JIBC students training

Is this program right for you?

Learn the fundamentals of emergency medicine. This program can help you start your healthcare career.

Secure a Job 

EMR graduates may gain employment with BC Ambulance Services, private ambulance services, fire departments, law enforcement, ski patrol and rescue, or remote industrial workplaces. 

Step Towards Further Studies  

Many EMR graduates use their training as a foundation for further studies in paramedicine. They often continue in Primary Care Paramedic and Advanced Care Paramedic training. They may also earn a diploma or degree in Health Sciences or healthcare, such as nursing and medicine.

Program Strengths

Skilled paramedic field practitioners teach best practices in trauma life support and treatment guidelines. Students will learn core competencies defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC).

Learn more about becoming a paramedic in BC.

Full attendance in class is mandatory and successful completion of exams.

Program Format 

We have updated our EMR course to include the recent changes in the EMR scope of practice. This has led to the introduction of the Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder. This program is composed of two courses: Emergency Medical Responder (PARA-1050) and the new EMR Scope of Practice course (PARA-1055).

The EMR course is 15 days long, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The EMR Scope of Practice course is five days long, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You must complete both courses to earn an Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder.

Note:  Existing certified or licensed EMRs who wish to upgrade their license to the new scope changes can take PARA-1055 on its own. Proof of licensure or certification must be submitted, please visit "how to apply" for instructions.

The classroom is busy. You can expect to study each night to review the material learned and to prepare for the next day.  Wear comfortable clothing and consider wearing a watch for timekeeping. Bring textbooks, notepads, pens, a watch, food, and water.

This program is delivered in person at JIBC's Chilliwack, Kelowna, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, and Victoria campuses.  It is also available at other locations throughout BC, including other post-secondary institutions, colleges, and private facilities.

Prerequisites

It is recommended that students have a minimum grade 10 English level.

Date and time

Monday to Friday for full-time, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Student Dress Code

Learn more about the EMR Student Dress Code.

Exams

Students are assessed and coached throughout the course. Formal evaluations are as follows:

EMR

  • One midterm: 50 multiple-choice questions 
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) written exam: 20 multiple-choice questions
  • Six skills assessments
  • Final comprehensive written exam: 100 multiple-choice questions
  • Final practical examinations (one medical scenario/one trauma scenario)

EMR Scope Update Ministerial Order M292

  • Final comprehensive written exam: 50 multiple-choice questions
  • Five practical Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE).

Students must pass with a minimum of 75% for each of the written and practical exams.

Upon successful completion of the EMR course, students will receive the following:

  • JIBC EMR certificate (valid for three years
  • Canadian Red Cross BLS digital card (valid for one year).

Remedial

Students are given an opportunity to do one (1) retest for their final written, medical scenario, and/or trauma scenario should they be unsuccessful in their final exams. Failure to complete this requirement within 60 days after the course end date will result in a ‘FAIL’ grade.

Tuition & Fees

EMR (PARA-1050)

Tuition $1820.84
Learner Services Fee $38.40

EMR Scope Update Ministerial Order M292 (PARA-1055)

Tuition $754.80
Learner Services Fee $3.20

REFUNDS

Continuing Studies Courses (Refund Policy-3210–003)

If a student withdraws seven calendar days before the beginning of the course they receive a 100% refund;

Withdrawal with less than seven calendar days from the start of the course is not eligible for tuition refund;

Some courses may have non-refundable tuition, application, and/or material fees (this will be identified at the time of registration).

To receive a refund please contact Registration.

Textbooks & Supplies

Required Textbooks

Pre-Read: Please review chapters 1-4, 6, 10, 14, 18, 29, & 33 in the Emergency Medical Responder: A Skills Approach (5th Edition) before day 1 of class.  Once enrolled students will be emailed additional pre-reading material.

Note: Only the New Westminster Campus has books available for sale.

To purchase your textbooks please contact the JIBC Store.

1. Go to EducationPlannerBC

2. Sign up for an account by creating your Username and Password

3. Complete your profile (3 sections):

  • Personal information
  • Contact information
  • Academic history

4. Start applying. Select your institution: Justice Institute of British Columbia. Create application.

5. Select the applicant category as Domestic.

6. Select the program you wish to apply for, campus, and term. Select “Save”.

7. Review and submit the application.

8. Confirm your email address.

10. Check boxes for declaration of information and applicant.

11. Submit application.

EMR Scope Update Ministerial Order M292 only (not part Associate Certificate in EMR)

  • If you hold a current EMR certification or valid EMR license you can register for PARA-1055, “EMR Scope Update”; you must first apply for a requisite waiver form  for the pre-requisite: 
  • Also, you’ll need to email a copy of your certificate to: requisitewaiver@jibc.ca  Once your requisite waiver is approved, you’ll receive an email confirming. Then you can register for the  course (PARA-1055).
  • To register for the course, please call registration (you won’t be able to register in your student account).

Q: Is my nursing degree equivalent to the EMR level? 

A: No. Currently, the BC Ministry of Health's Emergency Medical Assistant's Licensing Board (EMALB), who govern the Emergency Medical Assistant's Regulations, do not allow transferring between nursing and pre-hospital medicine without first completing paramedic education.

Q: Do I need to complete a criminal record check to apply for the EMR course?

A: Currently there are no requirements for a criminal record check to apply for a seat in the EMR course. However, you will likely need to complete a criminal record check for potential employers. 

Questions about Emergency Medical Responder Program?

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