3 Courses Required

Overview

This 267-hour certificate program is approved and meets the training program standards set by the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACoP), and prepares you with entry-level skills/knowledge/attitude (competencies) required to work as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) in emergency prehospital care in Alberta. Delivered by qualified instructors, the program combines online-managed self-study of theoretical concepts with mandatory classroom lab and Ride Along shifts where you'll observe, be assessed and learn practical skills. You must be motivated and organized to learn the required material through self-directed study and skill practice.

Successful completion of three courses and a 16-hour Ride Along training component delivered by our training partner Aaron Paramedical Services is required to receive your official SAIT credential and transcript. Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to write the AcoP provincial registration exam. This program also prepares you for admission into SAIT’s 10-month, full-time Primary Care Paramedic certificate program.

It is possible to complete this program in a four-to-six-month period, subject to course availability. Approximate cost for tuition is $2880 plus an additional $885 for books, supplies and EMR student uniform for the Ride Along. Learn more about how to finance your training and education.

To be eligible to take the EMR program, you must provide proof that:

  • you’re 18 years of age or older;
  • you’ve completed the following required high school-level courses with a minimum 50% passing grade for each of the following courses:
    • English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2; AND,
    • One of: Math 10C or Pure Math 10 or Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Applied Math 20; AND
    • Biology 30 (or SAIT’s Open Studies course, ANPH-209 Anatomy & Physiology); AND

There is also the expectation that you’re fluent and proficient in the English Language. For this non-credit EMR program, we’ll accept your completion of English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 as proof of minimum English Proficiency. If you plan to continue on with SAIT’s PCP certificate program, take note of program admission requirements including higher-level Math and English Proficiency.

Contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca for more clarification on high school prerequisites & equivalencies, and how SAIT’s Academic Upgrading and Open Studies can help you fill any gaps for admission into the EMR certificate program and SAIT’s Primary Care Paramedic certificate program.

Note: There is no requirement to obtain a driver’s licence (Class 5 or other) or provide proof thereof for the EMR program. As you progress through your paramedic learning/employment journey, ensure you understand the driving requirements of the employment opportunities you seek.

Completion of EMRG-001 is required before taking EMRG-003 and EMRG-102 courses. You can take the second and third course in the order you prefer; we recommend taking EMRG-102 last. The registration process for this program is a combination of self-serve online (for EMRG-001) and phone-in registration (for EMRG-003 & EMRG-102). Payment is by Visa or Mastercard at the time of registration for one or all three courses (as you prefer.) We recommend registering as soon as possible and at least 7-14 days before course start dates.

Start by registering for EMRG-001:

  • Set up your Con Ed student account.
  • Go to the EMRG-001 Emergency Response Fundamentals course page and select your preferred course section. Follow the prompts provided in the online shopping cart process to upload your proof documentation. It’ll take up to three business days to verify and approve your submission. Once approved, you’ll be able to complete your EMRG-001 registration online. You’ll also be invited to phone us to process your registration(s) for EMRG-003 & EMRG-102.
  • Note the textbook & supplies to purchase and any additional instructions in the section notes of each course.
To work as a designated EMR professional in Alberta, you must be registered with the ACoP and hold an active practice permit. You must complete the registration application process including examination within one year of having completed the EMR Certificate of Achievement program.

 

Upon successful completion of this program and with an active practice permit from ACoP, you may find employment as a registered EMR working in the following settings:

  • Ambulance services/medical clinics
  • Hospitals (emergency departments)
  • Fire departments
  • Government departments and agencies
  • Manufacturing firms
  • Mining companies and other private sector establishments

If you want to work as a Primary Care Paramedic and/or eventually as an Advanced Care Paramedic in Alberta, you’ll need to complete further education and training to meet AcoP licensing requirements for PCP and ACP designations. Contact SAIT’s School of Health and Public Safety at hps.info@sait.ca for more information about the full-time Primary Care Paramedic certificate program and Advanced Care Paramedic diploma program.

Learn more about current employment opportunities: visit Alberta Paramedic Association and Alberta Health Services job boards.

 

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