Be ready to save lives with your career.
As a medical first responder or primary care paramedic, you’ll provide emergency medical services to sick or injured patients in the critical period before they get to the hospital. Through a mixture of class lectures and hands-on learning you’ll be ready to step into the workforce or continue your learning to becoming an advanced care paramedic.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Primary Care Paramedic at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
With two active Ambulances and an award-winning Simulation Hub on-campus you’ll experience real-life scenarios in a safe and caring environment. Our Simulation Hub is one of only four such centres in Canada accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and provides students with immersive learning experiences. Utilizing a combination of simulation training, practicum placements in active treatment hospitals and training in advanced life support ambulance services, you’ll be ready to start your career in emergency medical services.
1 of 4
Students participate in immersive learning experiences in the Simulation Hub, one of only four such centres in Canada accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
12
the number of months it takes to complete the program
240 hours
of work-integrated learning
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the Primary Care Paramedic program, 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 have recruited in the last two years
$76,340
the average annual salary of an emergency medical personnel in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
1 year
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- English 30-1 or 30-2
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2
- Biology 30 or Science 30
- English Language Proficiency
Non-Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of Medical First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder program. Students who are enrolled in the Medical First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder program but have not yet completed the program must submit proof of enrollment by the application deadline.
- 18 Years of age - Students must turn 18 years of age prior to the program start date. A copy of a government-issued ID must be submitted.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) - Students must provide evidence of current BLS certification for entry into the program, and remain current throughout clinical training.
- Note: Effective for the 2026-2027 academic year a Class 5 Drivers License will be required.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Primary Care Paramedic certificate.
Primary Care Paramedic graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) exam, which qualifies them for entry into practice in Alberta and other provinces. After successfully completing the COPR exam, students may register with the Alberta College of Paramedics. Students wishing to work in other provinces should consult with the regulatory body for paramedicine in that province.
Courses run in Winter, Spring (short), and Fall terms. Students have July and August off.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| Courses offered in Winter (January) | ||
| PCP-1130 | Essential Life Sciences | 6 |
| PCP-1131 | Foundations of Assess. & History Taking | 6 |
| PCP-1132 | Foundations of Paramedic Practice | 3 |
| PCP-1133 | Interprofessional Healthcare Education | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| Courses offered in Spring Short (May) | ||
| PCP-1134 | Trauma Emergency Care | 3 |
| PCP-1135 | Medical Emergency Care | 6 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Term III | ||
| Course offered in Fall (September) | ||
| PCP-1136 | Hospital and Ambulance Practicum | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$11,250.00
|
$1,388.00
|
$2,900.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Notes
Tuition and fees under review.
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 Primary Care Paramedic program is available through the following delivery formats.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.