College GalleryProgram Overview
Emergency Medical Services and Fire Rescue are a dynamic industries that offer an exciting and rewarding career for individuals looking to make a positive impact in other people's lives.
The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Program is a full-time program with independent study, online lectures, and face-to-face on-site sessions. Students will gain hands-on experience through labs and scenario-based training. Students will develop critical-thinking skills that will allow them to develop an appropriate differential diagnosis and treatment pathway for their patients. Communications, personal wellness, safety, and professionalism are stressed throughout the program.
The Fire Training portion of the program will put you on the front lines of municipal or industrial firefighting. As part of this program, students will gain on the job experience as paid on call members of an active Regional Fire Service, that responds to over 500 emergency calls annually, for the duration of the program. Staying onsite will allow students to respond to all types of emergencies, while completing their studies for Primary Care Paramedic and Firefighting. Upon successful completion of examinations and evaluations by an approved proctor/evaluator, students will be eligible to apply for internationally recognized certification from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and Pro-board via the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Technical and Corporate Services. Hands-on training will take place at the comprehensive, state-of-the-art training grounds at the Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service Station 1 - Headquarters. The Lesser Slave Fire Service has demonstrated efficiency, competency, and proficiency in instructional delivery and providing logistical support for municipal fire departments, First Nations fire departments, and has hosted as many as 400 firefighters and instructors in multiple training tracks. National Fire Protection Association courses will be offered by instructors onsite at the fire station located in the Town of Slave Lake, and housing is included in program costs.
The Primary Care Paramedic portion of this program is approved by the Alberta College of Paramedics, ensuring graduates are skilled in all competencies relevant to the National Occupational Competency Profile. Students in the Fire Training program are also eligible to write the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and/or Pro Board certified exams. This meets the prerequisites you may need for other NFPA professional standards training.
The theory portion of the program is delivered over approximately 35 weeks and is followed by a hospital practicum and an ambulance practicum taking place over a span of three months. Students will be taking the Fire Training and the Primary Care Paramedic program concurrently during a 12 month period. Students are responsible for costs related to travel for the on-site sessions and accommodations for practicum locations. Students will alternate shifts at the Slave Lake fire station, taking on the roll of a voluntary firefighter and responding to any fire-related emergencies. Students are required to have a tablet computer to complete the program. Make a difference in someone's life--apply today!
Further information may be found on the Northern Lakes College website: www.northernlakescollege.ca, or by contacting:
For Fire Training information: Alex Pavcek alex.pavcek@slavelake.ca
For Primary Care Paramedic information: Doug Higginson higginsond@northernlakescollege.ca
To apply, please click the link below:
https://forms.office.com/r/vTrfnHQZpz
Program Locations
Sep 05, 2023 - Aug 28, 2024 - Blended - Slave LakeLoading video...
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of program completion.
• Proof of valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's License or equivalent.
• Current CPR certification is required for access to the program practicums (a CPR course is offered during the program).
• A clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. The presence of an unclear CRC or Vulnerable Sector Check may disqualify a student from accessing practicum placements required for program completion or from securing employment after graduation.
• Immunization Record completed in full, by a qualified health professional, showing immunization status required for entry into practicum placements. Students who do not meet the immunization requirements for practicum placement are required to sign an Immunization Waiver to acknowledge that the lack of certain immunizations, may impact the student's ability to attend a practicum placement required to complete the program requirements.
• Core Computer Skills (word processing, spreadsheets, internet, and email).
• Students are required to have a mobile tablet device, with a screen no smaller than 9", compatible with Comptracker competency tracking software.
• Students must have reliable, high-speed Internet access and a mobile device compatible with the College technology requirements.
Credits in the following courses: • Biology 30 (60%) or Bio 0190(60%) or an assessed Biology equivalency. • English 30-1 or equivalent (60%) or English 30-2 or equivalent (70%) or ENGL 0190 (60%) or an assessed English equivalency. • Math 20-1 or equivalent (50%) or Math 20-2 or equivalent (60%) or MATH 0190 (60%) an assessed Math equivalency. • Students must submit all official post-secondary transcripts upon application.
For those interested in pursuing a career as an Advanced Care Paramedic, PCP certification is a prerequisite for acceptance into Alberta Advanced Care Paramedic programs.