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Paramedic diploma (PCP)

Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Diploma

Part of the route toParamedic·Diploma

A college diploma program that trains you to treat urgent medical emergencies in ambulances across British Columbia.

How long
8–17 Months
Cost
Not published
Schools
2 in BC

THE ROUTE

How this program works, step by step

Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.

The route (8 steps)

BC Route
1Grade 11 Preparation
2Grade 12 Graduation
3Admissions & Prerequisites
4Application Process
5Program Curriculum
6Where to Take It
7Licensing & Certification
8Career Destination

For the best view, open the map full screen.

STEP BY STEP

Step by step

The same route as the map, as a list.

1

Step 1 of 8

Grade 11

1 School Year
  • General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
2

Step 2 of 8

Grade 12

1 School Year
  • High school graduation or mature student status
  • Grade 12 Anatomy and Physiology (or approved college human anatomy course) with minimum C+
  • Grade 12. Requirement varies by school (Justice Institute of British Columbia, Columbia Paramedic Academy / Columbia Learning). Strictest requirement: standard completion.
3

Step 3 of 8

What you need to get in

  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification or approved pre-hospital emergency equivalent
  • Valid British Columbia Class 4 commercial driver licence (or Class 4 learner permit)
  • Physical agility fitness testing certificate
  • Valid Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or OFA Level 3 certificate
  • Valid BC Class 4 Commercial Driver’s Licence (or learner permit)
4

Step 4 of 8

How to apply

  • Apply directly through the Justice Institute of British Columbia School of Health Sciences portal
  • Submit academic transcripts, driver abstract, and emergency first aid certifications
  • Complete the candidate admissions assessment and Casper test
  • Pass medical clearance and criminal record review
5

Step 5 of 8

Paramedic diploma (PCP)

8–17 Months
  • 17-month full-time diploma program combining classroom, clinical, and practicum phases
  • Advanced patient assessment, ECG interpretation, IV therapy, and emergency pharmacology
  • High-fidelity ambulance driving simulator and complex emergency scene simulations
  • Over 450 hours of preceptored shifts in hospital emergency rooms and with BC Ambulance Service
6

Step 6 of 8

Where to take it

2 schools in BC
  • Columbia Paramedic Academy / Columbia Learning — 12 months (Not published)
  • Justice Institute of British Columbia — 17 months (Not published)
7

Step 7 of 8

Exams and registration after

  • Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) provincial Primary Care Paramedic examinations
8

Step 8 of 8

Leads to: Paramedic

  • Explore Paramedic wages, job outlook, and career pathways

SCHOOLS

Where you can take this(2 schools)

Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.

🚑
Duration12 months
TuitionNot published
DeliveryHybrid
EMALB-recognized blended Primary Care Paramedic training academy based in Langley with practical hospital and ambulance preceptorship.
🚑
Safety / Specialized Provider

Justice Institute of British Columbia

New Westminster / Victoria / Kelowna / Chilliwack

Duration17 months
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
The definitive BC pre-hospital paramedic training recognized by BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the EMALB.

Official Sources

Last verified · September 2026