Future paramedics throughout the province will benefit from additional student spaces in the primary care paramedic program at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC).

The B.C. government is providing up to $685,600 in one-time funding to support the expanded delivery of the program through the JIBC. The additional funding will allow up to 75 part-time students to complete the program in several communities over the coming year.

The program is already underway in Port McNeill, with 18 students beginning their classroom training earlier this month. Students will attend weekend workshops approximately once every three weeks until May 2012, when they are scheduled to begin their on-ambulance practicum. The Town of Port McNeill has contributed to the program by providing the classroom space at no cost.

In addition to the program in Port McNeill, student applications are now being accepted for the part-time program in Smithers, Dawson Creek and Kamloops. Plans are underway for a January 2012 start in Smithers and a spring 2012 start in Dawson Creek and Kamloops.

This one-time funding will increase the number of training seats in rural B.C. to support the B.C. Ambulance Service's paramedic recruitment and staffing needs.

One-time funding to improve access to health-education programs helps to meet immediate and projected employment needs in the health-care field throughout the province. B.C.'s post-secondary system is helping to provide faster, safer and better health care for individuals and families across British Columbia by ensuring students in the health-care professions have the skills and training they need to succeed in the future.

These courses are in addition to regular, full-time PCP program offerings at JIBC campuses in New Westminster, Victoria and Kelowna.

Quotes:

Jack McGee, president, Justice Institute of British Columbia -

"Regional delivery of our education programs is an institutional priority. The additional funding provided for this program will help to fulfil our commitment to ensuring that families, communities and businesses across the province are served by professionals and volunteers who receive the finest education and training possible and contribute to a continuum of safety - from prevention to response to recovery."

Quick Facts:

Since 2001...

• The Province has provided approximately $1.2 billion in health-related post-secondary funding to institutions throughout the province.
• The Province has invested more than $2.5 billion in student financial assistance, making post-secondary education more accessible for students.

Since 2003-04, the number of full- and part-time paramedics employed by the B.C. Ambulance Service has grown by 12 per cent - from 3,244 then to 3,639 in 2009-10.

In 2010-11, the BCAS fleet consisted of 478 ambulances and 53 support vehicles throughout the province. Since 2001-02, BCAS has added a net 43 ambulances and 24 support vehicles to the service.

Learn More:

• For information on course dates, learning objectives, how to apply, and other aspects of the full-time and part-time PCP program, go to:

www.jibc.ca/programs-courses/schools-departments/school-health-sciences/paramedic-academy/programs/primary-care-paramedic

• For information about student aid programs for post-secondary training, go to: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc

• For more information on the B.C. Ambulance Service, go to: www.bcas.ca

Media Contact:

Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400