Primary Care Paramedic

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Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs) are integral members of Emergency Medical Services and provide basic life support, medical and trauma care in health services and industrial settings. They may be the first to arrive on scene, they may be the only provider in remote areas, or they may work collaboratively in a team with other EMS/health care providers, first responders (i.e. Fire, Police) or community support agencies. Duties vary depending on the employment setting but responsibilities for PCPs include patient assessment, treatment, stabilization, and transportation. 

This program is not available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.

Please Note: This program is not eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP).

About the Program

The program is delivered using a blended format that offers students a unique alternative to traditional full-time, combining online classes with on-site lab sessions. This delivery format allows students to complete most of their training from their home communities for most of the training period. Students attend 10 onsite training weeks in addition to the clinical and field placements during the 40 weeks of training.

Apply For This Program

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Further Your Education

Students who have completed the Primary Care Paramedic program can further their education by applying to the Advanced Care Paramedic program.

Information Request

If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.

Eligibility and Selection Dates

Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) exam. Graduates are required to be successful in order to be eligible for provincial registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics.

Once you fulfill the educational prerequisites and provide the required paperwork, the program advisor will notify you of the exact date and time for the selection assessment. It is mandatory for you to participate in these virtual selection dates.

 

Career Potential
Primary Care Paramedic graduates may be employed in rural or urban ambulance services, in various industrial settings or with municipal fire departments.

Credentials
Certificate

Admission Requirements
Educational:

  • English Language Arts 30-1 at 60% or English Language Arts 30-2 at 70%
  • Math 20-2 at 60% 
  • Biology 30 at 60% 
  • Chemistry 30 strongly recommended

Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing.

Required Documents:

  • High School transcripts or equivalent
  • Standard First Aid certification (issued within one year of program start date); or Medical First Responder Certificate (issued within one year before program start date); or Emergency Medical Responder Certificate.
  • BLS – Heart and Stroke Foundation Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider (issued within one year of course start date.

Other:

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Photocopy of current Class 5 Alberta driver’s license or Class 4 Alberta driver’s license. Completed and signed Driver’s License Waiver.
  • Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check within 2 months of the program start date. Please refer to the Alberta Health Services website for student placement frequently asked questions for further information.
  • Signed Police Information Check waiver form
  • Signed Immunization Form
  • Signed Immunization and Placement Disclosure waiver forms
  • Signed Health Status Form. Please refer to the Alberta Health Services website for student placement frequently asked questions for further information.
  • ESL – All students whose first language is not English must meet one of the following:
    – IELTS Academic Format with minimum scores as follows: Listening 7.5; Reading 6.5; Writing 7.0; Speaking 7.0.
    – TOEFL iBT (internet-based) with minimum test scores as follows: Listening 23; Reading 21; Writing 25; Speaking 22.
    – Testing must have been completed within two years before application to the program
  • iPad or Android Tablet for use with the Comptracker program.
  • Following admission, the student must meet all placement pre-requisites before placements. Please refer to the Alberta Health Services website for student placement frequently asked questions for further information
  • iPad or Android Tablet for use with Comptracker program
  • Technical and Computer Skills required to complete the program Software Requirements:  Please refer to the following link: https://www.portagecollege.ca/documents/student-services/Learning%20Resources/Moodle_Collaborate_Ultra_CLASS_Technical_Requirements.pdf

Transferability
For those interested in pursuing a career as an Advanced Care Paramedic, registration as a PCP with the Alberta College of Paramedics is a prerequisite for acceptance into Advanced Care Paramedic program.

Program Start/End Dates
August 24, 2026 to June 25, 2027

Application Deadline
February 28, 2026

Program Selection Dates
If you have met the educational requirements, you will be contacted by the program advisor with a specific date and time for the selection evaluation.

Location
Lac La Biche Campus

Delivery
Blended

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $3,221.93
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Course Materials $150.00
Comptracker $63.53
BLS $3.85
Driving Course $150.00
Total $4,169.79


Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

Tuition $3,221.93
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
PEARS 3.85
ITLS 168.30
TDG 24.15
WHIMIS 24.15
PBA Training 275.00
Total $3,971.36

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $8,141.15

Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Tuition Deposit: $1,500 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)

Tuition is calculated using “cost–per–credit” one University credit is $170.00 and one Pre Health-Credit is 198.00. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course, course dependent.

Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

Primary Care Paramedic Course Listing

The Ambulance Placement Course is designed to provide the student the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills to provide care for diverse patients across the lifespan in an ambulance setting. Under the guidance of a preceptor, students apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real emergency situations The overall outcome of the ambulance placement is for the student to meet entry to practice PCP competencies.
Hours: 240
Credits: 5

This course provides an in-depth study of the structures of the human body and their interrelationships using a systems approach. The correlations between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) are noted. Major topics include body organization, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary and reproductive systems, the general and special senses, and human development. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

The Clinical Placement Course is designed to provide the student exposure to diverse patients across the lifespan to facilitate application of newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice in a health care facility Emergency Department. The clinical placement provides the opportunity for the student to incorporate assessments, pharmacology, and skills in the treatment of patients of all ages. Students will act as a member of the multidisciplinary heath team and develop an awareness of the roles and responsibilities of other health professionals while developing strategies to work effectively within a team setting.
Hours: 36
Credits: 1

This course explores basic and therapeutic communication skills for the health professional. Communication skills required for the development of caring relationships and to overcome barriers will be discussed, as well as, the skills needed for interprofessional practice, group and family communication. Conflict resolution, self-reflective practice and health teaching are key components of this course. PREREQUISITE: Admission to a Health & Wellness program
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Safe driving requires the adoption of an attitude toward operating a motor vehicle known as “defensive driving”. The defensive driver is not timid or overcautious, but is determined to take every reasonable precaution to prevent traffic mishaps, over and above what is required by law. This course gives you the opportunity to learn and apply what is involved in driving defensively, why and how various types of motor vehicle collisions occur, and what it takes to prevent them.
Hours: 16
Credits: 1

In this first professional paramedics course students learn about the history and evolving role of paramedics. Values, ethics, legalities and legislation that affect paramedic practice are introduced. Topics include legislative requirements under the Health Professions Act (HPA), the role and responsibilities of the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACop) and the Alberta Paramedic Association (APA) are core concepts. ACoP Guiding documents such as Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice provide the framework for professional practice.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1

This course provides the knowledge and practical skills to prepare students to perform the beginning skills required of a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP). During the mandatory on-site labs, students integrate theory from this course, knowledge from other foundational courses such as anatomy, physiology and practical skills in a simulated environment to meet the required competencies (NOCPs) at the level of proficiency.
Hours: 45 Theory 135 Lab
Credits: 8

The student will apply new theory, previous knowledge from PCP 130, incorporate practical skills, history, assessment, clinical presentation, and diagnostic findings of the ill or injured patient to determine a provisional diagnosis utilizing differential diagnoses and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Students will integrate all knowledge and skills to manage calls for delivery of safe patient care and promote optimal outcomes. Integration of all these components is critical to address the multiple medical and traumatic conditions encountered in the field. The student will demonstrate proficiency in the application of all competencies in a Skills, Scenario, or Simulation environment.
Hours: 45 Theory 135 Lab
Credits: 8

This course provides students with knowledge and skills required to provide care to special populations within the context of PCP practice. Obstetrics, pediatrics and geriatrics are the major focus of this course with competency attainment at the level of proficiency during the mandatory on-site labs.
Hours: 45 Theory 30 Lab
Credits: 4

This course will introduce you to the physical, social, mental, occupational, emotional, environmental and spiritual dimensions of personal health and wellness. These dimensions are described within the context of the Canadian Health Care System and your own individual community. Topics include primary health care, nutrition, exercise, stress management, weight management, eating disorders, common health issues and their prevention. You will be expected to integrate knowledge of the seven dimensions of health and apply this knowledge to a self-analysis of your own health and physical fitness. Finally, you will incorporate change management theory to develop, implement and evaluate a personal wellness plan. The intent of this course is to promote a healthy lifestyle. By examining determinants of health, the current health care system, the seven dimensions of health and applying these concepts to your own lifestyle, you will be better equipped to function as role models and act as change agents for health promotion in your community. Prerequisite 60% in ELA 30-1
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course focuses on the theoretical knowledge required for safe medication administration. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology will be integrated into the curriculum as mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and drug interactions are explored. The study of common drug classifications along with selected frequently used medications in each classification will be included. Legislation is reviewed with regards to over-the-counter and prescription drugs as well as political, social, economic and ethical factors will be discussed. Applicable professional practice interventions are examined with supporting rationale.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

The ability to obtain an accurate health history and perform a systematic physical examination is essential in paramedicine practice. Paramedics must be able to accurately describe and document assessment findings. The student will learn to obtain histories and perform physical examinations when working with patients who are in different states of physical, mental and emotional health. The Physical Examination course is designed for the student to develop skilled, efficient, thorough and systematic histories and physical examinations
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course provides a study of the overall function of the human body. Major topics include fundamental chemistry, homeostasis, cytology and cell physiology, cell signaling and communication, and muscle, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive physiology, as well as fundamental genetics as it applies to human physiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Pre/Corequisite 60% in ELA 30-1 and BIO 30 BIOL230
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course focuses on the study of homeostasis and how it is altered by physical, biochemical, microbial or genetic factors, providing an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of human body function, pathophysiology (disordered physiology) and disease processes. The course summarizes the normal function of each organ system and then presents a number of major diseases of each system, showing how symptoms and signs of selected diseases are produced by pathophysiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Course Description is currently being updated.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3