How to Become a Paramedic in Victoria

Train to be a paramedic in Victoria.

Becoming a paramedic in Victoria requires several steps outlined by the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services and the Paramedic Association of Canada. Paramedics provide first-response care for patients involved in accidents, cardiac arrest or other emergencies. As of 2010, British Columbia is the only province that requires paramedics to hold licenses. Training to work as a paramedic in Victoria includes completion of a certified program, passage of a national examination and registration with the regulatory board.

Instructions

1. Complete an accredited paramedic training program in British Columbia. Locate a list of approved programs through the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services. Courses focus on skills necessary for pre-hospital care as well as training in anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. Training can be completed in a six-month timeframe.

2. Apply for your license through the British Columbia Ministry of Health's Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing board (EMA). Submit transcripts of successful completion of an accredited training program and recent photo.

3. Pass the EMA exam for paramedics. You will be tested on critical skills needed for first-response care, anatomy and physiology as well as simulations of pre-hospital settings. Because of the simulation exams, you are required to wear appropriate clothing for an emergency environment as directed by the EMA or you will be given a change of clothing. You can apply to take the test through the EMA.

4. Apply for a paramedic position with the British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS). In Canada, paramedics are those who work with land or air ambulances. You will be required to provide information on your transcripts, license, examination scores and references.

Tips & Warnings

• Clothing required for taking the EMA exam include: close-toed shoes, long pants, non-revealing clothing, secured hair, non-hazardous accessories and no perfume.

• If you have received your Paramedic license outside of Victoria, you must submit documentation and transcripts to the EMA for assessment and approval.

• You must also be a citizen or legal resident in order to apply to become a paramedic in Victoria.

References

• Ministry of Health Services : Applying for Licensure in B.C.
• British Columbia Ambulance Service : Primary Care Paramedic