f you are looking for a progressive career in pre-hospital care, then this program is perfect for you. Click the link to Apply!

Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) are integral members of Emergency Medical Services and provide advanced life support, medical and trauma care in health services, community and industrial settings. They may be the first to arrive on 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.
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.
f you are looking for a progressive career in pre-hospital care, then this program is perfect for you. Click the link to Apply!
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 Provincial Registration Examination and become a registered practitioner with the Alberta College of Paramedics which is required to practice as an ACP in Alberta.
The program selection date is the week of May 8, 2023. If you have met the educational requirements and submitted the necessary documents, you will be contacted by the program advisor with a specific date and time for our selection evaluation. You will be required to attend the specific selection day at Portage College, Lac La Biche Campus
If you need more information on the program, please click the link provided.
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:
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Other Requirements:
Note: Testing must have been completed within two years prior to application to the program
Required Documents following successful Selection Interview and Exam:
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, 2023 to June 21, 2024 (Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms)
Year 2 - August 28, 2023 to June 21, 2024 (Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms)
Year 2.5 (Practicum) - August 28, 2023 to December 15, 2023
Application Deadline
April 30, 2023
Program Selection Dates
The program selection dates are during the week of May 8, 2023. 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
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2022
Tuition | $2926.33 |
Student Association | $116.70 |
Technology Fee | $78.40 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Exam Fee | $60.00 |
Program Specific Fees | $150.00 |
Comptracker | $63.53 |
TWMFR | $33.00 |
TDG | $23.04 |
WHIMIS | $23.04 |
Total | $3,528.61 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2022
Tuition | $2926.33 |
Student Association | $116.70 |
Technology Fee | $78.40 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Total | $3,176.00 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year one: $6,704.61
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Year 2
Full Year
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2022
Tuition | $5852.66 |
Student Association | $233.40 |
Technology Fee | $156.80 |
Recreation Fee | $109.14 |
Exam Fee | $40.00 |
Course Package | $150.00 |
Comptracker | $127.06 |
ITLS | $51.98 |
BLS | $3.85 |
ACLS | $3.85 |
PALS | $3.85 |
Total | $6,732.59 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs and international only)
Domestic Students - $100
Paramedicine - $1500
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
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