A private paramedic training institution founded in 1999, delivering programs across British Columbia from Langley and Victoria.
Columbia Paramedic Academy was originally founded in 1999 and delivers paramedic training throughout British Columbia. It is a private institution and a Designated Private Training Institution (ID# 03876) with the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unity (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. Its paramedic programs are regulated by the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) of the Ministry of Health. The academy describes its approach as putting students first in all it does.
The academy has permanent home bases in Victoria and Langley, plus typically up to five temporary locations throughout the province where courses take place. Its address is Unit 10, 8948 202nd Street, Langley, B.C. V1M 4A7.
The Primary Care Paramedic program includes 1254 hours of learning over 50 weeks, with an average of 25 hours of instructional time per week, and uses a full-time, blended delivery model. It requires 95% attendance for in-class and live online components and leads to a Primary Care Paramedic Certificate. The Advanced Care Paramedic program is delivered over 22 calendar months with 90 weeks of instruction in 3 terms, and leads to an Advanced Care Paramedic diploma. The academy delivers EMALB and PTIB approved programs. In late 2024 the Primary Care Paramedic program was significantly updated following the academy's move to a 1-year program.
Admission routes include standard admission requirements and mature student admission for the Primary Care Paramedic program. The Advanced Care Paramedic program offers multiple pathways to entry, including Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Program applications are accepted on a first come, first served continuous basis.
Columbia Paramedic Academy is BC's first and only designated private training institution offering paramedic training, which allows students to access government grants and loans. The Primary Care and Advanced Care Paramedic programs hold an admitted status with Accreditation Canada EQual. The Advanced Care Paramedic program was reviewed and approved by the registrar of PTIRU.