Primary Care Paramedic - Certificate 2024-2025
Overview
Being a paramedic is all about teamwork. There’s a sense of camaraderie you won’t find in many other jobs. But it takes a special kind of person. You have to want to help people because you’ll be dealing with all ages in all kinds of crises. You have to work well under pressure because you’ll be delivering pre-hospital emergency care in people’s homes, in the middle of busy streets, and/or at industrial sites.
It’s a rewarding career with an expanding range of job opportunities—and the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program will get you started.
Primary Care Paramedic is offered through a brokerage with Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The program emphasizes authentic hands-on training in prehospital emergency care, with both hospital and ambulance practicums. You’ll focus on:
- medical and trauma injuries
- mental health issues
- obstetrical emergencies
- pharmacology
- physical assessments of various body systems
- cardiac and respiratory emergencies
- certifications in:
- BLS Health Care Provider
- Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)
- International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
- Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP)
Program offered over 18 months.
Semester 1: September 3, 2024 - May 23, 2025
Semester 2: May 24, 2025 - January 18, 2026
Semester 3: January 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Semester 4: June 5, 2026 (Practicum)
Battlefords Campus
Sep 3rd, 2024 - May 24th, 2026
Tuition: $7300.00 (subject to change)
Application Fee of $35.00
Books: $3640.00 (subject to change)
Print Fee: $50.00
Other: $2315.40 Semester 4 Clinical Paid to Saskatchewan Polytechn
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 60% in the following four courses: English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, one of Biology 30 or Chemistry 30, and one of Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 or Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30. (Previous Saskatchewan mathematics Math A30 will also be accepted).
- See English Language Proficiency Requirements for required evidence for this program (Program-Specific ELP Requirements section). The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English.
Note
- A Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search upon admission to the program. At the discretion of the practicum/clinical agency, you may be declined access to a practicum/clinical based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.
- You must exhibit physical strength and fitness consistent with the requirements of professional practice. This will be evaluated within the program.
- Standard First Aid is required prior to the start of the program and must be current at the start of the program.
- CPR "C" AED or equivalent is required prior to the start of the program and must be current at the start of the program.
- Current Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) certification OR Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certification upon admission into the program. The cost of (TLR®) certification or Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certification is your responsibility.
- Current immunization records and meet Saskatchewan Polytechnic immunization requirements prior to entry into the clinical/practicum.
- 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.
Courses
-
APHY 164 - Anatomy and Physiology 1
You will be introduced to the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Your studies will focus on the basic organization of the body concentrating on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and nervous system.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0 -
APHY 165 - Anatomy and Physiology 2
You will study of the structure and function of the normal human body. Your studies will include the endocrine, immune, urinary, reproductive and digestive systems. You will also study the integumentary, skeletal and muscular system.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites: APHY 164 -
EMER 107 - Professionalism, Leadership, and Communications
Your studies will help you to develop qualities that are important for paramedic practice (professionalism, leadership, reflection and communication). You will gain knowledge of legal and ethical aspects of paramedic practice, develop your communication skills (including conflict management) and learn the principles of critical thinking. You will also evaluate the importance of participation in continuing education and professional development. You will gain knowledge regarding ethical conduct for research involving humans and will receive the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE) certification upon completion of the course.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0 -
EMER 108 - Health and Safety
You will learn how to develop strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your studies will focus on personal wellness, maintaining a safe work environment, using infection control techniques and practicing proper lifting and moving techniques. You will also learn how to manage a variety of situations, including crime scenes, hazardous materials, and potential terrorist actions.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0 -
EMER 109 - Patient Assessment, Transport, and Diverse Populations
You will learn how to perform a scene assessment, obtain a patient history, acquire vital signs, perform a physical examination and incorporate this knowledge into a complete patient assessment. You will describe common challenges associated with bariatric and culturally diverse patients. You will be introduced to the principles of road ambulance and aeromedical transport. You will also be required to operate an ambulance on a public roadway. Upon completion of the course, you will receive certification from the Saskatchewan Safety Council for Professional Driver Improvement.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0 -
PHAR 100 - Pharmacology and Fluid Therapy
You will focus on the principles of pharmacology, medication administration, and fluid therapy, including intravenous access and initiation. You will study the fundamentals of pharmacology, including terminology, legislation, and medication classifications. You will perform mathematical calculations, including general calculations, metric conversions, drug dose calculations and intravenous rate calculations. Your studies will focus on medications within a Primary Care Paramedic’s scope of practice in Saskatchewan including the administration of blood and blood products. You will also participate in labs that will help you develop the skills necessary for responsible and safe medication administration.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0 -
EMER 110 - Cardiac and Respiratory Theory
You will learn the pathophysiology of common cardiac and respiratory disorders. Your learning activities will include 3-lead electrocardiogram interpretation, 12-lead electrocardiogram placement, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites: APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 109, PHAR 100, EMER 107, EMER 108 -
EMER 111 - Cardiac Care
You will provide care for common cardiac disorders, including vascular diseases, cardiac inflammatory disorders, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, cardiac conduction disorders and cardiac arrest. You will integrate cardiac assessment, electrocardiograms (ECG) interpretation, and manual defibrillation into patient care. You also will be introduced to advanced cardiac therapies (including transcutaneous pacing and cardioversion). Upon completion of this course you will receive Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider’s certification from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites: EMER 110(concurrent) -
EMER 112 - Respiratory Care
You will provide care for common respiratory disorders, including asthma, anaphylaxis, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Your learning activities will include oxygen delivery, maintaining upper airway patency and manual ventilation techniques. You will be introduced to advanced respiratory support therapies, including advanced airway management and ventilation techniques.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites: EMER 110(concurrent) -
EMER 113 -Trauma Management 1
You will be introduced to the assessment and management of shock, burns, fractures and soft tissue injuries. You will also be introduced to the skills necessary in assessing and managing head and facial, thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries. You will learn the principles of extrication and rescue as well as how to integrate triage and multiple patient management into paramedic practice.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites: APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 107, EMER 108, EMER 109, PHAR 100 -
EMER 114 - Trauma Management 2
You will learn how to provide care for common traumatic injuries. You will demonstrate the assessment and management of shock, burns, fractures and soft tissue injuries. You will also learn to incorporate the skills necessary to assess and manage head, facial, thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries. You will be introduced to advanced life support therapies relevant to trauma (including indications for chest tubes and needle thoracostomy). Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) at the basic level.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites: EMER 113 -
EMER 115 - Medical Care 1
You will learn how to provide care for common medical disorders, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, gynecological and obstetrical disorders. You will also learn how to provide care for neonatal and pediatric patients. Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professional (PEPP).
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites: APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 107, EMER 108, EMER 109, PHAR 100 -
EMER 116 - Foundations of Community Paramedicine
You will study the collaborative role of the community paramedic and recognize the significance of utilizing community support agencies. You will be introduced to common laboratory procedures and diagnostic imaging and how to differentiate between normal and abnormal results. You will develop the skills required to provide non-urgent care to a home health patient (including catheter care and routine wound care) as well as integrate care for a palliative patient. You will also integrate care for common illnesses and injuries specific to geriatric population groups.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites: APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 109, PHAR 100, EMER 107, EMER 108 -
EMER 155 - Patient Management and Integration
You will integrate communication, professionalism, leadership, knowledge of medicolegal, ethics and physical strength into paramedic practice. You will integrate approach, assessment, treatment and transport for patients in a simulated setting. You will integrate care following Saskatchewan Paramedic Clinical Practice Protocols. You will also think critically while interpreting patient history and physical assessment as it relates to a patient presentation.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites: EMER 111, EMER 112, EMER 114, EMER 115, EMER 116, EMER 198, EMER 199 -
EMER 198 - Medical Care 2
You will integrate care for common medical disorders, including, neurological, behavioral and psychiatric, endocrine and toxicological disorders.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites: APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 107, EMER 108, EMER 109, PHAR 100 -
EMER 199 - Medical Care 3
You will study the pathophysiology and learn to integrate care for common medical disorders including eye, ear, nose and throat disorders. You will study the pathophysiology and integrate care for a patient experiencing disorders as a result of adverse environments. You will integrate care for common illnesses and injuries specific to the physically impaired and mentally impaired, including those that are non-urgent. Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA).
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites: APHY 164, APHY 165, EMER 107, EMER 108, EMER 109, PHAR 100 -
PRAC 116 - Practicum 1
Your placement will allow you to participate in a clinical and/or field practicum placement within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). You will be assigned a practicing registered nurse and/or paramedic preceptor. Your placement will include participation in an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and a hospital orientation, a review of relevant policies and procedures, and the completion of and compliance with required legal documentation. You will practice patient assessments, using treatment modalities while utilizing ambulance and hospital equipment. You will demonstrate and meet lifting requirements.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 54.0
Prerequisites: EMER 155
Learning Methods: Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual -
PRAC 117 - Practicum 2
You will participate in a clinical and field practicum placement within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) with assigned practicing registered nurse and paramedic preceptors. Your placement will include participation in a review of relevant policies, procedures, and the completion of and compliance with required legal documentation. You will conduct independent patient assessments, using treatment modalities while utilizing ambulance and hospital equipment. This final field practicum will allow you to apply all skills and knowledge gained in the previous three semesters at the primary care paramedic level. You will work with less direction and intervention from preceptors as you progress towards independent paramedic practice. You will demonstrate and meet lifting requirements. You will demonstrate the various roles and responsibilities of the Primary Care Paramedic as outlined within the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) for the Paramedic Practitioner of Canada.
Credit Units: 18
Course Hours: 276.0
Prerequisites: PRAC 116
Learning Methods: Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual