Advanced Care Paramedic
SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Overview
The Advanced Care Paramedic program is designed for those aiming to elevate their career in emergency medical services.
This extensive program equips you with in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, advanced
pharmacology and a range of medical interventions.
The first year focuses on foundational knowledge and building a strong theoretical base in human anatomy, physiology and
pharmacology. You will:
learn treatment protocols for various medical and traumatic emergencies
gain proficiency in adult advanced life support and neonatal resuscitation protocols
develop advanced patient assessment skills
apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled environment through simulation laboratory classes.
The second year focuses on clinical experience. You will engage in clinical and ambulance practical placements for a real-world
paramedicine experience.
For your practicum, experienced practitioners (preceptors) will mentor and oversee you in a clinical or practical setting. You’ll also
prepare for registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics.
The key features of year two include:
specialized training in critical emergency interventions
a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on practice
utilizing the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation and our state-of-the-art Ambulance Simulation labs for realistic patient
care scenarios.
This program is offered through on-campus and blended delivery models. In the blended delivery model, theory courses are delivered
primarily online, while lab courses occur on campus. Both delivery models offer the same curriculum and require two years of full-
time study.
Graduating from this program signifies your readiness to perform at the forefront of emergency medical services. With a curriculum
that meets the highest accreditation standards and a strong focus on practical skills, you will be thoroughly prepared for the demands
of being an advanced care paramedic.
Traits, skills and aptitudes
Paramedics tend to be innovative, methodical and objective.
You need:
a strong desire to help those in need
adaptability
excellent communication skills
attention to details
sound decision-making and critical-thinking skills
fine motor skills to provide advanced pre-hospital emergency care
emotional self-regulation and the ability to remain calm, firm, reassuring and efficient in moments of crisis
the ability to work alone and on a team
a willingness to work extended hours and shifts, including nights and weekends
to be comfortable with the sight of human blood and tissue
to meet the job’s physical demands, including spending most working hours on your feet, repetitively bending, and assisting with
transporting, lifting and positioning patients or equipment.
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All emergency medical personnel should be comfortable assessing injuries and illnesses, performing patient care procedures which
may be sensitive, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods. This includes exposure to latex and other
disinfectant materials.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for emergency medical
personnel, the Paramedic Association of Canada occupational competency profile and Alberta Health Service’s F.A.R.E.
Paramedic requirements to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Some of these requirements include:
lift a stretcher with a 95.5 kg (210 lbs) patient with a partner from a lower level to the load position and back down
lift and carry a long spine board with a 95.5 kg (210 lbs) patient and ascend and descend ten stairs with a partner
push a stair chair 10 m with 95.5 kg (210 lbs) and ascend and descend 20 stairs with a partner
bilateral side carry of 9 kg (20 lbs) of weight in each hand
front carry 18 kg (40 lbs)
perform CPR for two minutes.
If you cannot obtain a tight facial seal while wearing a respiratory mask due to the presence of facial hair and refuse to shave for
religious reasons, you will be considered unfit to work as a paramedic by Alberta Health Services (AHS) standards and will not be
allowed to participate in practicum or successfully complete the program. Respiratory mask-fit testing is a requirement to participate
in your practicum.
Academic path
Applicants to this program are required to have completed the following SAIT programs or equivalent:
Emergency Medical Responder
Primary Care Paramedic
There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.
Professional designations and certifications
This program is accredited by Accreditation Canada at the Advanced Care Paramedic level and meets the core competency
requirements of the Alberta College of Paramedics.
Once you graduate, you’re eligible to write the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators registry exam, register with the Alberta
College of Paramedics and work in Alberta as an advanced care paramedic.
You’ll also receive the following certifications:
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Advanced Care Paramedic diploma.
Practicum, Co-op and Work Integrated Learning
In the second year of this program, you’ll participate in preceptor-supervised clinical and ambulance practicums.
You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability
in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city.
Special considerations will not be accommodated. You will be responsible for covering the associated fees of the practicum,
including entrance requirements, relocation, and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before
you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Admission requirements
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Admission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.
Completion of a Primary Care Paramedic or an Emergency Medical Technician certificate program or equivalent. Proof of completion
must be submitted by August 1.
Applicants educated outside of Canada
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the
program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and
assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Domestic Students
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 3 $9,300 $2,072* $11,372
2 2 $5,580 $1,608 $7,188
Total cost: $18,560
The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
*You will be ineligible for the UPass during the third semester of your first year.
Books and Supplies
Books, uniforms and supplies are approximately $5,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements
on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your
program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining
course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.
Required equipment/tools
You will be evaluated on your competency performance level using a tracking system called CompTracker. You will require a wifi-
enabled Apple tablet that can run the most up-to-date operating system to support the CompTracker system.
Any size tablet is acceptable.
Keyboards are advisable but not mandatory.
Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker.
There is a required user license fee of $75 billed on a per-semester basis. More information will be shared at orientation.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
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Uniforms and PPE are to be purchased before orientation day.
Print and take the uniform order form to Trademark Workwear Inc. to order your SAIT uniforms. Refer to the form for details and
ensure you order your uniform early.
CSA-approved safety glasses and black steel-toed duty boots may be purchased where available.
Ballistic vests
The SAIT paramedic programs do not require ballistic vests.
Currently, many practitioners can be issued a ballistic vest by their employer as PPE. This is an employee's decision if they want the
ballistic vest or not.
As a best practice for scene safety, police deem the situation safe before EMS crews enter, and our students are not first in any situation
where this type of PPE is required.
If you wish to purchase your own ballistic vest for use on practicum, you can do so through the AHS-approved vendor Urban Tactical,
Winnipeg, which has the required minimum specifications for a ballistic vest.
If you decide to purchase and wear the vest, you must ensure that your SAIT crest and student identification are clearly visible on the
vest without compromising the integrity of the vest.
If you have a ballistic vest from an employer, you are not allowed to wear that employer’s issue as part of the SAIT uniform.
If you choose to wear a ballistic vest during your program, you must purchase a personal ballistic vest.
Ballistic vests are personally fitted, have a limited lifespan, and are not resalable as they do not provide the appropriate protection
second-hand. If you choose to wear a personal ballistic vest, you must wear it for every call during your practicum rotations.
Additional fees
There is a fee for the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) provincial exam and an annual registration fee. ACP annual registration
fees are approximately $425 (the initial registration fee is approximately $475).
There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check and is payable to the
Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any
vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
A fee of approximately $50-$100 is associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission, which is required for
clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
A Class 4 Driver's license may be required for employment. We recommend you review the Alberta government information for
requirements and begin the process while in the program.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Domestic Students
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Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 3 $9,028 $2,030 $11,058
2 2 $6,588 $1,570 $8,158
Total cost: $19,216
The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Books and Supplies
Books, uniforms and supplies are approximately $5,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements
on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your
program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining
course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.
Required equipment/tools
You will be evaluated on your competency performance level using a tracking system called CompTracker. You will require a wifi-
enabled Apple tablet that can run the most up-to-date operating system to support the CompTracker system.
Any size tablet is acceptable.
Keyboards are advisable but not mandatory.
Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker.
There is a required user license fee of $75 billed on a per-semester basis. More information will be shared at orientation.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Uniforms and PPE are to be purchased before orientation day.
Print and take the uniform order form to Trademark Workwear Inc. to order your SAIT uniforms. Refer to the form for details and
ensure you order your uniform early.
CSA-approved safety glasses and black steel-toed duty boots may be purchased where available.
Ballistic vests
The SAIT paramedic programs do not require ballistic vests.
Currently, many practitioners can be issued a ballistic vest by their employer as PPE. This is an employee's decision if they want the
ballistic vest or not.
As a best practice for scene safety, police deem the situation safe before EMS crews enter, and our students are not first in any situation
Created Date: 05/21/24 Page: 5
https://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/diplomas/advanced-care-paramedic
where this type of PPE is required.
If you wish to purchase your own ballistic vest for use on practicum, you can do so through the AHS-approved vendor Urban Tactical,
Winnipeg, which has the required minimum specifications for a ballistic vest.
If you decide to purchase and wear the vest, you must ensure that your SAIT crest and student identification are clearly visible on the
vest without compromising the integrity of the vest.
If you have a ballistic vest from an employer, you are not allowed to wear that employer’s issue as part of the SAIT uniform.
If you choose to wear a ballistic vest during your program, you must purchase a personal ballistic vest.
Ballistic vests are personally fitted, have a limited lifespan, and are not resalable as they do not provide the appropriate protection
second-hand. If you choose to wear a personal ballistic vest, you must wear it for every call during your practicum rotations.
Additional fees
There is a fee for the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) provincial exam and an annual registration fee. ACP annual registration
fees are approximately $425 (the initial registration fee is approximately $475).
There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check and is payable to the
Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any
vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
A fee of approximately $50-$100 is associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission, which is required for
clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
A Class 4 Driver's license may be required for employment. We recommend you review the Alberta government information for
requirements and begin the process while in the program.
Created Date: 05/21/24 Page: 6
https://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/diplomas/advanced-care-paramedic
