School of Health Sciences

Advanced Care Paramedic

Diploma

Program Overview

Note:
The Regina Campus delivery of this program is suspended for 2021/22. It remains open for application to the 2022/23 intake.

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 Regina campus and 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)
- Difficult Airway Course (DAC)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- The Working Mind (TWM - formerly Road to Mental Readiness)

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.
Inter-professional Education - In order to prepare you for an integrated role within the health care team, you will have the opportunity to work with students from other programs within the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing. Learning activities are designed using a problem-based learning (PBL) model and include high-fidelity simulations, interactive case-based table-top exercises, and collaborative skill acquisition.

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, and various aeromedical roles. 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.

Do you need help deciding if these careers could be a good fit for you? Contact Career Counselling Services or check out the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics job postings.

Do you already know this is the program you want to take but need more detailed information or help applying? Connect with a Recruitment Advisor.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Facility Paramedic	Paramedical Occupations (3234)	$37,500 - $87,400
Flight Medic	Paramedical Occupations (3234)	$37,500 - $87,400
Advanced Care Paramedic	Paramedical Occupations (3234)	$37,500 - $87,400

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

September

Length:

71 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
Basic Life Support Provider (former 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®) or Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 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.
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.

2021/22 Academic Year

Year 1 - $10,270
Year 2 - $7,500

Courses

Expand All +

Year 1 - Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

APHY 170

Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology

In this course, you will advance your knowledge of the human body through an in-depth study of the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems. Emphasis is placed on how body systems are interrelated to maintain homeostatic balance. You will be required to research how the physiological principles covered apply to real-world scenarios.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102, BIOL 103(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

BIOL 102

Anatomy and Physiology 1

In the first of a two-course sequence, you will explore the human body focusing on the interaction between structure and function and the regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. You will learn how the levels of organization of the body and the components of cells, tissues and organs impact form and function. You will examine the following body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): BIOL 100, BIOL 102CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

BIOL 103

Anatomy and Physiology 2

In the second of a two-course sequence, you will continue to explore the human body focusing on the interaction between structure and function and the regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. You will examine how the levels of organization of the body and the components of cells, tissues and organs impact the form and function for the following body systems: endocrine, blood, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance and reproductive.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102
Equivalent Course(s): BIOL 101, BIOL 103CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

EMER 117

Introduction to Advanced Care Paramedic

You will refine primary care paramedic assessments, skills and treatment plans as you prepare for advanced life support knowledge, skills and abilities. You will also learn student success strategies.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning

LEAD 100

Leadership and Professionalism

Your studies will focus on leadership and professionalism in paramedic practice. You will learn to function within provincial legislations, policies and procedures, including how to collaborate with law enforcement. You will study the importance of patient advocacy. You will participate in quality assurance, health promotion, injury prevention and public safety activities. You will also promote awareness of the paramedic profession and learn how to work within an incident management system (IMS).
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 117(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning

PHAR 103

Pharmacology

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: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 117
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Prior Learning

SOCI 171

Culture and Diversity in Canadian Society

You will explore culture and diversity in Canada and the challenges they present. You will discuss the impacts of oppression, multiculturalism, immigration, social inequalities, and social justice at both personal and professional levels. You will discuss the historical and contemporary challenges of Indigenous peoples. You will also examine tools to foster social change and diversity competencies.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

TCOM 102

Workplace Communication

You will examine the employability skills required in the workplace. You will discuss the communication process, and practice effective interpersonal communication techniques and conflict resolution. You will use workplace writing and job search skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): COM 160, COMM 191, JOBS 190, JOBS 288, JOBS 290, TCOM 102CE, TCOM 120, TCOM 140, TMGT 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Learn Linc, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

Year 1 - Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

EMER 118

Advanced Respiratory Care

You will provide care for adult patients with respiratory emergencies, based on analysis of respiratory assessment findings, including laboratory data.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 103, APHY 170, PHAR 103, PATH 100(concurrent)
Corequisites(s): EMER 119
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 119

Advanced Airway Management

You will develop advanced airway skills including endotracheal intubation, surgical airways, foreign body removal, and tracheal suctioning. You will also perform emergency tracheostomy care and mechanical ventilation. Upon completion, you will receive certification in Difficult Airway Course.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 103, APHY 170, PHAR 103
Corequisites(s): EMER 118
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 121

Advanced Cardiac Care

You will study advanced cardiac diagnostics including 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis and cardiac specific laboratory data. You will provide advanced cardiac life support (including electrical therapies) to patients based on information gathered from advanced assessments. Upon completion, you will receive certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): BIOL 103, APHY 170, PHAR 103, PATH 100(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 159

Patient Management and Integration 1

You will demonstrate leadership and professionalism while providing care in the prehospital management of simulated patients. You will also integrate knowledge of the Saskatchewan paramedic scope of practice.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 118, EMER 119, EMER 121, EMER 175, LEAD 100, PATH 100
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 175

Medical 1

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: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 170, BIOL 103, PATH 100(concurrent), PHAR 103
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

FTNS 162

Personal Wellness

You will develop strategies 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. You will also exhibit physical strength and fitness consistent with the requirements of professional practice.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

PATH 100

Pathophysiology 1

You will be 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 explain how injury and illness affect the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, immune, endocrine and integumentary systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 170, BIOL 103, PHAR 103
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Year 1 - Semester 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

EMER 120

Reflective Practitioner Project

Your studies will focus on self-reflection and research in paramedic practice. You will learn strategies to self-reflect and explore lifelong learning. You will also interpret medical literature and its relevance to paramedic practice.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): TCOM 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning

PRAC 109

Clinical Practicum 1

You will participate in a clinical practicum placement at a Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) facility with a practicing registered nurse or physician. You will participate in a hospital orientation, review of relevant policies and procedures, and completion of and compliance with required legal documentation. You will provide care for patients in the emergency department, operating room and cardiac 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: 6
Course Hours: 96.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, FTNS 162, SOCI 171, TCOM 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning

Year 2 - Semester 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

EMER 201

Obstetrics and Neonatal Care

You will study pregnancy from conception to birth. You will learn to recognize complications and provide care for obstetrical emergencies. You will study neonatal illnesses and injuries as well as advanced treatment modalities. Upon completion, you will receive certification in Neonatal Resuscitation Procedures (NRP).
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 202

Medical 2

Your studies will focus on adult patients presenting with common medical emergencies. You will perform assessments, including the interpretation of medical specific laboratory data. You will provide advanced life support to palliative and psychiatric patients, and those experiencing illness due to a toxicological syndrome. You will also provide care to patients that have non-urgent medical complaint and patients that experience conditions that impact physical and cognitive ability. Upon completion, you will receive certification in Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) Paramedic.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 203

Medical 3

Your studies will focus on adult patients presenting with common medical emergencies. You will develop the advanced skills to manage drainage systems and perform urinalysis. You will provide advanced life support to patients with gastrointestinal, genitourinary conditions and those experiencing illness or injury to the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. You will also provide care to geriatric patients. Upon completion, you will receive certification in Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA).
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 204

Pediatric Care

You will study pediatric illnesses and injuries as well as advanced treatment modalities. You will become certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP).
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 205

Advanced Trauma Care

You will develop advanced trauma assessment skills and apply advanced life support treatments in trauma emergencies. You will also study common diagnostic testing as it pertains to the trauma patient. Upon completion, you will receive certification in International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)-Advanced.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159, PATH 200(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

EMER 281

Patient Management and Integration 2

You will demonstrate leadership and professionalism while integrating theory and skills in the prehospital management of simulated patients. You will prepare a plan for continuing professional development. You will also integrate knowledge of Saskatchewan paramedic scope of practice. You will demonstrate physical strength and fitness consistent with requirements of paramedic practice.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 201, EMER 202, EMER 203, EMER 204, EMER 205, PATH 200
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

PATH 200

Pathophysiology 2

Based on 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 (including shock) affect the human body.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 159
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group

Year 2 - Semester 5

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PRAC 212

Field Practicum

You will participate in a field practicum placement at a Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organization with a practicing Advanced Care Paramedic preceptor. You will work with less direction and intervention from preceptors as you progress towards independent paramedic practice. This placement includes participation in EMS orientations, review of relevant policies and procedures, and completion of and compliance 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: 504.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 281, PRAC 109, EMER 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning

PRAC 213

Clinical Practicum 2

You will participate in a clinical practicum placement at a Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) facility with an assigned practicing registered nurse or physician. You will participate in a hospital orientation, review of relevant policies and procedures, and completion of and compliance with required legal documentation. You will provide care for patients in the emergency department, operating room, labour and birth, pediatrics and palliative care. 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: 128.0
Prerequisites(s): EMER 281, PRAC 109, EMER 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning

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.

Candidate Guide (Department of Arts and Sciences courses)
- communications, mathematics, sciences, social sciences
More about PLAR

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.

Athabasca 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.

University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada

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

Follow @SaskPolytechEMS on Twitter.

Explore

Apply & Register

Tuition & Financial Aid

Get Credit For What You Know

Programs

Courses

Upgrading

Resources

Get Started

On-campus

Support

Your Tomorrow

Future Students

Current Students

Global Learning Experiences

International Projects and Partnerships

Applied Research & Innovation

Continuing Education

Employers

Testing

School of Health Sciences

Advanced Care Paramedic

Program Overview

Hands-on Learning

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Potential Careers

Length and Start Date

Locations

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Special Admission

Admission Method

Tuition and Fees

Courses

Year 1 - Semester 1

Year 1 - Semester 2

Year 1 - Semester 3

Year 2 - Semester 4

Year 2 - Semester 5

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Transfer Credit

Student Awards

Accreditation

Additional Information

Related Programs