for requirements and begin the process while in the program.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
