Embarking on a career as a paramedic is a noble path, filled with opportunities to make a significant difference in people’s lives during critical moments. For those paramedics looking to elevate their skills, knowledge, and impact, an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program offers the specialized training needed to handle the most complex and challenging pre-hospital emergencies. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to apply for an ACP program, focusing on the requirements, selection process, and what you can expect on your journey to becoming an advanced care paramedic.
Applying to the Program
The first step towards advancing your paramedic career is understanding the application process. Typically, this involves a two-step procedure to ensure all candidates meet the necessary prerequisites and are well-suited for the rigorous demands of advanced care paramedicine.
Step One – Online Application
Begin your application journey by noting the program application deadline. Missing this date can delay your enrollment by a full year. Once you are aware of the deadline, the next action is to complete and submit the Online Program Application Form. A common platform used for this process is Education Planner BC, which streamlines applications to various educational institutions. Ensure you create an account and carefully fill out all sections of the application form, paying close attention to detail and accuracy.
Step Two – Submit Supporting Documents
After submitting your online application, the next critical step is to prepare and send in your supporting documents. This is formalized through an ACP Program Document Submission Form. This form, along with all required documentation, must be compiled and submitted either by mail or email to the admissions office before the application deadline. For electronic submissions, email your documents to [email protected]. If you prefer to mail your application package, send it to:
Admissions Office
Justice Institute of British Columbia
715 McBride Boulevard
New Westminster, BC V3L 5T4
Ensure that all documents are correctly labeled and organized to facilitate a smooth review process by the admissions committee.
Admission Requirements
Admission into an Advanced Care Paramedic program is competitive. Programs often have limited seats, and selection is based on a combination of meeting the admission criteria and the applicant’s ranking in a selective admission evaluation process. Therefore, understanding and meticulously meeting all requirements is crucial.
General Requirements
These are foundational academic prerequisites that all applicants must satisfy, ensuring a base level of education for the demanding ACP curriculum.
- High school graduation diploma (or equivalent): Applicants must have completed high school or possess an equivalent qualification such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Alternatively, mature students, as defined by the institution’s Admissions Policy, may also be eligible. Mature student status typically applies to applicants who do not have a high school diploma but are over a certain age and have relevant life or work experience.
- Grade 12 English / grade 12 First Peoples English with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent): Proficiency in English is vital for effective communication and understanding of complex medical concepts. A minimum grade of C in Grade 12 English or Grade 12 First Peoples English, or an equivalent qualification, is required to demonstrate this proficiency.
ACP Program Specific Requirements
These requirements are directly related to your paramedic experience and qualifications, ensuring you have the necessary foundation to succeed in advanced care paramedicine.
- Completed ACP Applicant Information Form: This form gathers specific information about your background, experience, and qualifications relevant to the ACP program. Fill it out completely and accurately.
- PCP Certification and License: A prerequisite for ACP training is current certification and licensure as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP). This ensures that applicants have a solid foundation in basic paramedic skills and patient care.
- IV Insertion License Endorsement or Training Certificate: Advanced care paramedics frequently administer intravenous (IV) therapies. Therefore, proof of IV insertion competency, either through a license endorsement or a training certificate, is often required. Note that IV training is typically included in PCP programs. If your PCP program did not include this, ensure you provide documentation of separate IV training.
- Two years PCP work experience at time of application deadline: Practical experience as a PCP is invaluable. Most ACP programs require a minimum of two years of work experience as a PCP to ensure applicants have encountered a range of real-world scenarios and developed essential patient management skills. Details of this experience must be recorded on the ACP Applicant Information Form.
- The Diploma in Health Sciences (EMS) OR the equivalent of the following courses with a minimum grade of C: A strong academic background in health sciences is essential. A Diploma in Health Sciences (EMS) or equivalent coursework ensures that applicants have the foundational knowledge in areas like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology necessary for advanced paramedic practice. Information on equivalent courses can be found at www.jibc.ca/emsdiploma under the Program Details tab.
Applicants who believe they have completed equivalent courses can request a review by emailing [email protected] with their transcript. The BC Transfer Guide is a useful resource for determining course equivalency.
It’s important to note that you can apply to the ACP program even if you are still in the process of completing some requirements. However, you must provide a clear plan for completing all prerequisites before the program start date.
POST-ADMISSION Requirements
Once accepted into the ACP program, there are further requirements to fulfill before you can officially begin your studies. These typically include:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): A Criminal Record Check from the Criminal Records Review Program is mandatory to ensure patient safety and maintain professional standards. An RCMP check is not acceptable; you will need to use the specific Criminal Records Review Program. Detailed instructions and an access code will be provided upon acceptance.
- Completed Immunization Checklist: Protecting both students and patients from preventable diseases is a priority. You must complete and submit an Immunization Checklist, demonstrating compliance with health authority immunization requirements. Note that these requirements may differ from those for employees of specific health services, such as the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). Refer to the Immunization FAQs for clarification.
- Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination: As part of ongoing public health measures, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is generally required. Instructions on how to submit this information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
Selection Process
Meeting the admission requirements is just the first step. Due to the competitive nature of ACP programs, a selection process is in place to identify the most suitable candidates. This typically involves two key assessment elements:
Medical Knowledge Test
Candidates are usually required to undertake a Medical Knowledge Test. This online test evaluates your current level of medical knowledge, specifically in areas relevant to the Primary Care Paramedic scope of practice, which forms the baseline for ACP training. Upon invitation to this stage, you will be granted access to a Candidate Assessment Online Campus. This platform often includes practice quizzes to help you prepare for the actual test, allowing you to gauge your strengths and areas for improvement.
Panel Interview
Shortlisted candidates who perform well on the Medical Knowledge Test are then invited to a Panel Interview. This interview is designed to assess several critical job dimensions essential for successful Advanced Care Paramedics. These dimensions typically include:
- Critical Thinking and Learning Motivation
- Maturity and Self-awareness
- Work Standards and Initiative
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Planning and Organizing Skills
- Stress Tolerance
The 20-30 minute interview provides an opportunity for the panel to delve deeper into your application, understand your motivations for pursuing advanced care paramedicine, and evaluate your overall suitability for the program and the profession.
Extra Consideration
In the competitive selection process, certain factors can give applicants an edge. Extra consideration may be given to candidates who demonstrate:
- Completion of all courses required for admission: Having already completed all prerequisite courses shows preparedness and commitment.
- PCP experience/patient contacts: Extensive experience as a PCP, with a high number of patient contacts, indicates a strong practical foundation.
- Volunteer experience within the last 2 years: Volunteer experience, particularly in healthcare or community service, demonstrates a commitment to service and can enhance an application. This experience must be supported by a reference letter from the volunteering organization.
Financial Aid & Awards
The financial aspect of undertaking an advanced care paramedic program is a significant consideration for many. Fortunately, various financial aid options and awards may be available to eligible candidates. These can include institution-specific awards and bursaries, such as the Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) Education Fund Award. All applicants are encouraged to explore these opportunities. For detailed information, contact Student Services or the Financial Aid & Student Awards Advisor at [email protected].
International Applicants
It is important to note that, currently, many Advanced Care Paramedic programs do not accept international applicants. This may be due to specific licensing and regulatory requirements within the jurisdiction where the program is offered. Prospective international applicants should verify the program’s international applicant policy directly with the institution.
Advancing your career to become an Advanced Care Paramedic is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By understanding the application process, meeting the rigorous admission requirements, and preparing for the selection process, you can take a significant step towards achieving your professional goals and making an even greater impact in emergency medical care.
