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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.
The Primary Care Paramedic program is a competency-based, blended-delivery program that includes face-to-face and online learning components. Students must be motivated and organized as this program is fast-paced and requires a significant contribution of time to be successful.
Students will be required to:
- attend an orientation session
- complete all work as assigned
- attend mandatory class days for theory and psychomotor skill acquisition practice
- attend full-time, one clinical (hospital and/or urgent care based) practicum and one ambulance-specific practicum to apply the theory and skills learned under the direct supervision of a preceptor.
Note: Students may have to travel anywhere in Alberta, and in some circumstances outside Alberta, to complete their practica based on practicum spot availability.
Completion of the program is a requirement for continuing into the Advanced Care Paramedic program.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks and effective communication skills in English usually experience greater success in SAIT’s programs.
Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
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 long 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
This program was formerly named Emergency Medical Technician.
Please note the educational steps for this profession:
- Emergency Medical Responder (176-hour certificate of achievement)
- Primary Care Paramedic (10-month certificate program)
- Advanced Care Paramedic (formerly Emergency Medical Technology - Paramedic) (two-year diploma)
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 Primacy Care Paramedic certificate. All graduates are eligible and required to register with the Alberta College of Paramedics to work in Alberta as an EMT.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in:
- emergency medical services
- industrial sites
Related careers include:
- firefighter
- police officer
- audiometric technician
$60,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,696
Year 1: $6,045
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
This is a competitive program. If applicants meet the admission requirements they will be assessed based on additional criteria. Applicants will be offered admission to this program if they’re qualified through the competitive process and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 are accepted Oct. 7, 2020, to March 31, 2020.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Chief in charge of Calgary's battle against COVID-19
Tom Sampson’s workday starts exactly when his feet hit the floor (sometimes even before) at about 6:15 in the morning. “I start reviewing emails and developments overnight and anything that is unfolding in the world,” says the man leading Calgary’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are accepted Oct. 2, 2019, to March 31, 2021.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
Admission 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.
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.
Competitive entry: seven-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Review the selection information to understand the process and deadlines.
Step 4: Apply to Primary Care Paramedic and submit your transcripts.
- Applications and proof of the admission requirements ( transcripts and/or anticipated final grades) along with all supporting documents must be submitted prior to March 31, 2020, to be included in the selection.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. If eligible, your status will indicate that you're "in selection."
Step 6: Complete the selection process.
Selection Process
- Applicants will be sent program selection information via email if they meet the admission requirements. This email will include information about writing your profession specific knowledge & aptitude exam, situational judgement test and program-specific consent forms.
- These documents must be completed and returned within one week of the initial email date. The date for the knowledge and aptitude exam must be booked within the first week as well.
- We recommend you add Diane Roberts and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages. It is not recommended to use a Microsoft email account such as @hotmail.com or @live.com as there have been some issues in the past in receiving SAIT communications using these types of account.
Phase One - Profession Knowledge and Aptitude Exam
- In phase 1 of the selection process, applicants will be expected to write a profession specific knowledge and aptitude exam. This is an online exam with a fee of $50. Access information for this exam will be provided to you in the initial email from the program regarding selection. You will be expected to complete this exam within two weeks of being placed in selection. Not completing this step within the timeline will result in you being declined from the program.
- Scores from this exam are used to determine which individuals move to Phase 2 of the selection process. The program administrators try to mark this exam within one week of the submission date.
- If scores are above the program benchmark score, applicants will move to phase 2. If the applicant’s score is 10 below or lower than the program benchmark, the applicant will be declined in selection.
Phase Two - Situational Judgement Test
- Applicants progressing to Phase 2 will be notified by email and will be required to complete the undergraduate Health Sciences situational judgement test. The test can be accessed through their website- https://takecasper.com/ . Please complete this test within two weeks of receiving the phase 2 notification email. Applicants will be offered a seat in the program if their situational judgement test score is above the program benchmark.
- Please note that program benchmarks for both knowledge & aptitude test as well as the situational judgement test are determined annually and may vary from the previous years.
- Applicants who apply after the program has been filled will be required to complete the selection process and will be placed on a waitlist.
- Successful candidates must sign a practicum agreement contract prior to final acceptance. This includes acknowledging you may be placed at any of our practicum sites to complete the practicum components.
Step 7: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades for the admission pre-requisites will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add hps.info@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 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
- 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 - 3 (spans two semesters) | ||
| PRAC-252 | Ambulance Practicum | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 18.0 | |
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EMRG-265 | Professional Practice II | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 total | 1.5 | |
| 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 to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,202 | $929 | $312 | $252 | $5,696 |
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies cost approximately $1,900 for the program.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- There is a $75 CompTracker user fee per semester.
- Heart and Stroke BLS Provider Course.
- 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 (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 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 $50 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,412 | $1,069.20 | $312 | $252 | $6,045 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies cost approximately $1,900 for the program.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- There is a $75 CompTracker user fee per semester.
- Heart and Stroke BLS Provider Course.
- 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 (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 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 $50 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
Find out 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.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
✅ 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 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 2, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
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.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block 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
- Class 4 Driver's license is required for employment as a PCP or ACP. You will need to check with the Alberta government for 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
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 165: Safety at SAIT.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
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 required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Meena Kumar, Academic Chair
Email: meena.kumar@sait.ca