School of Health Sciences

Advanced Care Paramedic

Diploma

Program Overview

If you're a primary care paramedic who wants to enhance your skills, career mobility and earning power, Saskatchewan Polytechnic's nationally recognized Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program will be of interest to you. More in-depth knowledge and training means you'll be able to administer a greater range of medications and perform life-saving interventions.

The Advanced Care Paramedic program also positions you for leadership roles in a growing number of settings. ACPs are in high demand in traditional emergency medical services, collaborative emergency centres, and industrial and community settings.

Advanced Care Paramedic is a two-year diploma program offered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon campus. The program builds on the Primary Care Paramedic program. You’ll get advanced training in recognizing and managing medical and trauma emergencies, particularly neonatal, pediatric and geriatric. You’ll focus on:

  • anatomy, pathophysiology, physiology, pharmacology
  • body system assessments
  • critical thinking and decision making
  • certifications in
    • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
    • Advanced International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
    • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Hands-on Learning

  • Lab and Simulation Training - You’ll use Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s state-of-the-art lab and high-fidelity simulation facilities to apply your in-depth knowledge to real-world scenarios.
  • Field Practicums - You’ll work with an ACP preceptor in two supervised field practicums to hone your critical thinking and decision-making skills, and to strengthen your delegation and leadership skills.
  • Clinical Practicums - Hone your assessment, management and communication skills during two hospital-based practicums. You’ll get real-world experience in specialized areas, including emergency departments, operating rooms, and labour and delivery.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Take your career (and your earning power) to the next level as an advanced care paramedic in emergency medical services, including fire, ambulance, air ambulance and STARS operations. Take a leadership role on emergency response teams at industrial facilities or mine sites. Take advantage of emerging career opportunities in collaborative emergency centres and in the community.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus nearest you or check out the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics job postings.

 

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Facility ParamedicParamedical Occupations (3234)$42,700 - $82,300
Flight MedicParamedical Occupations (3234)$42,700 - $82,300
Advanced Care ParamedicParamedical Occupations (3234)$42,700 - $82,300

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

December - Saskatoon
August - Regina



Length: 65 weeks
Year 1 - 30 weeks; Year 2 - 35 weeks

Locations

  • Regina
  • Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • Primary Care Paramedic certification from an accredited program or equivalent
  • Registered as a PCP of the 2011 National Occupational Competency Profile for Paramedics training (Paramedic Association of Canada, 2011) *
  • International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Provider certificate
  • CPR Health Care Provider 'C' AED or equivalent
  • English Language Requirement

* Evidence of verification may include one of the following:

  • a Saskatchewan Polytechnic transcript indicating successful completion of all Primary Care Paramedic courses implemented during the 2013-2014 academic year or later;
  • a Saskatchewan Polytechnic transcript indicating successful completion of Primary Care Paramedic Upgrade (EMER 1638);
  • a valid Saskatchewan College of Paramedics licence indicating unrestricted practice of 2011 National Occupational Competency Profile at the Primary Care Paramedic level

Non-Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates are granted admission to this program on a case-by-case basis.

 

Note

  • Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search upon admission to the program. At the discretion of the practicum/clinical agency, you may be declined access to a clinical/practicum based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) certification prior to entry into clinical/practicum
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide current immunization records and meet Saskatchewan Polytechnic immunization requirements prior to entry into clinical/practicum
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask testing prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is your responsibility.
  • Effective July 1, 2019: Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2019/20 Academic Year

Year 1 - $10,000
Year 2 - $7,600

Courses

Expand All +

Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ANAT 167
Anatomy and Physiology 1
5
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You will study the human body and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. Your studies will include the chemical, cellular and tissue levels of organization. You will focus on the integumentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, and lymphatic systems.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 70.0
Equivalent Course(s): ANAT 167CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
EMER 105
Advanced Respiratory Management
5
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Based on analysis of common medical and laboratory data, you will provide care for adult patients with respiratory emergencies. You will develop advanced diagnostic skills and therapies including endotracheal intubation, surgical airways, alternate medication routes and mechanical ventilation.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 76.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 158(concurrent), PATH 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
EMER 106
Interpersonal Communications and Patient Assessment
1
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You will study aspects of interpersonal communications including verbal, non-verbal, and emotional patient responses. Building on your basic interviewing and assessment skills, you will develop advanced assessment skills, including patient acuity rating scales.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 21.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
EMER 158
Transition to Advanced Care Paramedic
3
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Your studies will focus on foundational communication, leadership, regulatory, and professional elements of paramedic practice. You will refine primary care paramedic assessments, skills and treatment plans as you prepare for advanced life support knowledge, skills and abilities.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 50.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
EMER 159
Patient Management and Integration 1
2
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You will integrate theory and skills in the management of simulated patients within the prehospital and health facility environments. The course content includes management strategies congruent with scope of practice in Saskatchewan.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 37.0
Prerequisites(s): ANAT 167(concurrent), EMER 105(concurrent), EMER 106(concurrent), EMER 158(concurrent), EMER 175(concurrent), EMER 178(concurrent), FTNS 162(concurrent), PATH 100(concurrent), PHAR 171(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
EMER 175
Medical 1
3
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Your studies will focus on adult patients presenting with common medical emergencies. You will provide advanced life support to patients with neurological, immune and endocrine system illness as well as those exposed to adverse environments.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 158(concurrent), PATH 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
EMER 178
Advanced Cardiac Management
3
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You will study advanced cardiac diagnostics including 12-lead electrocardiogram analysis. You will provide advanced cardiac life support (including electrical therapies) to patients based on information gathered from advanced assessments. You will become certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 158(concurrent), PATH 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
FTNS 162
Personal Wellness 1
3
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You will develop strategies required to manage the physical and mental stresses of paramedic practice. You will learn methods to maintain good health in a collaborative, supportive environment and choose activities to optimize your own personal health and wellness.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
PATH 100
Pathophysiology 1
3
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Your studies will build on your knowledge of anatomy and physiology as you are introduced to common diseases encountered in paramedic practice. You will study how the body is affected by disease as it defends against infection and adverse environments. You will explore how injury and illness affect the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, immune, endocrine and integumentary systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 38.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
PHAR 171
Pharmacology
4
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You will study the principles of pharmacology, medication administration, and blood collection. Your studies will focus on advanced care paramedic medication classifications. You will also participate in labs that will help you develop the skills necessary for responsible and safe medication administration.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 58.0
Prerequisites(s): ANAT 167(concurrent), EMER 158(concurrent), PATH 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
PRAC 108
Field Practicum 1
11
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You will participate in a field practicum placement at a Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organization with a practicing advanced care paramedic preceptor. This practicum will allow you to review and integrate your basic life support (BLS) skills with your advanced care level of practice. You will participate in EMS orientations, review relevant policies and procedures, complete and comply with required legal documentation. You will demonstrate and meet the physical requirements of the profession.
Credit Units: 11
Course Hours: 171.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning
PRAC 109
Clinical Practicum 1
9
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You will participate in a clinical practicum placement at a Saskatchewan Health Region facility with a practicing registered nurse or physician. You will participate in a hospital orientation, review relevant policies and procedures, complete and comply with required legal documentation. You will demonstrate the various roles and responsibilities of the advanced care paramedic as outlined within the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) for the Paramedic Practitioner of Canada.
Credit Units: 9
Course Hours: 131.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning

Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ANAT 267
Anatomy and Physiology 2
4
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You will continue to study the human body, focusing on how its structures function to maintain homeostasis. You focus on the structures and functions of the urinary, sensory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, and reproductive systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): ANAT 167
Equivalent Course(s): ANAT 267CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
EMER 200
Specialized Therapeutics
1
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You will study advanced wound care and drainage systems. You will also interpret data from indwelling vascular devices.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
EMER 201
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics
3
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You will study pregnancy from conception to birth, and manage pregnancy, labour, antepartum and gynecological emergencies. You will study neonatal and pediatric illnesses and injuries as well as advanced treatment modalities. You will become certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Procedures (NRP).
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 51.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
EMER 262
Medical 2
3
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Building on your knowledge from Medical 1 (EMER 175), you will provide advanced life support to adult patients with gastrointestinal; reproductive; genitourinary; and eyes, ears, nose and throat illnesses as well as those patients experiencing illness due to poisoning and overdose.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 39.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
EMER 270
Advanced Trauma Management
3
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Building on your patient assessment skills, you will develop advanced assessments and apply advanced life support treatments in trauma emergencies. You will become certified in International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)-Advanced.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 43.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
EMER 279
Diverse Population Groups
2
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Your studies will focus on individuals with diverse medical needs including cancer patients, geriatric patients and patients with conditions impacting physical and cognitive abilities. You will learn how to implement emergency care for patients while addressing their diverse healthcare needs. You will also become certified in Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services (GEMS).
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 34.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
EMER 281
Patient Management and Integration 2
2
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You will integrate theory and skills in the management of simulated patients within prehospital and health facility environments. The course content includes management strategies congruent with scope of practice in Saskatchewan.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 37.0
Prerequisites(s): ANAT 267(concurrent), EMER 200(concurrent), EMER 201(concurrent), EMER 262(concurrent), EMER 270(concurrent), EMER 279(concurrent), FTNS 163(concurrent), LEAD 100(concurrent), PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
FTNS 163
Personal Wellness 2
2
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Building on your experiences in Personal Wellness 1 (FTNS 162), you will develop your own personal plan to optimize physical and mental health. You will be able to form positive, adaptive coping strategies to apply to your life as you prepare for the challenges particular to paramedics. You will also learn how nutrition affects physical and mental health and be able to make healthy choices.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 35.0
Prerequisites(s): FTNS 162
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
LEAD 100
Leadership, Professionalism and Ethics
2
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Your studies will focus on leadership and professionalism in Emergency Medical Services. You will study biomedical ethics, law and social constructs relating to the provision of healthcare in Canada.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 25.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
PATH 200
Pathophysiology 2
3
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Building on your knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as how the body responds to disease, you will study injury and illness involving the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal and special senses body systems. You will study how cancer, poisons, medications, injury and trauma affect the human body.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 38.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 100
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Semester 4

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
PRAC 212
Field Practicum 2
34
Show course details
You will participate in a field practicum placement at a Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organization with a practicing advanced care paramedic preceptor. This final field practicum will allow you to apply all skills and knowledge gained in the previous three semesters at the advanced care level. You will work with less direction and intervention from preceptors as you progress towards independent paramedic practice. You will participate in EMS orientations, review relevant policies and procedures, complete and comply with required legal documentation. You will demonstrate and meet the physical requirements of the profession. You will demonstrate the various roles and responsibilities of the advanced care paramedic as outlined within the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) for the Paramedic Practitioner of Canada.
Credit Units: 34
Course Hours: 507.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 281, PRAC 108
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning
PRAC 213
Clinical Practicum 2
13
Show course details
You will participate in a clinical practicum placement at a Saskatchewan Health Region facility with an assigned practicing registered nurse or physician. You will participate in a hospital orientation, review relevant policies and procedures, complete and comply with required legal documentation. You will provide care for patients in the labour and birth, pediatric, and palliative care units of the hospital. You will demonstrate the various roles and responsibilities of the advanced care paramedic as outlined within the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) for the Paramedic Practitioner of Canada.
Credit Units: 13
Course Hours: 191.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 281, PRAC 109
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning
Note: You must successfully complete EMER 158 (Advanced Care Preparation) before continuing in the program.

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for the Arts and Sciences courses in this program. To discuss PLAR for other courses in this program, contact us at 1-866-467-4278 and ask for the Program Head of this program.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 60 credit units into the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program or 30 credit units toward BSc (PD) with Majors in Applied Mathematics, Computing Information Systems and/or Human Science.
Graduates of this program may be eligible for a block transfer of 60 credit hours to the Faculty of Kinesiology or Health Studies or Faculty of Arts at the University of Regina or the First Nations University of Canada.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Accreditation Canada

Accreditation Canada is an independent non-governmental organization that operates globally as an affiliate of Health Standards Organization (HSO)

Additional Information

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