Become a Paramedic

Becoming a paramedic is more than a career—it’s a calling. Paramedics are the first point of care in emergencies, providing lifesaving interventions, support, and comfort when people need it most. Whether responding to accidents, medical events, or complex health needs, paramedics make a real difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities every single day. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic profession that blends medical knowledge, critical thinking, and compassion.

At Medavie Health Services (MHS) West, we are proud to support paramedics who serve communities across Saskatchewan and Alberta with professionalism, heart, and a deep commitment to care. As part of one of Canada’s leading health solutions partners, our teams play a vital role in integrated health services, community care, and emergency response. If you’re driven to help others, want a meaningful career, and thrive in a team environment, paramedicine could be the path for you.

What Paramedics Do

Paramedics are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide immediate medical care in a variety of settings. They assess patients, manage injuries and illnesses, perform advanced procedures, and ensure safe transport to hospitals or healthcare facilities. Every call is different—whether it’s stabilizing a patient after a heart attack, helping at the scene of a motor vehicle collision, or providing support for someone in mental health crisis, paramedics respond with skill and calm under pressure.

There are a number of different roles within paramedicine, each with specific responsibilities and scopes of practice. Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) provide essential first aid and basic support. Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs) are trained in a wide range of emergency procedures, while Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) offer an even higher level of care, including advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, and pharmacological interventions. Community paramedics often work in non-emergency settings, supporting preventative care and helping patients manage chronic conditions in their homes. Together, they form the backbone of pre-hospital care in Canada.

Types of Paramedics and Career Paths

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
  EMRs provide essential care in the earliest stages of a medical emergency. They are trained in basic life support, including CPR, bleeding control, and patient assessment. EMRs often work in rural or industrial settings, or as part of a larger response team, offering critical support until more advanced care arrives. Opportunities for EMRs are available with interfacility transfer services such as our Calgary IFT service.
  
  
• Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
  PCPs are the foundation of pre-hospital emergency care across Canada. They assess and treat a wide range of medical conditions, perform procedures such as defibrillation and airway management, and administer a variety of medications. PCPs are often the first point of contact in emergencies and play a central role in patient stabilization and safe transport.
  
  
• Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)
  ACPs have advanced training that allows them to perform higher-level medical interventions. This includes cardiac monitoring, IV medication administration, and advanced airway procedures. ACPs often work in high-acuity situations, collaborating closely with physicians and hospital teams to provide critical care in the field.

Once you begin your career as a paramedic, there are many opportunities to grow and specialize. Some paramedics pursue roles in community paramedicine, delivering non-emergency care and helping patients manage chronic health conditions at home. Others move into education, clinical oversight, or leadership roles within EMS organizations. With further training and experience, career pathways can include Critical Care Paramedic, Flight Paramedic, or positions in healthcare policy and planning—all contributing to the evolving and essential landscape of paramedic care.

How to Become a Paramedic

Step-by-step guide:

1. Complete high school and gather prerequisites

• Complete Grade 12 with a minimum of 60% average in English Language Arts, Biology or Chemistry, and Math
• Applicants must also provide a criminal record check and immunization records.
• You must exhibit physical strength and fitness consistent with the requirements of the profession and should be able to complete a Physical Capabilities test.

2. Enroll in a recognized Paramedicine program

• The Saskatchewan College of Paramedics lists their approved programs here.
• The Alberta College of Paramedics lists their approved programs here.

3. Obtain licensing

• Complete the COPR examRegister with a provincial regulator
• Obtain a Class 4 Driver’s License

4. Apply for jobs at MHS West or other EMS organizations.

• Click here to search for current job opportunities at MHS across the country

Education, Training & Financial Assistance

MHS West encourages aspiring paramedics to pursue programs that are officially approved by their respective provincial regulators. In Alberta, applicants can access a full list of accredited Emergency Medical Responder, Primary Care Paramedic, and Advanced Care Paramedic programs through the Alberta College of Paramedics. Similarly, the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics outlines required Initial Education & Training pathways detailing approved schools for EMR, PCP, ACP, and CCP.

Aspiring paramedics in Saskatchewan also have access to a range of financial support options to help offset the cost of education and training. These include provincial bursaries, grants, and funding programs aimed at making paramedic training more accessible especially for those in rural, remote, or underserved communities. Funding in Alberta is limited, but some opportunities are available.

Support can be available for students enrolled in approved EMR, PCP, or ACP programs. Financial assistance may be tied to service commitments or residency requirements, helping to ensure qualified paramedics are supported in building their careers where they’re needed most.

Current Opportunities

Looking to start or grow your career in paramedicine? MHS West is hiring across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

• View Current Job Openings

Check back often for new postings!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What’s the difference between PCP and ACP?
  PCPs provide essential emergency care, including patient assessment, CPR, oxygen therapy, medication administration, and wound management. ACPs have a broader scope of practice, with additional training that allows them to perform advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, and administer a wider range of medications. ACPs often support more complex medical situations and work closely with other healthcare providers during critical incidents. In short, ACPs build on the foundation of PCP training to deliver a higher level of pre-hospital care.
  
  
• Do I need a driver’s license?
  Yes, you must obtain a Class 4 driver’s license.
  • Read more here for Saskatchewan.
  • Click here for Alberta.
    
    
• What’s the physical fitness requirement?
  It varies depending on service location. In Saskatoon, our teams use an EMT Screening program. In Alberta, we use the FARE test.

• Do I need previous healthcare experience?
  While experience is an asset, no previous experience in healthcare is required.

• How long does training take?
  Training requirements vary by program, but generally follow a progressive path. You’ll begin with an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certificate, which typically takes about three months. This is followed by the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) certificate, usually completed in one year. Both the EMR and PCP certifications are prerequisites for the Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program, which generally takes an additional two years to compl