Diploma in Health Sciences (EMS)

The Diploma in Health Sciences (EMS) will provide learners with depth and breadth of knowledge and a skill base that will enable them to assume roles in EMS or other health care professions.

Upon completion of the diploma graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork within the health care system
• Provide paramedic practice based on the concepts of evidence-based approaches to EMS
• Provide patient care at a Primary Care Paramedic level
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking
• Demonstrate leadership

• The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Certificate component consists of 8 courses comprising lectures, hands-on simulation practice and a practicum component. This component is typically completed in full-time studies over six months and is offered at four regional sites across BC.
• The Academic Foundation component comprises 4 liberal studies and 4 advanced health science courses, which are all offered online.
• The Diploma Completion component comprises 3 courses offered in an on-line and a blended-learning format with a focus on communications and conflict resolution in EMS, professional practice, and a Diploma Capstone project. The capstone project is focussed on a patient profile case and learner portfolio.

*30 of the PCP certificate program credits are transferable towards completion of the EMS Diploma.

Learners who have already completed the PCP Certificate component are only required to complete the Academic Foundation (liberal studies and health sciences courses) and Diploma completion components.

Learners will complete the Diploma in a cohort model.

Single courses in the Diploma Program are available for individual enrollment on a space available basis.

• View the schedule of course offerings

Transfer Credits

Applicants may apply to receive transfer credit towards the EMS Diploma requirements through assessment of their previous post-secondary transcripts and supporting course outlines for courses which they believe may be equivalent to courses within the diploma.

There is a residency requirement for the program.  A student may receive transfer credit from courses taken at another post-secondary institution for up to 50% (ie: 30 credits) of the total program credits.

Applicants who have successfully completed the JIBC’s PCP Program will receive 30 credits towards the completion of the EMS Diploma requirements.

Applicants who are from another CMA accredited PCP program may receive block transfer credits towards the Diploma (total credits to be assessed on a case-by case basis).

Persons requesting transfer credit for individual courses must complete the Recognition of Prior Request form portion of the program application form and enclose applicable fee. Check with program area if unsure whether courses have been previously articulated.

• Full 2-year program: approx. $9,444 (+ fees & taxes)
  • PCP Program:  $4,106.45
  • Health Sciences/Liberal Studies:  Pricing per course varies from $296 to $594 each
• If PCP level achieved:  approx. $5337 (+ fees and taxes)
• A $75 non-refundable application fee will need to accompany the application package submission

Prices are current as of April 1, 2013. Prices are subject to change without notice and subject to applicable fees and taxes.

A full list of resources will be provided upon enrollment for each course.

Minimum Academic Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 graduation with specific courses and minimum grades as follows:
  • Biology 11 (or equivalent) with minimum grade of ‘C+’
  • Math 11 (or equivalent) with minimum grade of ‘C’
  • English 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of ‘C’

OR

• Mature Students
  Mature students will be accepted into the program based on the JIBC’s Mature Student Admissions guidelines and procedures.  Mature students are defined as those who:
  • Do not have BC Grade 12 or any of the equivalencies outlined in the JIBC Grade 12 equivalency procedures, and
  • Are at least 25 years of age, and meet all other requirements.

The Academic Admission requirements to be met by Mature Students are: 

Other Entrance Requirements

• Minimum age 17 years
• Current EMR Certification (PCP, ACP, and ITT Practitioners must provide proof of completion of the higher level of certification in order to be exempt from this requirement)

Note: Applicants for the EMS Diploma, who have not already completed the PCP certificate must also meet the specific entrance requirements for the PCP certificate program, and submit a separate application for that program).

Selection Process

In addition to meeting the minimum academic requirements and other entrance requirements, applicants to the Diploma program will also be assessed through a preferential admissions process comprised of evaluation of their academic background (including previous completion of some program courses), work experience and volunteer experience.

Persons short-listed from the preferential admissions process will be asked to attend a panel interview.

The final selection of learners to enter the Diploma program will be selected based on the ranking in the overall selection process.

1. Download a Diploma in Health Sciences (EMS) Information and Application Package. Download the current Price List and Course Descriptions.
2. Complete all prerequisites and photocopy all required documentation.
3. Submit your application package with payment using one of the following methods.
   
   In Person:
   Drop your completed application package off at the Justice Institute of British Columbia located in New Westminster.
   
   Justice Institute of British Columbia
   Registration Office
   715 McBride Boulevard
   New Westminster, BC, V3L 5T4
   
   Phone
   604.528.5590 or toll-free 1.877.528.5591
   
   Email
   registration@jibc.ca
   
   By Mail
   Please send application package to the above address.
   
   By Fax
   604.528.5653
   If you fax your application you must mail original transcripts to our office to support your application.