Advanced Care Paramedic

Program Description

The SAIT Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program is a five-semester, full-time program offered to those who wish to extend their professional training and credentials to work as paramedics. In the ACP program, students become extensively familiar with human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, as well as wide variety of pharmacological and other therapies.

The program commences each year in the fall and consists of three semesters in the first year and two semesters in the second year. Students spend their fall, winter and spring semesters of the first year acquiring a strong theoretical framework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, treatments for various medical and traumatic emergencies, adult advanced life support, neonatal resuscitation protocol and assessment skills. Opportunities to practice these skills and integrate theory into practice are provided through simulation laboratory classes.

Students return to SAIT in the fall of year 2 where they begin their clinical and ambulance practica placements. In the winter semester of year two students also learn about precepting and professional practice as well as prepare for registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics as an ACP.

Note: Students may have to travel anywhere in Alberta to complete their practica based on practicum spot availability.

Abbreviated Program Description

Train in emergency care and advanced life support with a focus on critical emergency interventions. The program includes both theory and hands-on learning with high fidelity human patient simulation education in the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation, supplemented with clinical and ambulance practica. Accredited by Accreditation Canada at the Advanced Care Paramedic Level. Graduates are eligible to register with the Alberta College of Paramedics as an Advanced Care Paramedic.

Program Overview

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a Primary Care Paramedic or an Emergency Medical Technician certificate program, or equivalent. Proof of completion must be submitted by August 1.
  
  
• All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
  
  

Program Outline

Total Credits 60

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program will be prepared for positions in the emergency medical services field, including ambulance services, the oil and gas industry and various international opportunities. Graduates will practice the following at the level of an advanced care paramedic as defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada’s National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP).

• Demonstrate professionalism, legal and ethical behaviour, and teamwork within the work environment.

• Perform effective oral and written communication specific to the work environment.

• Perform health and safe work-practices within the work environment.

• Perform effective patient assessment and diagnostic practices relevant to patient care.

• Provide safe and effective therapeutic interventions to patients.

• Integrate assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic practices during patient care.

• Prepare patients for safe ground and air transport.

• Perform safe road ambulance operation and continuous vehicle maintenance.

• Promote health and public safety.

Program Articulation

Program Licensing