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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.
Transfer Arrangements
Students who complete the ACP program will be eligible to transfer to Athabasca and enter its Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program.
Information Request
If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.
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 4 Alberta driver's license.
- Completed and signed Driver's License Waiver.
- 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 or tablet for competency tracking with CompTracker Program. Please contact the program for additional details or questions.
Transferability
Transfer credit listed on the ACAT (Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer) website will be approved for transfer credit to Portage College. Specific credit awards to a program are subject to the requirements and regulations of the admitting program and may vary from the total credit awarded by Portage College. To determine if this program transfers to other institutions refer to the ACAT website.
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
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.