Primary Care Paramedic Program

Licensed to administer patient care, most BC paramedics are PCPs, and they handle the majority of 9-1-1 calls. The role of a paramedic varies widely across the world, as emergency medical services (EMS) providers operate with many different models of care. In the Anglo-American model, paramedics are autonomous decision-makers. However, in some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, the paramedic role has developed into an autonomous health profession, which is Canada’s direction.

Paramedics mainly work as part of the EMS, most often in ambulances and due to the nature of their job, paramedics work in diverse and dynamic environments. Paramedics also work in non-emergency situations, such as transporting chronically ill patients to and from treatment centres and, in some areas, address social determinants of health and provide in-home care to sick patients at risk of hospitalization, a practice known as community paramedicine.

Students will learn all aspects of paramedicine to a national standard. They can expect to participate in discussions and reflective exercises in a safe and supportive environment facilitated by their instructors. They will also engage in hands-on and practical training in clinical skills through various formats such as role plays, skill labs, scenarios, simulations, recorded or live demonstrations, and practicums.

Graduates qualify for licensure with the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) and once licensed, for membership of the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC) membership.

Sprott Shaw College is an approved EMALB Educational Program. Students of the Primary Care Paramedic program will initially be issued with a student license to practice under supervision and, once complete, eligible for a full license for independent practice.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Provide safe, ethical, and sociocultural-sensitive care according to the guidelines as set by schedule III of the Emergency Medical Assistants regulations.
• Practice in a reflective, responsive, accountable, and professional manner as required by legislation, the defined scope and standards of practice, and the code of ethics as described in the Health Professions Act.
• Demonstrate comprehensive and competent knowledge of paramedical theories and practices.
• Assist in and apply practices that promote the physical, psychological, social, cognitive, and spiritual well-being of clients
• Work collaboratively as part of an integrated health care team to provide high quality care for clients.
• Engage in evidence-based practice.
• Recognize the benefits, limitations, and contradictions of differing theoretical frameworks.
• Display knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology relevant to practice.
• Recognize and respond to one’s self-assessment, self-development, learning, and health enhancement needs.
• Apply self-reflective and self-appraisal processes to improve your effectiveness in your paramedical practice, including, readings, and peer feedback.
• Prepare client records and reports accurately.
• Utilise various diagnostic and assessment tools.

Why Take The Primary Care Paramedic Program At Sprott Shaw?

• Monthly start dates: Start your education when you want to without the wait
• Practicum opportunities: Build your skills with included practicums at recognized organizations across BC.
• Access to dedicated Employment Services Specialists (ESS): Our Employment Services Specialists are here to help you with resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and the overall job search after graduation
• All-inclusive program costs: What you see is what you pay. Our costs include registration fees, assessment fees, tuition, textbooks, supplies, course materials, uniforms, certificates, graduation fees, clinical and practicum fees, and much more