Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) at Justice Institute of British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-08-18

Program overview

The Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) program is designed for individuals who thrive under pressure and aspire to respond to medical emergencies. This program provides a solid foundation for practicing as a paramedic in various paramedical environments. It prepares students to gain the skills and confidence necessary to handle medical and trauma emergencies effectively. Graduates of this program will be equipped to make a significant difference in the lives of others, ensuring they are ready to take on the challenges of frontline emergency medical care.

Program structure

The Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) program is a full-time program with a duration of 12 months. It is delivered in a blended format, combining in-person classroom sessions with live online (synchronous) sessions. Students are required to be fully available from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for both classroom and online attendance. The program is offered at multiple campuses, including New Westminster, Vancouver Island (Langford), Chilliwack, and Okanagan (Vernon), providing accessible education close to home.

Key features of the program structure include:

Full-time commitment over 12 months
Blended learning format with both in-person and online components
Hands-on training across various communities
Unique program guidelines to support student success

Students will also benefit from the program's strong emphasis on real-world application, combining classroom learning, online study, skills labs, and supervised clinical and field experiences.

Featured Experiences

The Primary Care Paramedicine program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning process:

Hands-on training in real-world paramedic environments
High-fidelity simulations to practice critical skills
Supervised clinical and field experiences to apply knowledge in practical settings
Access to experienced faculty, including practicing paramedics and health science educators
Opportunities for practice education shifts in diverse communities

These experiences are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the expanding field of paramedicine, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the demands of the profession.

Career Options

Graduates of the Primary Care Paramedicine program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Paramedic: Provide emergency medical care and transport patients to healthcare facilities.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Assist paramedics in providing pre-hospital care and support during emergencies.
Health Care Professional: Work in various healthcare settings, providing support and care to patients.
Community Paramedic: Deliver healthcare services in community settings, focusing on preventive care and health education.
Emergency Services Coordinator: Oversee emergency response operations and coordinate with various agencies during incidents.

These roles highlight the diverse career paths available to graduates, reflecting the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the field of paramedicine.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Justice Institute of British Columbia official website

Last updated on 2026-08-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) program has specific academic requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for admission. Here are the key requirements:

Proof of high school graduation or meeting the JIBC definition of a mature student.
A minimum grade of C in English 12 or equivalent (official transcript required).
One of the following Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) requirements:
- Valid EMR License
- JIBC EMR certificate (within 3 years)
- EMR certificate (within 3 years) from another training provider. A detailed course outline may be requested to assess equivalency.

For international students, it is essential to ensure that all documents are submitted in accordance with the program's requirements. Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Beneficial supporting documents that can enhance your application include:

Transcript showing a Grade 12 science course (biology, anatomy & physiology, chemistry, or physics) with a minimum grade of C.
Letter from an organization verifying volunteer experience (referencing a minimum of three months of unpaid service).

It is important to note that admission to the Primary Care Paramedic program is contingent on the availability of seats, completion of all admission criteria, submission of supporting documentation, and applicant ranking as determined by a selection process. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To be eligible for the Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) program, international students must demonstrate proficiency in English. The following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill band
TOEFL (iBT): 80 overall, with a minimum of 20 in each skill band
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A): 58 overall, with minimum scores of 48 in Listening, 53 in Reading, 46 in Speaking, and 62 in Writing
Duolingo English Test: Minimum overall score of 120; official test scores must be sent directly to JIBC
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL): 60 overall, with a minimum of 50 in each skill band
Cambridge English Exams: Complete C1 Advanced with a score of C
Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB): Minimum 7 in each skill band
ITEP Academic: Minimum score of 3.9
LanguageCert Academic: 73 overall, with a minimum of 65 in each skill band

Note: English proficiency tests must have been completed within 24 months of the program start date.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!