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Mandatory requirements

Applicants for this program are required to have successfully completed the following: 

Review admission requirements for more details.

Overview

The Advanced Care Paramedic program provides education and training to those who wish to extend their professional training and credentials to work as paramedics.

You'll become extensively familiar with human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, as well as various pharmacological and other therapies.

You'll spend your first year acquiring a strong theoretical framework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, treatments for various medical and traumatic emergencies, adult advanced life support, neonatal resuscitation protocol, and assessment skills. Opportunities to practice these skills and integrate theory into practice are provided through simulation laboratory classes.

In the second year, you'll begin your clinical and ambulance practicum placements while simultaneously learning about precepting and professional practice. Based on the availability of practicum sites, you may have to travel or relocate anywhere in Alberta (and, in some circumstances, to other provinces) to complete your practicum.

You'll also prepare for registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics as an Advanced Care Paramedic.

The program includes both theory and hands-on learning with high-fidelity human patient simulation education in the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation, supplemented with clinical and ambulance practica. Classes take place both on campus and online.

You'll experience success in this program and profession by developing the following traits, skills and aptitudes:

  • fine motor skills
  • critical thinking and adaptability
  • effective communication skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
  • the ability to work independently
  • the ability to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
  • ability to work well under stress
  • ability to use technology
  • attention to detail
  • ability to maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate
  • wear personal protective equipment for extended periods and tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
  • work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
  • ability to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
  • ability to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning patients and/or equipment and meet the physical demands of the job (for example, spending most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, and repetitive tasks)
  • become comfortable performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Emergency Medical Personnel, the Paramedicine National Occupational Competency Profile and Alberta Health Service’s F.A.R.E. Paramedic requirements to understand the functional ability required to meet the competency-based objectives and occupational requirements for the program and profession.

Some examples include:

  • lifting a stretcher with a 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
  • pushing a stair chair 10 m with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) and ascending and descending 20 stairs with a partner
  • lifting a bilateral side carry of 9 kg (20 lbs) of weight in each hand
  • front carry 18 kg (40 lbs)
  • perform CPR for 2 minutes.

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.

There may also be opportunities to further your education by transferring to another institution once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

In your second year, you'll participate in preceptor-supervised clinical and ambulance learning experiences. 

The School of Health and Public Safety has many practicum partners in Alberta and Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited, and you may be required to travel or relocate outside the city.

Successful applicants will be assigned their practicum placement. While we'll strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be given. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.

In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful applicants will be requested to provide proof of the following:

  • Current Heart and Stroke Foundation BLS Provider course
  • Updated immunization records
  • Security clearance
  • N95 respiratory mask fitting
  • Health and wellness status

If you cannot obtain a tight facial seal due to the presence of facial hair and refuse to shave for religious reasons, you will be considered unfit by AHS standards and will not be allowed to participate in an ambulance practicum. As practicum is an essential component of this program, you cannot complete it successfully.

More about practicum requirements

Once you graduate, you're eligible to register with the Alberta College of Paramedics and work in Alberta as an advanced care paramedic.

Other certificates received include Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), International Trauma Life Support (ITLS), and Advanced and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).

The Advanced Care Paramedic program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada at the Advanced Care Paramedic level and meets the Alberta College of Paramedics core competency requirements. 

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Advanced Care Paramedic diploma.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Advanced Care Paramedic diploma requires 60 credits (23 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with three semesters in year one, and two semesters in year two.

View classes by semester

Course Credits

Physiology and Physical Assessment will provide an integrated study of cellular anatomy and physiology of body systems. A comprehensive physical examination including history gathering and interview strategies will be emphasized.

 3

OBGYN & Pediatrics will focus on the pathology, assessment, and management of common obstetrical, gynecological, and pediatric illnesses and diseases. Neonatal emergencies will also be studied. Pharmacology specific to these patient cohorts will be emphasized.

Equivalents:
  • EMED 305
 3

Environmental and Aeromedical Emergencies will focus on the pathology, assessment and management of common environmental illnesses and emergencies. Aviation safety and transport will also be studied. Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association (CAMATA) certification will be awarded upon successful course completion.

Pre-requisites:
  • EMRG 252
  • EMRG 254
  • EMRG 270
  • PROF 200
  • One of:
    • EMRG 365
    • EMRG 204
  • One of:
    • EMRG 200
    • EMRG 215 and EMRG 273
 1.5

Respiratory Emergencies will focus on the pathology, assessment and management of common respiratory illnesses and diseases. An overview of various techniques, tools, and medications used for managing adult airway and respiratory complications will be introduced. Attention will be given to reviewing the anatomy and physiology of the airway, the use of algorithms for airway management, managing upper airway abnormalities and a review of managing specific clinical circumstances.

 3

Paramedicine Laboratory 1 will provide students learning opportunities that will allow them to hone basic life support skills. The integration of scope of practice guidelines and high fidelity simulation will also be practiced. Students will demonstrate professionalism, leadership and effective communication behaviors during all learning experiences.

 3

This course focuses on action-based research methodologies. Students will examine healthcare systems and interventions in the field of emergency medicine using qualitative research methods. Areas of study potentially include: community-based paramedicine, healthcare education, and healthcare management. 

Pre-requisites:
  • ANPH 200
  • EMRG 202
  • EMRG 305
  • EMRG 320
  • PHAR 207
Equivalents:
  • EMRG 365
 1.5

Paramedicine Lab 3 will focus on the integration of knowledge, skills and scope of practice guidelines in managing various patient groups studied throughout the paramedic program. High fidelity simulation will play a major role in the learning and evaluation process. This course will prepare the student for the final field practicum. Students will demonstrate professionalism, leadership and effective communication behaviours during all learning experiences.

Pre-requisites:
  • EMRG 252
  • EMRG 254
  • EMRG 270
  • PROF 200
  • One of:
    • EMRG 365
    • EMRG 204
  • One of:
    • EMRG 200
    • EMRG 215 and EMRG 273
 1.5

Paramedicine Lab 2 will focus on the management of the adult medical and trauma patient. Strategies for integrating advanced paramedic therapies in a high fidelity simulation environment will be applied. Students will demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and effective communication behaviours during all learning experiences.

Pre-requisites:
  • EMRG 202
 3

Advanced Trauma Management will focus on the pathology, assessment and management of traumatic emergencies. Advanced therapies including needle thoracostomy and suturing will also be studied. International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Advanced certification will be awarded upon successful course completion.

 1.5

Cardiac Emergencies will focus on the pathology, assessment and management of common cardiac illnesses and diseases. Common toxidromes and advanced pharmacology will also be examined. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification will be awarded upon successful course completion.

 3

Fitness and Wellness promotes physical fitness, mental health, nutrition and safe workplace strategies. Critical incident stress management (CISM) is also explored as a tool to help students develop a stress management plan to prepare themselves for the strenuous demands of the profession.

Pre-requisites:
  • EMRG 252
  • EMRG 254
  • EMRG 270
  • PROF 200
  • One of:
    • EMRG 365
    • EMRG 204
  • One of:
    • EMRG 200
    • EMRG 215 and EMRG 273
 1.5

Neurological Emergencies will focus on the pathology, assessment and management of common neurological illnesses and diseases. Pharmacology specific to neurological emergencies will be emphasized.

 3

Special Population Groups will prepare students to recognize, assess and manage the needs of unique patient groups. Focus will be on the following patient groups: geriatrics, home care, cancer and terminally ill, psychiatric and behavioral disorders and substance abuse. Pharmacology specific to these patient groups will be examined.

Pre-requisites:
  • EMRG 252
  • EMRG 254
  • EMRG 270
  • PROF 200
  • One of:
    • EMRG 365
    • EMRG 204
  • One of:
    • EMRG 200
    • EMRG 215 and EMRG 273
 1.5

Gastro/Urinary Emergencies will focus on the pathology, assessment and management of common gastrointestinal, urinary and endocrine illnesses and emergencies. Urinary catheterization, nasogastric intubation and pharmacology specific to gastro/urinary emergencies will be studied.

 3

Critical Care Paramedic will focus on the ongoing assessment of the critical care patient. Building on the knowledge and skills acquired in all studies to date, learners will be introduced to more advanced approaches to the treatment and inter-facility transport of the critical care patient. Advanced therapies and interventions including hemodynamic monitoring, transport ventilators, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing and interpretation will build upon the foundational paramedic learning to date.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRCT 210
  • PRCT 302
 1.5

Preceptor Training will prepare the paramedic graduate for future roles as mentors and preceptors in the emergency services and healthcare profession. Principles of adult education, learning and management styles and effective feedback strategies will be examined.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRCT 210
  • PRCT 302
 1.5

Pharmacology Basics will focus on medication classifications, calculations, safe medication administration, drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. An introduction will be provided regarding the knowledge, safe practice and use of advanced care paramedic medications. Topics will also include Canadian drug legislation and the scope of practice guidelines that are specific to Alberta. 

 3

Ambulance Practicum 1 provides learners with the opportunity to participate in a preceptor-supervised ambulance experience. This practicum will focus on the transition from basic life-support skills to introductory advanced life-support skills. Learners will be exposed to on-the-job opportunities that will allow them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired thus far in the program. Learners will work in collaboration with all members of the health care team and must demonstrate professionalism, leadership and effective communication behaviours during all learning experiences.

Pre-requisites:
  • EMED 216
  • EMED 223
  • EMRG 271
  • EMRG 310
  • One of:
    • EMRG 206
    • EMRG 302
  • One of:
    • PHAR 207
    • PHAR 222
 6

Students will participate in a preceptor-supervised learning experience in a hospital or approved healthcare facility. Students will work in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team and must demonstrate professionalism, leadership and effective communication behaviours during all learning experiences.

Pre-requisites:
  • EMED 216
  • EMED 223
  • EMRG 271
  • EMRG 310
  • One of:
    • EMRG 206
    • EMRG 302
 3

Students will participate in a preceptor-supervised learning experience in a hospital or approved healthcare facility. Students will work in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team and must demonstrate professionalism, leadership and effective communication behaviours during all learning experiences.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRCT 210
  • PRCT 302
Corequsites:
  • EMRG 350
 3

Ambulance Practicum 2 provides a preceptor-supervised ambulance experience. By the end of this course, learners will be required to perform competencies at the level expected for entry-level paramedics. Learners will be expected to demonstrate professionalism, leadership and effective communication behaviours at all times while working in a healthcare team.

Pre-requisites:
  • PRCT 210
  • PRCT 302
Corequsites:
  • EMRG 350
 6

Paramedicine Practice examines provincial legislation and ethical and communication practices relevant to emergency medical services. Students are made aware of personal communication styles and how their styles may differ from others. Emphasis is placed on teamwork and conflict resolution. Students will gain understanding of current research practices relevant to emergency medical services and healthcare.

 1.5

This course will prepare students for registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics. A variety of learning tools and assessment types will be used to allow students to practice the integration and application of the knowledge, skills, and judgment they have acquired throughout the program, in preparation for their roles as professional paramedics.

Pre-requisites:
  • EMRG 206
 1.5

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.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

Completion of a Primary Care Paramedic or an Emergency Medical Technician certificate program or equivalent. Proof of completion must be submitted by August 1.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Winter 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Oct. 26, 2023

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024

Costs

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 3 $9,028 $2,030 $11,058
2 2 $6,588 $1,570 $8,158
Total cost:
 $19,216

Books, uniforms and supplies are approximately $5,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

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.

Required equipment/tools

You will be evaluated on your competency performance level using a tracking system called CompTracker. You will require a wifi-enabled Apple tablet that can 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 of $75 billed on a per-semester basis. More information will be shared at orientation.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Uniforms and PPE are to be purchased before orientation day.

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 black steel-toed duty boots may be purchased where available.

The uniform required for paramedicine students at SAIT.The jackets required for paramedicine students at SAIT.

Ballistic vests

The SAIT paramedic programs do not require ballistic vests.

Currently, many practitioners can be issued a ballistic vest by their employer as PPE.  This is an employee's decision if they want the ballistic vest or not. 

As a best practice for scene safety, police deem the situation safe before EMS crews enter, and our students are not first in any situation where this type of PPE is required. 

If you wish to purchase your own ballistic vest for use on practicum, you can do so through the AHS-approved vendor Urban Tactical, Winnipeg, which has the required minimum specifications for a ballistic vest.

If you decide to purchase and wear the vest, you must ensure that your SAIT crest and student identification are clearly visible on the vest without compromising the integrity of the vest.

If you have a ballistic vest from an employer, you are not allowed to wear that employer’s issue as part of the SAIT uniform. 

If you choose to wear a ballistic vest during your program, you must purchase a personal ballistic vest.

Ballistic vests are personally fitted, have a limited lifespan, and are not resalable as they do not provide the appropriate protection second-hand. If you choose to wear a personal ballistic vest, you must wear it for every call during your practicum rotations.

Additional fees

  • 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).
  • 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.
  • You must have your 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.
  • A fee of approximately $50-$100 is associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission, which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
  • A Class 4 Driver's license may be required for employment. We recommend you review the Alberta government information for requirements and begin the process while in the program. 
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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

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Application process

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Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

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 domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages. 

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:

School of Health and Public Safety Advising

403.284.8500
hps.info@sait.ca