How Do I Become a Paramedic?

You must be licensed by the Emergency Medical Assistants (EMA) Licensing Board to work as an EMA in BC.

There are currently six levels of Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) licences in British Columbia:

• first responder (typically work as fire fighters/fire rescue)
• emergency medical responder (EMR)
• primary care paramedic
• advanced care paramedic
• critical care paramedic
• infant transport team

Each licence level increases the services EMAs may provide. (The exception to this is the infant transport team that builds on primary care paramedic services but not advanced care or critical care paramedic services.)

Getting an Emergency Medical Assistant licence in British Columbia is a three-step process:

1. Complete your training program that has been recognized by the board.
2. Pass the examinations for your licence level that have been approved by the board.
3. Apply for your licence.

• Emergency medical responder (EMR) requires a 105-hour entry-level training program in emergency patient care and transportation
• Primary care paramedic (PCP) requires a six-month (including practicum) certificate program
• Advanced care paramedics (ACP) must complete an 18-month diploma program
• Critical care paramedic (CCP) and infant transport team (ITT) are the highest levels of paramedic certification within B.C. The CCP program training in B.C. is currently only accessible to advanced care paramedics. The requirement for infant transport team training is PCP certification plus clinical experience.

Additional Requirements for all EMAs:

• must have a Class 1, 2 or 4 B.C. driver's license; a Class 4 unrestricted license is preferred
• should have a driving record that demonstrates safe and competent driving behavior
• must pass a physical abilities test and a comprehensive criminal records review

Sources: WorkBC, Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board

Further information about licensing and training requirements:

For information on working as an Occupational First Aid (OFA) attendant see: