Primary Care Paramedic Diploma

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Credential

Diploma

Length

2 years (5 terms)

Delivery

Hybrid

Work Integrated Learning

Practicum placements

International Student

Not open to International applicants

The Primary Care Paramedicine Program prepares students for a career providing emergency and non-emergency patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Students build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, communication, and clinical decision-making while developing the practical skills required of an entry-level paramedic.

The program combines synchronous online coursework with in-person labs, simulations, and practicum experiences. Through hands-on training and supervised clinical placements, students learn to assess patients, respond to medical emergencies, work effectively as part of a healthcare team, and provide safe, professional care in real-world environments.

Intakes Domestic Students International Students
Fall 2026 Open NI
Winter 2027 NI NI

Admission:

  • You must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) with minimum overall average of at least 65% with no mark below 60% in:
    • English 30-1 or 30-2 (English 30-1 recommended) 
    • Biology 30
    • Science 30 or Chemistry 30
    • Math 20-1 or 20-2
  • Students must turn 18 years of age by the first day of classes (A copy of a government-issued ID must be submitted)
  • Proof of current Class 5 Alberta driver’s license

Legacy EMR Certificate to PCP Diploma Completion:

  • Science 30 or Chemistry 30 recommended
  • Meet other requirements for high school admission unless 21 years of age or older

Mature Students (21+):

  • You must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) with minimum overall average of at least 65% with no mark below 60% in:
    • English 30-1 or 30-2 (English 30-1 recommended) 
    • Biology 30
    • Science 30 or Chemistry 30
    • Math 20-1 or 20-2
  • Proof of current Class 5 Alberta driver’s license

Post Secondary Credits:

Students who have completed post-secondary coursework will be ranked based on a combination of their high school and post-secondary grades. Specifically, 60% of the admission GPA will be calculated using the required high school courses, and 40% will be based on the most recent 24 credits of relevant post-secondary coursework, with a minimum GPA of C.

Applicants of Canadian Indigenous Ancestry:

One position per year is made available in the Primary Care Paramedic program for qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry. If qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry are not admitted by April 15, the positions may be filled with students of non-Indigenous ancestry. Aboriginal ancestry is defined within the Constitutional Act of 1982, Section 35, Subsection 2. According to this Constitutional Act, Aboriginal peoples of Canada include Inuit, Indian and Métis peoples of Canada (Department of Justice, Canada, 1982).

English Language Proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 86 with no score below 21
  • IELTS Academic: minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no score below 5.0
  • CAEL: minimum score of 70
  • MELAB: minimum score of 85
  • Duolingo: minimum score of 115
  • PTE (Academic): minimum score of 73

Spoken Language Proficiency:

In addition to demonstrating English Language Proficiency, applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of country of origin or citizenship, must also present Spoken Language Proficiency. Applicants who have six or more years of full-time education in English, normally including the grade 12 year or higher, in a Canadian school (or an approved school outside of Canada with accepted English proficiency) meet this requirement.

If applicant does not present these years of English education, they may be able to meet this requirement by presenting:

  • A minimum of 26 on the speaking band of the TOEFL: iBT
  • A minimum of 7.5 on the IELTS speaking band
  • A minimum of 125 on the conversation band of the Duolingo

Digital Literacy Proficiency: 

Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program. Candidates must:

  • be able to communicate, research and understand information.
  • know how to use computer to search the internet, email.
  • be able to critically evaluate and understand how technology can affect one’s behaviour.
  • be able to create, produce content and effectively communicate using email, media, internet.

Year 1


Year 1 – Term 1
Course Code Course Title Credits
BIO 235 Anatomy and Physiology I 3
PARA 101 Communications 3
PARA 102 Foundations of Paramedicine 3
PARA 103 Interventions and Practice I 7
 Year 1 – Term 2
Course Code Course Title Credits
BIO 236 Anatomy and Physiology II 3
PARA 104 Pathophysiology 3
PARA 105 Comprehensive Health Assessment 3
PARA 106 Interventions and Practice II 3
 Year 1 – Term 3
Course Code Course Title Credits
PARA 107 Introductory Practicum 3

Year 2

Year 2 – Term 1
Course Code Course Title Credits
PARA 201 Advanced Communications 3
PARA 202 Pharmacotherapeutics 3
PSYCH 103

Introduction to Psychology

 3
PARA 203 Special Populations 3
PARA 204 Interventions and Practice III 9
 Year 2 – Term 2
Course Code Course Title Credits
PSYCH 239 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology 3
PARA 206 Interventions and Practice IV 6
PARA 207 Intermediate Practicum 4

Please Note:

Keyano College reserves the right to modify the syllabus, curriculum, or schedule of any course/program, or to cancel a course/program entirely, at any time and for any reason. Such changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, regulatory requirements, or to ensure the highest quality of education.

Students will be notified of any significant changes as soon as possible. Keyano College is not responsible for any inconvenience or disruption caused by these changes. It is the responsibility of the students to stay informed about any updates or modifications to their courses.

Tuition & Fees (2025–26)
  Domestic Students International Students
Per Term  $7,999.00 Not Eligible

Please note

  • These estimates are based on 100% enrolment for all semesters and do not include mandatory laboratory fees. Laboratory fees can range from $35-$135 for 2025-2026.
  • *Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage - deadlines can be found at StudentCare website.
    ** Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.

For more information view the Keyano College Credit Calendar.

Refunds, Withdrawals, and Deposits

For information about withdrawals, tuition refunds, program cancellations, and deposit policies, please refer to the Refund Policy page.

The Primary Care Paramedicine Program includes mandatory in-person learning experiences each semester. Students should expect a minimum of three Technical Learning Weeks per semester, held on the Fort McMurray campus. These weeks are required and include hands-on labs, simulation, skills practice, and practical assessments. 

Students will also complete ambulance ride-along experiences in terms 1 and 2. In term 2, students will participate in learning activities at a long-term care facility to support the development of patient assessment, communication, and professional interaction skills. 

In the third term of Year 1, students complete a 192-hour introductory practicum, working as part of a paramedic team under supervision. A second practicum is completed near the end of Year 2 and consists of 240 hours of supervised practice. 

Practicum placements will be arranged with consideration of students’ preferred locations whenever possible; however, placement in a preferred location cannot be guaranteed. Students are responsible for all costs associated with practicum participation, including travel, accommodation, meals, and other related expenses. Students are also responsible for transportation and any associated costs required to attend mandatory Technical Learning Weeks on the Fort McMurray campus.

What You'll Learn As A Primary Care Paramedic

Throughout the program, you will develop essential business skills and gain knowledge in:

Ambulance icon

Patient Assessment & Emergency Care

Learn how to assess patients, identify priorities, and provide care in emergency and non-emergency situations.

Pill icon

Pharmacology & Clinical Interventions

Develop the knowledge and skills to administer medications and perform clinical interventions within the paramedic scope of practice.

Stethoscope icon

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology

Build an understanding of the human body, disease processes, and their impact on patient care.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Primary Care Paramedicine Program are prepared to work in a variety of emergency and healthcare settings, including ambulance services, hospitals, community care, industrial and remote worksites, interfacility transport, and rural health services. Example career paths include:

  • Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
  • Emergency Medical Responder
  • Industrial or Remote Site Paramedic
  • Interfacility Transport Paramedic
  • Community Care Paramedic

Registration & Licensure

Graduation from the program does not automatically grant the right to practise as a paramedic. Upon successful completion of the Primary Care Paramedicine Diploma, graduates may be eligible to apply to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) entry-to-practice examination.

Students practise emergency medical skills in a classroom setting using a patient simulator. One student performs chest compressions while another provides ventilation with a bag-valve mask during a hands-on resuscitation exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The program includes live online theory courses, but students must attend mandatory in-person Technical Learning Weeks, labs, simulations, assessments, clinical learning activities, and practicum placements. Students should be prepared to travel to the Fort McMurray campus for required in-person learning. 

Mandatory Technical Learning Weeks and lab activities take place on the Fort McMurray campus. These in-person weeks are required and include hands-on skills practice, simulation, practical learning, and assessment activities. 

Yes. Students complete supervised practicum experiences as part of the program. These experiences allow students to apply classroom, lab, and simulation learning in real paramedic practice environments under supervision. 

Student placement preferences may be considered when possible; however, practicum placements are based on availability, program requirements, student readiness, and clinical partner capacity. Placement in a preferred location cannot be guaranteed. 

Yes. Students are required to wear the approved program uniform during labs, simulations, practicum placements, and other designated program activities. Students must also have the required safety footwear and equipment. 

Students are responsible for purchasing required personal equipment, including CSA-approved steel-toed boots, a stethoscope, penlight, and a hard-covered pocket notebook. Additional uniform and equipment requirements will be provided after acceptance into the program. 

Yes. Students must meet all required documentation, certification, clearance, and onboarding requirements before participating in certain learning activities, including labs, clinical experiences, and practicums. Students are responsible for submitting documents by stated deadlines and keeping time-limited requirements current. 

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