Be ready to provide critical care.
As a medical first responder, you’ll provide emergency medical services to sick or injured patients in the critical period before they get to the hospital. A mixture of class lectures and hands-on learning will help you be prepared and confident as you head into the workforce. The Medical First Responder program is a foundational step toward becoming a Primary Care Paramedic.
Grab and Go InformationWhy should you study Medical First Responder at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
You’ll experience real-life simulated scenarios in a safe learning environment in our award-winning Simulation Hub, one of only four such centres in Canada accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. We also have two active ambulances to practise your learning. You will complete three credentials: International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Basic Provider, Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support (BLS) and Medical First Responder (MFR). This is a comprehensive program for those looking to work or volunteer with fire rescue services, police services, industrial sectors, or security.
3
You complete three credentials: International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Basic Provider, Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support (BLS), and Medical First Responder (MFR).
NAIT collaborative
the MFR program is delivered in partnership with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
100 hours
of theory and practical skills
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the MFR and Primary Care Paramedic programs, you’ll be ready to save lives in any corner of the province in settings such as:
- provincial, private and industrial ambulance services
- emergency service departments
- large industrial job sites
- other health-care related environments
86%
of employers who hire emergency medical personnel recruited in the last two years
60%
of Alberta's paramedics work with private companies
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September and January
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Each intake is limited to 18 students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Centre
Admissions
Inquire NowEntrance Requirements:
Valid Heart and Stroke or Red Cross standard first aid certificate
Canadian citizen or permanent resident
You will receive 88 hours of theory delivered in evening class time. Through a mix of classroom theory and lab exercises, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to provide first-on-the-scene basic emergency care.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve the following certifications: International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Basic Provider, Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR, and Medical First Responder (MFR). NAIT’s MFR Program meets the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services recruitment qualifications and is approved at an Advanced First Aid level by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety.
Students must purchase textbooks prior to first class. Cost is not included in the tuition fee.
All course fees and material fees are non-refundable.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$2,539.00
|
$50.00
|
$471.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Fees subject to GST.
All tuition and fees are non-refundable.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Medical First Responder program, delivered in collaboration with NAIT, is available through a blended format.
Blended
This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) formats.