Program Prerequisites
Primary Care Paramedic Program
Program pre-requisites are set to ensure those entering the program have the essential skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in the program. If you do not meet a requirement below, but believe you have other training or experience that meets it, please email our program team to discuss a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) application. Note that due to the large number of inquiries we receive each term we cannot accept PLAR applications until a candidate has applied to the program.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 19 years of age by program start date
- ‘Emergency Medical Responder’ (EMR) certification from Columbia Learning, or recognized equivalent
- Our sister school, Columbia Medical Training, offers recognized courses. Click here to see their current offerings
- ‘Basic Life Support’ (BLS) CPR certification
- Proof of high school graduation, or meets mature student definition
- Must include English 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’, or equivalent
- Alternatively, may provide IELTS results showing at least Band 6 (competent user)
- Physical and mental health sufficient to perform the tasks required of a paramedic
- Applicants complete a Statement of Fitness to self-certify they are fit and able to perform the tasks required of a paramedic, as they will be required to demonstrate this when on field placement
- Confidential letter of reference that confirms the applicant is of good character, possesses a strong work ethic, and has sufficient work and/or volunteer experience to succeed in this program of study and chosen career
Mature Student Applicants
A mature student applicant is an individual who is at least 25 years of ago. Proof of high school graduation is waived for these applicants, however all other admission requirements must be met, including the language proficiency requirement.
Post-Acceptance Program Requirements
- Criminal Record Check, including vulnerable sector check
- Must be returned without any results that would disqualify the applicant from being placed with BCEHS or in health authority facilities
- Completed immunization declaration form
- Form is provided at the time of program acceptance
- Must show up-to-date vaccinations, or acquired immunity demonstrated through blood titre, for the following conditions*
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (DPT vaccine)
- Polio
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Any other vaccination(s) required at the time of practicum placements by a health authority, BCEHS and/or order of the Provincial Health Officer
*The vaccination requirement is in place to meet the Government of British Columbia guidelines laid out in “Practice Education Guidelines for BC Communicable Disease Prevention”. It is available for reference by visiting: