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:

• Biology 30 with minimum 60% 
• English Language Arts 30-1 minimum 60% or English Language Arts 30-2 minimum 70%
• Math 20-1 minimum 50% or Math 20-2 minimum 60% 
• 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:

• Standard First Aid certification (issued within one year of course start date) or Medical First Responder Certificate or Emergency Medical Responder Certificate
• CPR - Heart and Stroke Foundation Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider
• Photocopy of current Class 5 Alberta driver's license OR Portage College Waiver form
• Class 4 driver's license prior to completion of program or signed waiver stating their understanding of employment requirements for a Class 4 license.
• Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search dated after June 30 and must be submitted by the start of program
• Mandatory signed forms: Police Information Check, Immunization, Immunization and Placement Disclosure 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
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 26, 2024 to June 20, 2025 (Fall, Winter and Spring Terms)

Application Deadline
April 30, 2024

Program Selection Dates
The program selection date is the week of May 8, 2024. 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

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2023

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2023

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $7,711.45

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)

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

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

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

• AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

  Course ID: PCP110

  Name: AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

  Hours: 240

  Credits: 5

  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.

• 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.

• CLINICAL PLACEMENT

  Course ID: PCP111

  Name: CLINICAL PLACEMENT

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 1

  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.

• 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.

• EMR PROFESSIONALISM

  Course ID: EMRC130

  Name: EMR PROFESSIONALISM

  Hours: 15

  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.

• PARAMEDIC FOUNDATIONS I

  Course ID: PCP130

  Name: PARAMEDIC FOUNDATIONS I

  Hours: 45 Theory 135 Lab

  Credits: 8

  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.

• PARAMEDIC FOUNDATIONS II

  Course ID: PCP200

  Name: PARAMEDIC FOUNDATIONS II

  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.

• PARAMEDICS IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

  Course ID: PCP210

  Name: PARAMEDICS IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

  Hours: 45 Theory 30 Lab

  Credits: 4

  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.

• 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

  Course ID: PCP220

  Name: PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  Course Description is currently being updated.