Primary Care Paramedic Program

The goal of the Primary Care Paramedic Program is to develop individuals into paramedics who possess sound knowledge and skills, an unwavering commitment to excellence in all that they do, and a deep sense of professionalism and caring. The program meets the competency requirements of the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS) and the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick (PANB); as well as the National Occupational Competency Profile, as established by the Paramedic Association of Canada, for Primary Care Paramedics. Graduates will not only be an asset to the profession of Paramedicine, but to the communities they serve as well.

The program is designed to provide the acquisition of concepts and theories, mastery of professional skills, and the attainment of a professional attitude.

One of the key objectives of the program is to instill a commitment to lifelong learning. Since the medical field is constantly changing and evolving, an emphasis is placed on the development of self-directed learning skills. In addition to supporting the development of self-directed learning techniques, faculty serves as both academic advisors and facilitators.

With the responsibilities of paramedics increasing, it is no longer acceptable to simply accumulate a set amount of knowledge and skills. Today’s students must be inquisitive and dedicated to continuously expanding their expertise and abilities.

The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program is 50 weeks in length which includes 7 months of classroom/simulation training, as well as 4 months of clinical and practicum training. The total cost of the PCP program is approximately $21,000 which includes cost of books and uniforms as well training and resources for obtaining class 4 driver’s license.

The student will receive a diploma upon successful completion of all program requirements as outlined in policy.

To apply as a general applicant to the Medavie HealthEd PCP program, a candidate must meet the following prerequisites:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Successful completion of grade 12 (Diploma or GED) with:
• Math at the grade 11 or 12 university preparatory level and one science at the grade 11 or 12 university preparatory level (Biology, Chemistry or Physics).
• Grade 11 or 12 English university preparatory level.
• Be physically and mentally able to perform all required duties.
• Qualify for Class 4 driver’s license (please check with your provincial Department of Transportation or Motor Vehicles Branch for the jurisdiction where you reside) if you plan on applying for work as a PCP with an ambulance service.
• Be in good health with all appropriate immunizations as verified by a completed immunization record.
• Supply a current copy a driver’s abstract. To obtain a driver’s abstract you must contact the appropriate provincial Department of Transportation or Motor Vehicles Branch for the jurisdiction where you reside.
• Supply an acceptable Criminal Record Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). This can be obtained from the RCMP, local police detachment or some online agencies such as myBackCheck.com (please ensure you submit for both a CRC AND VSC).

To complete your application to Medavie HealthEd PCP program you must submit the following (click here for checklist):

1. Application form (to be completed and submitted on line)
2. Resume (electronic submission only required)
3. Two completed Reference forms
   • Click here for Reference Form.  
4. Driver’s Abstract (electronic with originals to follow)
5. Official High School Transcript (and college/university if applicable) (electronic with originals to follow)
6. Copy of current Driver’s License (electronic only)
7. Application fee – $100.00 (non-refundable)

After completing all of the above requirements, successful applicants will then be offered an interview with designated Admissions Representatives.

If you do not have the above academic prerequisites, you MAY be able to apply as a “Mature Student” through our alternative admissions pathway. A “Mature Student” applicant is not required to have completed the high school / college courses noted above (see above).

Please note; there is no age stipulation to this pathway.

Furthermore: To apply as a “Mature Student” to the Medavie HealthEd PCP program, a candidate must meet the following prerequisites:

If the Mature Student applicant does not have the mandatory academic requirements they must complete the Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT).  A Mature Student is required to pass this test overall and must also pass the Math and  Science portions of the test.

Participate in an interview process with a designated admissions representative. In the process of the interview, the applicant will be required to provide the following supporting documentation:

1. Letter outlining the reasons they expect to successfully complete the program;
2. Personal resume;
3. Three Letters of reference.

To complete your application to Medavie HealthEd PCP program you must submit the following (click here for checklist):

1. Application form (to be completed and submitted on line)
2. Resume (electronic submission only required)
3. Two completed Reference forms (click here for Reference Form).  If you are applying as a Mature Student three completed Reference Forms are required.  (electronic with originals to follow)
4. Driver’s Abstract (electronic with originals to follow)
5. Official High School Transcript (and college/university if applicable) (electronic with originals to follow)
6. Copy of current Driver’s License (electronic only)
7. Application fee – $100.00 (non-refundable)

After completing all of the above requirements, successful applicants will then be offered an interview with designated Admissions Representatives.

Upon conditional acceptance into the PCP program, students must submit the following:

1. An official Criminal Record Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). The criminal record check must be no more than six months old from the program start date.
2. The Medavie HealthEd Medical and Immunization forms. The medical and immunization forms must be no more than two months old from the program start date.
   • Download the medical form, click here
   • Download the immunization form, here.
3. Certificate of successful completion the Paramedic Candidate Physical Abilities Test (PC-PAT) from a qualified institution such as:
   • Omni Life Support: click here. (Video)
   • Clnique de Physiothérapie PhysioKin (692 Chemin Rivière à la tuite, Rivière à la truite, NB) – Email
   • Lifemark: click here.
4. Students are also required to purchase an iPad that has not been “jail broken”. Students must ensure that the iPad is supported by Apple for the duration of their program (According to Apple, iPads are supported for five years from their release date).

For Nova Scotia applicants please refer to the Entry to Practice requirements as prescribed by the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS) that relates to your licensing abilities following graduation.  It is important that you read and understand any limitations that may affect you directly and your ability to license. Entry to Practice Requirements CPNS

For information on financial assistance, rebate programs, potential employment opportunities upon graduating, and other relevant information, please visit our helpful links page by clicking here.

Please click here for a list of scholarships and bursaries!

For information on how to apply as an international student , please go to our International Student page, here.