Currently, applications are closed for the 2024–2025 academic year. We recommend checking the Keyano College website regularly or contacting nursing@keyano.ca to be notified when applications reopen.
Step into the frontline of emergency healthcare. Keyano College’s Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Certificate Program equips you with the foundational knowledge, clinical skills, and hands-on experience to become a confident first responder in just one year. Whether assisting at accident scenes, in emergency rooms, or on industrial sites, PCPs are critical to delivering timely, life-saving care.
This rigorous, immersive program includes theory, simulation labs, and clinical placements, preparing you to sit the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) exam and apply for provincial registration. Supported by leading partners like Suncor, Keyano’s PCP program sets you up for success in one of Alberta’s most in-demand health careers.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Diploma vs. Certificate
Start with the Certificate if you're new to the field - gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience.
Advance to the Diploma if you’ve completed Year 1 or already work in early learning and want to move into supervisory or administrative roles.
What You’ll Learn
Expand your knowledge of early childhood development and strengthen your leadership capacity with advanced coursework and practicum placements. Graduates of this program will be equipped to:
Gain advanced skills in:
- Inclusive and anti-bias education
- Early learning program planning and assessment
- Child care leadership and administration
- Family and community engagement strategies
- Indigenous perspectives in early childhood development
Career Opportunities
- Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to:
- Write the COPR exam and apply for provincial registration
- Work in EMS, hospitals, and emergency or industrial health environments
- Pursue further training in Advanced Care Paramedicine (ACP)
- Provide care in both rural and urban settings across Canada
Admission Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
Mature Students (21+)
- Must meet the same academic criteria based on the highest level of education completed.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Required if English is not your first language. Accepted minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 84 (minimum 21 in each section)
- IELTS Academic: 6.0 (no section below 6.0)
- Duolingo: 115+
- CAEL: 60 (no section below 60)
- MELAB: 80
- CLBA: No score below 8
Alternate ways to meet ELP:
- 6+ years of full-time English education in Canada (including Grade 12)
- 2+ years of full-time post-secondary study in English
- Specific spoken English benchmarks:
- IELTS Speaking: 7.5
- TOEFL Speaking: 26
- University of Alberta Speaking Test: 50
Practicum Requirements
To begin placements, students must complete/provide:
- Heart & Stroke BLS certification (taught in PCP 103)
- APDOC (Alberta Paramedic Driver Operator Course – taught in PCP 103)
- ITLS Basic (International Trauma Life Support – taught in PCP 107)
- Police Information Check (with Vulnerable Sector Search)
- Up-to-date immunization record
- WHMIS & AHS Orientation modules
- N95 mask fitting
Note: Practicums may extend beyond program dates. Travel or relocation may be required at your own expense.
To be eligible applicants must:
- Be 18 years old by the program start date
- Hold a High School Diploma (or equivalent), with:
- 65% in English 30-1 OR 70% in English 30-2
- 60% in Biology 30
- 60% in Math 20-1 or 65% in Math 20-2
- OR 60% in Math 30-1, 30-2, or 31
- Submit a valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence (Class 4 required before program completion)
- Provide proof of a valid EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) or MFR (Medical First Responder) certificate
- Provide a government-issued ID
Tuition & Fees Please refer to the Keyano College Credit Calendar for current tuition and fees. Fees are subject to change pending Government of Alberta approval.
Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the Keyano College Credit Calendar for current tuition rates. Additional costs may apply for:
Lab materials and equipment
Certification renewals
Travel and accommodation for practicum placements
Sample Program Structure
Category Requirements
TERM 1
- PCP 100 – Communications for the Prehospital Care Professional (3 credits)
- PCP 101 – Health Assessment for the Prehospital Care Professional (4 credits)
- PCP 102 – Introductory Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits)
- PCP 103 – Integrated Theory I (6 credits)
Term 2
Term I
- PCP 104 – Introduction to Paramedic Wellness (3 credits)
- PCP 105 – Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- PCP 106 – Pharmacology (3 credits)
- PCP 107 – Integrated Theory II (6 credits)
Term 3
- PCP 108 – Acute Care Practicum (1 credit)
- PCP 109 – Ambulance Practicum (6 credits)
Frequently Asked Questions
When will applications reopen for this program?
Do I need to be certified in Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) before applying?
Yes. Applicants must provide proof of a valid EMR or Medical First Responder (MFR) certificate as part of the admission requirements.
What kind of job can I get after completing the PCP Certificate?
Graduates can work as Primary Care Paramedics in ambulance services, industrial settings, emergency departments, and more. Many also go on to pursue the Advanced Care Paramedic Diploma Program.
Is the program eligible for student loans or grants?
Yes. The program is eligible for financial aid, including Alberta Student Aid and other funding sources. Contact Student Services for guidance on applying.
Are practicum placements local to Fort McMurray, Alberta?
Not necessarily. Placements may occur across Alberta or beyond, depending on availability. Students must be prepared to travel or temporarily relocate at their own cost.
When will applications reopen for the program?
The program is not accepting applications for the 2024–2025 academic year. However, updates about future intakes will be posted on the Keyano College website. You can also email Human.Services@keyano.ca to express interest and receive updates.
The Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) exam is a national certification exam required for licensure as a PCP in most Canadian provinces. Keyano graduates are eligible to write this exam upon completion of the program.
What are the physical requirements for this program?
Students must be capable of lifting patients, performing CPR, and handling physically and emotionally demanding situations. A medical form is required to confirm fitness for practicum.
Stay Informed
While this program is not currently accepting new applications, you can still:
Prepare for future intakes
Contact us for academic advising or EMR pathway planning.
Questions? Email: nursing@keyano.ca