General Information

Primary Care Paramedic Certificate Program

Welcome!

The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) certificate program at Columbia is an exciting way to enter the ever expanding field of paramedicine. This program has recently undergone a significant update following our Academy’s move to a 1-year program in the Fall of 2024. This brings us into compliance with the new, expanded scope for PCP licensure, while also allowing more time for both practical skills development as well as new topics designed to build greater paramedic knowledge and long term resiliency in the field.

This expanded program provides more than twice the instructional time found in our legacy courses. Students benefit from the addition of an extended Anatomy & Physiology course, as well as the addition of numerous new modules in areas such as Professional Practice, Cultural Sensitivity, and Community Paramedicine. A considerable amount of in-class simulation time has also been added to allow students the opportunity to further practice and refine their skills before commencing their practicums. We are excited to introduce these changes to ensure our students continue to acquire the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exemplary care in the field.

This updated program meets the licensure scope changes contained in Ministerial Order 292/2022, and has incorporated key elements of the new PERRs and NCFP national standards. We are excited to deliver this new program as part of our continuing commitment to deliver best-in-province paramedic training in a flexible learning format accessible to communities throughout BC.

Program Format

Full-time, Blended Delivery Model

This program has been designed to allow students the flexibility required to maintain a healthy work/study/life balance while they complete their training. It is a mix of traditional classroom learning combined with online synchronous and asynchronous sessions.

However, students must be prepared to apply themselves to training. This program is a rigorous and comprehensive course of study; the academic demands are considerable and motivation to pursue a paramedic career is important for success. We strongly encourage those interested in applying to first attend an information session where they can learn more about what is required to succeed, and can ask direct questions of current program managers, instructors and students to get first-hand feedback on what to expect and how they can best prepare themselves.

Program Components

The Primary Care Paramedic program includes 1254 hours of learning over 50 weeks, with an average of 25 hours of instructional time per week. “Instructional time” is an all encompassing term that describes online self-paced (asynchronous) learning, online instructor-led learning (synchronous), classroom learning and clinical/field placements.

Term 1 Structure and Key Activities

First two months: online delivery
- 4 hour introductory session on day 1
- Self-paced learning for remainder, with typically 20-25 hours of study required per week

Following 3 months: blended delivery (online & in classroom)
- Students alternate between a week (5 days) in the classroom and a week online
- Classroom weeks are 40 hours long (8:30 – 4:30 daily)
- Online weeks typically require 20-25 hours of study
- Online weeks also feature 2 to 3 live sessions hosted by an instructor. Each session will be offered twice in the week, allowing students to pick the day/time that is most convenient for them to attend

Final 2 weeks of term: practicum in the field
- Students will complete 4 x 12 hour shifts
- A variety of settings will be offered for students to choose from (hospital, clinic, research unit, community paramedicine unit, prison, military clinic, etc.)
- Note – some options may not be available in all areas of the province. Students will be welcome to select options outside their community, but will be responsible for any travel costs or other related costs

END OF TERM (1 WEEK READING BREAK)

Term 2 Structure and Key Activities

Next 3 months: blended delivery (online & in classroom)
- Students alternate between a week (5 days) in the classroom and a week online
- Classroom weeks are 40 hours long (8:30 – 4:30 daily)
- Online weeks typically require 20-25 hours of study.
- Online weeks also feature 2 to 3 live sessions hosted by an instructor. Each session will be offered twice in the week, allowing students to pick the day/time that is most convenient for them to attend
- Note – this time period commences after the 1 week reading break

Final 3.5 months: Practicum with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) or Yukon EMS
- Students complete a minimum of 16 shifts
- Students must obtain all NOCPs, along with preceptor recommendation for independent practice
- Students typically work a 4 on – 4 off shift pattern to match BCEHS and/or Yukon EMS scheduling
- Students submit availability each month, listing which day(s), night(s) and station(s)/region(s) they are willing to work. Note – those who submit the most availability with the least restrictions will typically be assigned more shifts by BCEHS
- *IMPORTANT* Shift availability varies by region, station and even time of year as preceptors put in their availability at their discretion and other schools put more/less students in the field each month. Scheduling is completely controlled by BCEHS; we cannot guarantee a 4-on, 4-off pattern will be assigned. It is common that students may have broken shifts or delays in precepting at some point in their field placement. In some cases, students may be required to travel at their own expense if their local community does not have trained BCEHS preceptors or availability

Final 2 weeks of program: licensing exam prep (online)
- Self-paced learning
- Typically 20-25 hours of study required per week

Program Assessment

Evaluation is ongoing throughout the program, conducted through a mix of both formal and informal approaches. This includes in-class simulation feedback, graded assignments, written assessments, OSCE skill stations and practical exam simulations.

Successful completion of the program requires:

95% attendance for in-class and live online components
Obtaining a passing grade for each course
- 70% for graded courses
- “Pass” or “Complete” for non-graded courses
Successful precepting completion, as measured by:
- Minimum of 16 shifts
- Demonstrated competence for all required NOCPs
- Preceptor recommended readiness for safe, independent practice on at least the final 4 shifts

Certification and Careers

Graduates receive a Primary Care Paramedic Certificate. Students intending to work as Primary Care Paramedics must then apply for licensing examinations. Paramedicine is a regulated field and individuals in this occupation must have a license in order to practice.

In BC, the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) provides regulatory oversight for licensing. More information on this process and the requirements can be found on their website here.