Frequently Asked Questions

The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course is the first step in the paramedic educational pathway. The next step is the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program, most paramedics working in BC have completed training at the PCP level. After gaining experience at the PCP level, paramedics may choose to continue their training in the Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program.

The EMR Program is three weeks long and focused on practicing practical skills. The PCP program is 8 to 10 months of full time study. Clinical placements (on an ambulance or in a hospital) are part of the PCP and ACP programs. The ACP program is about 20 months long and is only offered in a full time format. The ACP program is only for experienced primary care paramedics. Full and part time options are available for the EMR and PCP training programs.

The licensing body oversees the licensing process after each training level is completed. Individual training schools do not provide licensing, rather this is done by an independent licensing board.

Students should budget for housing, transportation, textbooks, course supplies, uniforms, and for unexpected expenses. Scholarship information is available through JIBC Student Services.

We do not recommend that students work while they are taking full-time paramedic programs. Students need to be available at all times (24/7) during the practice education components of the programs.

Work together with your classmates; start reviewing the material early, even before classes start; engage in commitment scheduling and planning; attendance is mandatory, so attend all classes; utilize JIBC student services; develop effective study habits; engage in effective stress management; and be proactive around asking for help when you need it. JIBC instructors and staff are here to support you on your educational journey, communicate with them as soon as possible if you are having any issues.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) is the entry-level training course that every paramedic in BC will start their education with and can be used as a pre-requisite for PCP. A licensed EMR may be employed by the provincial ambulance service in remote locations of BC.

After Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) training and licensure, you are eligible to work for the ambulance service in all areas of the province and in many other careers that utilize individuals with paramedic training.

With an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) License you can work on Advanced Life Support Ambulances and in industry requiring advanced certification.

Eligibility requirements, application deadlines and start dates are listed on the program websites. We recommend that students apply far in advance of their desired program start date. Being accepted into a program does not mean that you meet the hiring requirements of the ambulance service (JIBC programs provide the educational component).

You can register for the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course on the JIBC website. EMR is offered at locations throughout the province (both full-time and part-time options are available). The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program is offered at various locations around BC and selection takes place in advance. The Advanced Care Paramedic program (ACP) only has one intake per year at a limited number of JIBC campuses, applications take place up to a year in advance of the program start date.

Some practice education requirements (to be eligible for your hospital or ambulance shifts) are program admission requirements and will need to be completed prior to program admission. Additional details can be found on the PCP program webpage.

EMR courses often fill up so early registration is recommended. PCP and ACP Programs have a competitive selection process for each intake so it is important that your complete documentation is received by the application deadline.

If you have completed training outside of the province of BC please contact program staff.

JIBC schedules over 7000 student placements each year. The programs will provide scheduling, but students need to be 100% available for practice education shifts. Travel to shifts is often required and the expenses for travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student.

Doctors, nurses, or paramedics supervise Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) students during their placements.

JIBC holds legal agreements with BC health authorities and students are covered for liability and Work Safe coverage while on placement.

As placements are an extension of the classroom, students are not paid for practice education shifts.

You must meet program and health authority requirements to be eligible for practice education placement. This includes (but is not limited to) criminal record checks, proof of immunization status, confidentiality agreements, and online training.

Some of the practice education requirements are part of the program admission requirements and must be completed prior to your program application being accepted.

JIBC follows the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and has internal policies and procedures in place to protect student information.

The Paramedic Association of Canada developed the National Occupation Competency Profile (NOCP) which provides the scope of practice for the different licensing levels. In addition, the skills and equipment paramedics provide with each level of training is included in the NOCPs.

Once students have completed an approved paramedic course or program they can apply to complete a licensing exam with the paramedic licensing body. In BC the licensing body is the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB).

To maintain their license every year licensed paramedics must submit a minimum number of educational credits and patient contacts to the licensing body (EMALB).

The ability to transfer a license to another province is determined by the licensing body in the receiving province. A jurisprudence exam covers related provincial acts and regulations.

Career opportunities include those with BC Emergency Health Services (BCHES) or private sector employers. There are various opportunities with BCEHS at different levels and in various roles within the ambulance service. Jobs outside of the ambulance service may include working as a fire fighter and in search and rescue, the military, or industry.

A license is required to work as a paramedic. When you have successfully completed your training at JIBC you are eligible to take licensing exam with the licensing body. Requirements for employment can be found on the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) website.

You can find the application for employment and more information on the BCEHS website. We recommend you check the site before applying to any of the programs at JIBC. Those applying should have a driving and criminal record that is reflective of a public safety professional and be physically capable of performing the duties of a paramedic.

In BC, paramedics work at the EMR, PCP, and ACP levels. Community Paramedics promote healthy living in rural and remote communities. Dispatchers receive calls from the public, provide pre-arrival instructions and assist paramedic crews to deliver effective prehospital care. Community Paramedics and Dispatchers are hired by and receive special training from BCEHS. JIBC provides paramedic training at the EMR, PCP, and ACP levels.

Major cities have a high population density, a high frequency of emergency calls, and will offer positions filled by full-time salaried paramedics. Generally, paramedics move from smaller towns to major cities as they advance in their career. New paramedics usually start working part time in a small town. This provides a great opportunity to learn and grow as a paramedic in rural locations with a lower call volume. Paramedics in small towns often work on call and wear a pager to be notified of emergency calls.

Most paramedics start their careers working in a small town and some stay and become an integral part of the community as the well-known and respected local paramedic.

Primary care paramedics have more options for employment in all areas of the province but will likely start working outside of larger city centers. Once seniority is acquired there will be options to move into full-time positions and/or into other locations.

Those that have paramedic training may find employment in fire fighting, policing and law enforcement, search and rescue, the military, industry, teaching and education, ski patrol, consulting, disaster relief, and film and television. They also work as first aid attendants at large companies, adventure guides in tourism, and in other opportunities across Canada and around the world.

Some people who enroll in paramedic training want to learn to help those around them and feel more confident in their life-saving abilities. They could be health care professionals looking to increase their comfort working outside of the hospital environment or fire fighters building their resumes.

Soft skills learned in paramedic training programs include teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, critical thinking, decision making with imperfect information, and systematic approaches to assessment and problem solving.

If you are interested in working in industry the first step would be completing the JIBC EMR course.

In addition to paramedic training at the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Primary Care Paramedic (PCP), or Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) level you may want to look at health and safety education, confined space and technical rope rescue, hazardous material response, and H2S Alive.