LEGACY Program Prerequisites

The following list of requirements have been approved for entry into this program.

• Minimum 19 years of age by program start date

• Current ‘Emergency Medical Responder’ (EMR) certification
  • Must be from an EMALB recognized EMR program
  • Must include full schedule 1 and schedule 2 endorsements (or separate EMR Scope Update/Gap training course completed)
    • Our sister company, Columbia Medical Training offers EMR courses throughout BC. These are taught by paramedics who are often former students. View course listings here
  • Click here to learn more about upcoming changes to our EMR prerequisite (Effective Jan. 1, 2024)

• ‘Basic Life Support’ (BLS) CPR certification
  • Formerly known as ‘Health Care Provider (HCP)’ level CPR certification.

• British Columbia grade 12 completion, or equivalent
  • Applicants must have completed grade 12 in British Columbia or equivalent or be a Mature Student (see below).
  • Documentation must be provided (high school transcript or copy of Dogwood certificate).

• Physically ability to perform the tasks required of a paramedic
  • Formal documentation from a medical expert is not required, however applicants must complete a Statement of Fitness to self-certify that they are physically able to perform the tasks required of a paramedic. This requires a healthy level of:
    • Aerobic fitness (eg. climbing stairs with equipment when elevator not accessible)
    • Muscular endurance (eg. performing prolonged CPR on a patient)
    • Muscular strength (eg. lifting and carrying patients)
    • Flexibility (eg. treating patients on the floor or in difficult to reach situations) 

• Criminal Record Check
  • Our clinical and precepting agreements with BC Ambulance and various Health Authorities require us to ensure all students have provided a recent Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
  • Clinical placements are a requirement for completion and any applicants with relevant records which bar clinical placements will not be considered for admission.

• Confidential Letter of Reference
  • Applicants must provide a reference letter that should highlight the applicant’s ability to work as a paramedic.
  • Must use confidential recommendation form supplied by Columbia Paramedic Academy 

• Immunizations The following immunizations must be completed for any students completing an on-car practicum:
  • Mantoux: (TB test)-a baseline 1-step test or a test in the last 6 months
  • Hepatitis B: Series of 3 injections at 0 month, 1 month and 6 months and antibody testing 2-3 months post 3rd injection
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella): Childhood series and a second injection for measles
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria: Booster every 10 years
  • COVID-19 vaccination

It is also recommended, but not required, that all students have baseline blood tests completed before practicum for:

• Hepatitis B antibody-post vaccine series
• Hepatitis C antibody
• HIV antibody

Mature Student Applicants

A mature student applicant is an individual who does not have BC Grade 12 or Grade 12 equivalence and is at least 25 years of age. The Grade 12 completion is waived for these individuals, however all other admission requirements must be met.