Advanced Care Paramedic

Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) are integral to Emergency Medical Services and provide advanced life support and medical and trauma care in health services, community, and industrial settings. They may be the first to arrive on the 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.

The ACP scope of practice includes, but is not limited to, the following: professional responsibilities, communication, health and safety, assessment and diagnostics, therapeutics, integration, transportation, health promotion, and public safety.  

About the Program

The Portage College ACP program is delivered in 2.5 years on a full-time basis using a blended delivery model. This format allows students who are unable to relocate from their home community for the duration of their education program, the opportunity to pursue an Advanced Care Paramedic diploma. By using the multi-modal approach to instruction, students can do the majority of theory instruction from home. For each 3-credit course, students can expect to spend an average of 6-10 hours studying per week.  

Unfortunately, at this point in time, this program is not available to international students. Please click the link to view all of our international students programs.

Eligibility and Testing

During the 13 mandatory onsite weeks, practical skills are assessed at the level of proficiency.  Some written exams are scheduled during onsite weeks but students may be required to arrange to have other exams supervised at any Portage College campus or by an approved invigilator when not on site. Students are responsible for all costs associated with exam invigilation external to Portage College. The program includes two ambulance placements and a clinical placement.

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. 

Selection Dates

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
The significant demand for advanced care paramedics throughout the province in rural, urban and industrial settings provides graduates with a broad range of career opportunities.

Credentials
Year 1: N/A
Year 2: Diploma

Admission Requirements
Educational:

  • Successful completion of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) or EMT program
  • A PCP or EMT certificate. An Alberta College of Paramedics Practice Permit, will be considered an asset during the student selection process.
  • Biology 30 with minimum 60%
  • English 30-2 with minimum 70% or equivalent
  • Math 20-2 minimum 60% or equivalent
  • Chemistry 30 strongly recommended

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

Other Requirements:

  • 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.

Note: Testing must have been completed within two years prior to application to the program  

  • Minimum age 18
  • Must attend mandatory Selection Interview and Exam

Required Documents following successful Selection Interview and Exam:

  • Valid Heart and Stroke Foundation Basic Life Support (BLS) certification(issued within one year of course start date)
  • Photocopy of current Class 5 Alberta driver's license OR Portage College Waiver form
  • Class 4 driver's license prior to completion of program
  • Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search dated after June 30 and must be submitted by the start of program
  • Required signed forms: Police Information Check Waiver, Immunization, Immunization and Placement Disclosure Waiver and Health Status 
  • Ipad, tablet, or smartphone for competency tracking with CompTracker Program. Please contact the program for additional details or questions.
  • Please refer to the following link for Moodle minimum technical requirements: Moodle page.

Transferability
Students who complete the ACP program are eligible to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at SAIT. The following four courses transfer to and from Portage College University Studies; BIOL230 - Anatomy I, BIOL231 - Physiology I, BIOL232 - Physiology II and HEED105 - Personal Health & Wellness.

Students who complete the ACP program can continue into the third year Bachelor of Science Post Diploma with Athabasca University. Students complete up to 30 of the required 60 credits with Portage College's University Transfer program and the remaining with Athabasca Univeristy.

Program Start/End Dates
Year 1 - August 28, 2025 to June 26, 2026 
Year 2 - August 28, 2025 to June 26, 2026
Year 2.5 (Practicum) - August 28, 2025 to December 19, 2025

Application Deadline:

February 28, 2025 (or until program is full)

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, Blended delivery

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Year 1

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024

Tuition $3,175.07
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $158.50
Health Insurance Fee $158.50
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Program Specific Fees $172.50
Comptracker $63.53
ITLS $168.30
TWMFR $36.30
PBA Training $275.00
Total $4,461.68

Winter Term

Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024

Tuition $3,175.07
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $3,429.05

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year one: $7,890.73

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Year 2

Full Year
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024

Tuition $6,350.14
Student Association $233.40
Dental Insurance Fee $158.50
Health Insurance Fee $158.50
Technology Fee $165.42
Recreation Fee $109.14
Course Package $172.50
Comptracker $127.05
BLS $3.85
ACLS $97.35
PALS $3.85
TDG $24.15
WHMIS $24.15
CAMADA $60.50
Total $7,688.50


Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Tuition Deposit: $1500 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)

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

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.

Fee Explanations

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.

Athletics & Recreation 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.

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.

Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.

Advanced Care Paramedic

  • ANATOMY I

    Course ID: BIOL230

    Name: ANATOMY I

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    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.

  • COMMUNICATIONS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

    Course ID: COMM135

    Name: COMMUNICATIONS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    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

  • PROFESSIONAL DRIVING

    Course ID: EMS250

    Name: PROFESSIONAL DRIVING

    Hours: 16

    Credits: 1

    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.

  • INTERMEDIATE SKILLS

    Course ID: ACP203

    Name: INTERMEDIATE SKILLS

    Hours: 143

    Credits: 5

    The Intermediate Skills course emphasizes mastery of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) basic life support skills with the introduction of advanced practice knowledge. Students are expected to integrate core knowledge from the foundational courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology as well as critical thinking and concepts of an advanced practitioner throughout this course. The Student will demonstrate proficiency in the application of all competencies in a skills, scenario or simulation environment.

  • OBSTETRICS

    Course ID: ACP226

    Name: OBSTETRICS

    Hours: 81

    Credits: 3

    Pregnancy, labor and delivery are a life-changing experience for a mother and her family unit. The majority of pregnancies progress in a predictable, natural manner, however, there is the potential for life-threatening complications for the woman and fetus. Prompt recognition and treatment of these complications is essential. A paramedic can expect to encounter women in all stages of pregnancy, labor and delivery. The Obstetrics course is designed for the student to develop skilled, efficient, thorough, and systematic approaches in the assessment and care of obstetrical patients, women in labor in all stages of pregnancy, labor/delivery and post-delivery. Assessments and care of the newborn will also be discussed. The knowledge and skills obtained in this course prepare the student to meet competencies related to Obstetrical and Neonatal patients in the clinical setting. Obstetrical and Neonatal interventions are a crucial part of Advanced Paramedic Practice.

  • PERSONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

    Course ID: HEED105

    Name: PERSONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    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

  • PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

    Course ID: PHRM250

    Name: PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

    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.

  • PHYSICAL EXAMINATION & HISTORY GATHERING

    Course ID: ACP221

    Name: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION & HISTORY GATHERING

    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

  • PHYSIOLOGY I

    Course ID: BIOL231

    Name: PHYSIOLOGY I

    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

  • PHYSIOLOGY II

    Course ID: BIOL232

    Name: PHYSIOLOGY II

    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.

    The prerequisites are 60% in ELA30-1 and BIOL230 & 231

  • PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS 3

    Course ID: ACP227

    Name: PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS 3

    Hours: 49

    Credits: 2

    This course provides the opportunity for learners to build strategies and resources to support professional paramedic practice. Legal and ethical responsibilities in achieving and maintaining licensure under the ACP, including fitness to practice, continuing competency and life-long learning will be explored. The learner will gain an understanding of personality and strengths in order to help build collaborative practice and the leadership roles required of a paramedic within heath systems.

  • ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY

    Course ID: ACP212

    Name: ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY

    Hours: 90

    Credits: 6

    The Advanced Pharmacology course encompasses the knowledge of drug classes, actions, onset, duration, indications, contraindications, adverse reactions, drug interactions, administration routes, dosages, special circumstances and drug dose calculations which are applied in medical and traumatic situations. This course teaches students advanced concepts of pharmacology and expands the student’s knowledge on the medications regularly administered within their scope of practice. There is a major focus on the importance of pharmacology and drug therapy as a complex role that sets the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Provider apart from the Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider. The student will need to apply knowledge and critical thinking to determine the appropriate medication(s) for each individual patient, as well as interventions that should be provided concurrently.

  • ADVANCED SKILLS

    Course ID: ACP202

    Name: ADVANCED SKILLS

    Hours: 250

    Credits: 6

    In the Advanced Paramedic Skills course, students will practice psychomotor skills related to paramedic practice as defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada: National Occupational Competency profile and the Alberta College of Paramedics. These skills will be practiced and assessed in the skill and lab simulation environment. Students will integrate these skills into treatment plans incorporating: assessment, diagnostic data interpretation and differential diagnosis learned in previous program courses and concurrently in ACP212 and ACP222. This knowledge will be assessed through the use of case studies, laboratory and online scenarios. Students will also incorporate principles of pain management, procedural sedation and anesthesia in the performance of advance interventions as well as the use of assessment and diagnostic technologies into the ongoing monitoring of advanced interventions. In conjunction with this course along with ACP212 and ACP222, students prepare for the transition from simulated application of clinical knowledge from the laboratory setting to the clinical and practical learning environment.

  • AEROMEDICAL

    Course ID: ACP241

    Name: AEROMEDICAL

    Hours: 54

    Credits: 3

    In the Advanced Paramedic Skills course, students will practice psychomotor skills related to paramedic practice as defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada: National Occupational Competency profile and the Alberta College of Paramedics. These skills will be practiced and assessed in the skill and lab simulation environment. Students will integrate these skills into treatment plans incorporating: assessment, diagnostic data interpretation and differential diagnosis learned in previous program courses and concurrently in ACP212 and ACP222. This knowledge will be assessed through the use of case studies, laboratory and online scenarios. Students will also incorporate principles of pain management, procedural sedation and anesthesia in the performance of advance interventions as well as the use of assessment and diagnostic technologies into the ongoing monitoring of advanced interventions. In conjunction with this course along with ACP212 and ACP222, students prepare for the transition from simulated application of clinical knowledge from the laboratory setting to the clinical and practical learning environment.

  • AGE SPECIFIC ADVANCED CARE

    Course ID: ACP250

    Name: AGE SPECIFIC ADVANCED CARE

    Hours: 51

    Credits: 1

    This course provides students with knowledge and skills required to perform assessments and interventions to age-specific populations within the context of Advanced Care Paramedic practice.  Pediatric, neonatal and geriatric care is the focus of this course with competency attainment at the level of proficiency during the mandatory on—site labs.

  • CLINICAL PLACEMENT

    Course ID: ACP242

    Name: CLINICAL PLACEMENT

    Hours: 270

    Credits: 6

    The Clinical Placement is designed to provide the Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) student exposure to diverse patients across the lifespan to facilitate application of newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice in a health care facility as they rotate through various clinical areas. The Clinical Placement provides the opportunity for the student to incorporate assessments, advanced pharmacology, and advanced 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. Students are assigned to a RN, RT or physician for the duration of their placement, and will only perform advanced skills under direct and indirect supervision. While on placement, the student acts as a role model for the profession and ambassador for Portage College, while integrating the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice into their professional practice. The student will maintain the highest level of professionalism throughout the placement while integrating leadership, history, assessment, clinical presentations and diagnostic findings into the treat of the patient.

  • EMERGENCY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

    Course ID: ACP222

    Name: EMERGENCY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

    Hours: 151

    Credits: 6

    This course deals with the diagnosis and treatment of both medical and trauma emergencies at the advanced paramedic level. It is well understood that to provide safe and competent care, the advanced paramedic must quickly and efficiently assess patient signs and symptoms in the context of setting, physical exam, history, and diagnostic findings, to determine a provisional diagnosis. Differentially diagnosing between life threatening and non-life-threatening diagnoses is an art as much as a science. Although it may not be definitive, a provisional diagnosis provides the framework to determine pharmacological & procedural interventions. The overall goal of the Emergency, Diagnosis & Treatment course is for the student to integrate knowledge, skills and critical thinking to the scope of an advanced paramedic practitioner.

  • FINAL AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

    Course ID: ACP248

    Name: FINAL AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

    Hours: 576

    Credits: 6

    The Final Ambulance placement 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. The overall outcome of the Final Ambulance Placement is for the student to demonstrate confidence and meet entry to practice ACP competencies at the proficiency level. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating critical thinking and leadership skills by managing the overall advanced care of the ill or injured patient and the resources on hand, independent of the preceptor, while under indirect supervision. Students are assigned to a Registered ACP for the duration of their placement and will only perform skills under direct and indirect supervision. While on placement, the student acts as a role model for the profession and ambassador for Portage College, while integrating the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice into their professional practice. The student will maintain the highest level of professionalism throughout the placement. While integrating leadership, delegation, complete physical assessments, thorough history taking, clinical presentation and diagnostic findings, the student will develop and implement advanced care treatment plans based on the provisional diagnosis.

  • INITIAL AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

    Course ID: ACP246

    Name: INITIAL AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

    Hours: 384

    Credits: 6

    The initial 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. It is the beginning of the transition toward critical thinking in advanced practice. Students are assigned to a Registered ACP for the duration of their placement and will only perform skills under direct and indirect supervision. While on placement, the student acts as a role model for the profession and ambassador for Portage College, while integrating the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice into their professional practice. The student will maintain the highest level of professionalism throughout the placement. While integrating leadership, delegation, complete physical assessments, thorough history taking, clinical presentation and diagnostic findings, the student will begin to develop advanced care treatment plans based on the provisional diagnosis.

We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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