Advanced Care Paramedic

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:

• Biology 30 with minimum 60%
• English 30 or 30-1 with minimum 60% OR English 33 or 30-2 with minimum 70%
• Math 20 pure or Math 20-1 with minimum 50% OR Math 20-2 minimum 60%
• Chemistry 30 strongly recommended

Other Requirements & Documents:

• Minimum age 18
• Registered Unrestricted PCP (EMT) with Alberta College of Paramedic (ACP)
• Copy of Heart & Stroke - HCP - Level C certificate issued within six months of program start date
• Photocopy of current Class 4 Alberta driver's license OR Portage College Waiver form
• Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search
• Must attend mandatory selection day in March
• Apple IPad or Android Tablet 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.
• 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  

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.

Program Start/End Dates
Year 1 - August 27, 2020 to June 25, 2021 (Fall, Winter and Spring Terms)
Year 2 - August 31, 2020 to December 18, 2021 (Year Term)

Application Deadline April 31, 2021

Locations
Lac La Biche Campus

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Year 1

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 14, 2020

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 18, 2020

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year one: $5,448.66

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Domestic Student Fees

Year 2

Full Year
Fee payment deadline: August 14, 2020

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00

Year 1
 
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 14, 2020

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 18, 2020

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year one: $15,265.26

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

International Student Fees

Year 2

Full Year
Fee payment deadline: August 14, 2020

Guaranteed yearly tuition for 2021-22 -Year 2 of program started 2020-21 not including mandatory fees: $15,755.64

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies.

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

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

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Portage College programs will be delivered online. students will need regular access to a computer with a webcam and an internet connection. High speed broadband access is highly recommended for the optimal learning experience.

For technical requirements, visit our Moodle page.

2020 - 2021

Audit Fee - 50% of Course Fee

Document re-issuance Fee - such as, student ID, meal card, certificates etc. (Non-refundable)
Fee is per document - $10

GED Exam Fee (refundable if writing is cancelled)
Writing Fee - $200
Re-write Fee - $190

Invigilation Fee (Non-refundable)
Administration Fee - $25
Invigilation Fee per hour - $25

Prior Learning Assessment Fee (Non refundable)
Cost recovery, minimum $250/course

Supplemental/Deferred Exams (Non-refundable) - $25

Transcript Evaluation Fee - not applicable to dual credit high schools (non-refundable)
External Advanced Credit  - $50

Transcript Fee - $10

Tuition Deposit (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs and international only)
Domestic Students - $100
International Students - $500
Paramedicine - $1500

• 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

• 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. PREREQUISITES: 60% in BIO 30 and 60% in ENG 30-1, BIOL 230

• 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. Prerequisites: 60% in ENG 30-1

• INTERMEDIATE SKILLS

  Course ID: ACP203

  Name: INTERMEDIATE SKILLS

  Hours: 143

  Credits: 5

  This course provides the student a review of basic life support (BLS) skills and knowledge. Students perform assessment surveys while administering treatment at the BLS level in scenario situations. On-site labs are required. EMTP 203 is a core course.

• OBSTETRICS

  Course ID: ACP226

  Name: OBSTETRICS

  Hours: 81

  Credits: 3

  This course focuses on complications related to obstetrics. However, it must be emphasized that the majority of pregnancies are uneventful and require no intervention. It is essential to become familiar with the normal progression of pregnancy, labour, and delivery, so the abnormal is quickly recognized. Timely and appropriate intervention can have lifelong benefits for both the infant and the mother. On-site labs are required.

• PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

  Course ID: PHRM250

  Name: PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course introduces students to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics behind medication administration. Students will focus on classifications of drugs and integrating basic pharmacology concepts to their practice.

• PHYSICAL EXAMINATION & HISTORY GATHERING

  Course ID: ACP221

  Name: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION & HISTORY GATHERING

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This physical examination course is designed to help students learn the intricate functions of the human body. Students learn to perform skilled, efficient, thorough, and systematic physical examinations when working with patients who are in different states of physical, mental, and emotional health

• 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.

• PROFESSIONAL DRIVING

  Course ID: EMS250

  Name: PROFESSIONAL DRIVING

  Hours: 8 Theory, 8 Lab

  Credits: 1

  Students complete the provincially recognized driving course for EMS providers in Alberta. Certification is provided upon successful completion. *This course will require additional time using a driving simulator to complete all requirements for the driving component as required by the Alberta College of Paramedics.

• PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS 3

  Course ID: ACP227

  Name: PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDICS 3

  Hours: 49

  Credits: 2

  In this course students learn to grow from being a paramedic practitioner to the "professional paramedic" desired by industry employers. This course is about reinforcing professional practice through leadership and responsibility, enhancing personal attitudes and skills, developing ethical and legal accountability, and preparing personal portfolios and professional correspondence for employment.

• ADVANCED PARAMEDIC SKILLS

  Course ID: ACP202

  Name: ADVANCED PARAMEDIC SKILLS

  Hours: 250

  Credits: 6

  In the Advanced Paramedic Skills course, students focus on relating knowledge and performance to skills practiced by Paramedics in the pre-hospital setting. Students apply these concepts through laboratory and scenario practice.

• ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY

  Course ID: ACP212

  Name: ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY

  Hours: 90

  Credits: 6

  This course teaches students advanced concepts and principles of pre-hospital drug administration. Students realize 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.

• 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 paramedic level. This diagnosis is obtained in combination with physical exam, clinical presentations, history, and diagnostic tests done in the field. Students will learn to differentially diagnose life-threatening conditions that must be mitigated in the field, from those that would more appropriately be managed in the hospital by a physician. Once a working diagnosis has been obtained, appropriate treatment must be initiated to decrease morbidity and mortality. Treatment guidelines are developed and discussed. Students will learn interpretation and understanding of diagnostic results as well as an understanding of the appropriate standard of care for effective treatment of those diagnoses. On-site labs are required.

• AEROMEDICAL

  Course ID: ACP241

  Name: AEROMEDICAL

  Hours: 54

  Credits: 3

  This course familiarizes students with the special aspects of patient care associated with air transport. There is a focus placed on understanding how altitude and pressure affect human physiology, as well as the treatment variables associated with high altitude transport. There is both a theory and simulation component to this course.

• CLINICAL PLACEMENT

  Course ID: ACP242

  Name: CLINICAL PLACEMENT

  Hours: 270

  Credits: 6

  This course applies experiential learning concepts, while working within a health care facility. Students apply theoretical knowledge when completing research, patient care and competency practice assignments. Emphasis is on making students part of the local health care team. While practicing at an appropriate Basic Life Support (BLS) standard, students apply Advanced Life Support (ALS) concepts and psychomotor skills to actual patients. Students practice under the supervision of an employee of the clinical area with an understanding that students will master the ALS skills through consistent practice and evaluation.

• INITIAL AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

  Course ID: ACP246

  Name: INITIAL AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

  Hours: 384

  Credits: 6

  This course gives students the opportunity to apply newly acquired knowledge, and practice new skills in the clinical setting of an ambulance. Emphasis is placed on history taking and physical assessment, while learning to develop a differential diagnosis based on the diagnostic findings and clinical presentation of each patient.

• FINAL PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

  Course ID: ACP248

  Name: FINAL PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE PLACEMENT

  Hours: 576

  Credits: 6

  This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge in the clinical setting of an ambulance. Though students are expected to manage an ambulance call at the start of the placement, they are under the supervision of a Paramedic preceptor to ensure the Advance Life Support (ALS) concepts are appropriately incorporated into patient care. Emphasis is placed on history taking, physical assessment, field diagnosis, ALS treatment and interpersonal skills. Students are expected to be functioning at a graduate level at the end of this placement. The program’s practice for field preceptorships directly reflects CMA's position that all students must be in direct supervision while on call. This means that two-man calls are not acceptable.