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Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are integral members of Emergency Medical Services and provide entry-level medical and trauma care in health services 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 Portage College EMR full-time program is provided using a blended delivery model. This program combines online theory courses, onsite labs at the Lac La Biche campus and a clinical placement. 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 Emergency Medical Responder certificate. 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.
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In addition to the theory, labs and clinical placement, students must complete the Alberta Paramedicine Driver Operator Course (APDOC). The Alberta College of Paramedics has mandated this course as part of every Alberta EMR program and it is required for graduation. This course is offered by various educational partners and students are responsible for all associated costs. EMR Students will receive 40 hours of hands-on, behind-the-wheel ambulance training on our campus.
Students attend onsite lab weeks throughout the 20-week program. During the mandatory on-site 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.
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 EMR in Alberta.
If you would like to receive more information on this program, please click the link provided.
Career Potential
Registered EMRs may be employed in ground ambulances, clinics, fire services and industrial settings.
Credentials
Certificate
Admission Requirements
Minimum academic requirement or equivalent:
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Other Requirements & Documents:
Transferability: N/A
Program Start/End Date
August 28, 2023 to January 19, 2024
Application Deadline
August 15, 2023
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2022
Tuition | $3424.72 |
Student Association | $116.70 |
Technology Fee | $78.40 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Program Specific Fees | $55.00 |
Comptracker | $63.53 |
ITLS | $51.98 |
BLS | $3.85 |
TWMFR | $33.00 |
TDG | $23.04 |
WHIMIS | $23.04 |
Driving Course | $60.50 |
Total | $3,988.33 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs and international only)
Domestic Students - $100
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
2021 - 2022
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
We aim to make applying to Portage College as easy as possible. We know that choosing the right college is a big decision and we are here to help.
Applying to Portage CollegeIf you would like to receive more information about our programs, fill in this simple request form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Information Request Form