How to become a paramedic in BC
Primary Care Paramedic (PCP / BCEHS Ambulance Paramedic) · British Columbia
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Treat sick and injured people in an ambulance. You need a paramedic course, hospital practice and a licence.
THE ROUTE
The route at a glance
EMR, Class 4 Licence & Biology 12 Prerequisites
EMR certificate, Class 4 licence & shots
JIBC Primary Care Paramedic Diploma
Complete 8–12 month PCP diploma
Hospital Clinical & BCEHS Ambulance Preceptorship
Hospital clinicals + 200 hrs ambulance time
EMALB Provincial Paramedic Board Examinations
Pass EMALB written exam & practical OSCE
BCEHS Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Career
Obtain EMALB licence & serve as paramedic
EMR, Class 4 Licence & Biology 12 Prerequisites
EMR certificate, Class 4 licence & shots
JIBC Primary Care Paramedic Diploma
Complete 8–12 month PCP diploma
Hospital Clinical & BCEHS Ambulance Preceptorship
Hospital clinicals + 200 hrs ambulance time
EMALB Provincial Paramedic Board Examinations
Pass EMALB written exam & practical OSCE
BCEHS Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Career
Obtain EMALB licence & serve as paramedic
This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.
See the full route, step by step →THE JOB
What the job is like
Pay and outlook from WorkBC.
Work takes place in ambulance patient compartments, highways, urban residences, and emergency department bays.
Be mindful of high-speed emergency vehicle driving, violent scenes, communicable diseases, and traumatic stress and follow all required safety procedures.
Complete two-year ACP diploma to deliver advanced cardiac life support, intubation, and intensive care medications.
Provide air ambulance medical transport aboard helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft across British Columbia.
JOBS
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Live postings on the big job boards, searched for this job in British Columbia.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Common questions
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