Portage College

Emergency Medical Responder

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Program Information

School:Portage College
Faculty:Health and Wellness
Degree:Certificate; Online
Field of Study:Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
Description:Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are integral members of Emergency Medical Services and provide entry level medical and trauma care in health services and industrial settings. They may be the first to arrive on scene, they may be the only provider in remote areas, or they may work collaboratively in a team with other EMS/health care providers, first responders (i.e. Fire, Police) or community support agencies.

The EMR scope of practice includes, but is not limited to the following: professional responsibilities, communication, health and safety, assessment and diagnostics, therapeutics, integration, transportation, health promotion and public safety.

The Portage College EMR full-time program is provided using a blended delivery model. This program combines online theory courses, onsite labs at the Lac La Biche campus and a clinical placement. This format allows students who are unable to relocate from their home community for the duration of their education program, the opportunity to pursue an Emergency Medical Responder certificate. By using the multi-modal approach to instruction, students can do the majority of theory instruction from home. For each 3-credit course, students can expect to spend an average of 6-10 hours studying per week.
URL:Emergency Medical Responder at Portage College
Length:20 Week(s)
Careers:Emergency Medical Technicians (Paramedics)

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
  •  Grade12 Biology 
  •  Grade12 English 
  •  Grade11 Mathematics 

Minimum academic requirement or equivalent:



  • 60% in English 30 (30-1), or 70% in English 33 (30-2)
  • 50% in one of Math 20-1 or Pure Math 20, or a minimum 60% in Applied Math 20-2
  • 60% in Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30 strongly recommended
Test Scores:
  • International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 6.5] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 21]
Application Notes : Note: Testing must have been completed within two years prior to application to the program.
Additional Admission Requirements:

    • High School transcripts or equivalent; or CAAT-D testing with a 6 Stanine in Math & English and achieve a minimum of 60% on the Biology 30 challenge exam
    • Standard First Aid Certificate (issued within one year of program start date)
    • CPR certificate for Health Care Provider or Level C (issued within six months of program start date)
    • Class 5 Alberta driver's license (GDL is acceptable) and a signed waiver stating understanding of employment requirements for a Class 4 license for some employers
    • Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search (issued within 3 months of program start date)
    • Signed Police Information Check waiver form
    • Signed Immunization form
    • Signed Immunization and Placement Disclosure waiver form
    • Signed Health Status form

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on November 04, 2020