PCP in Vancouver Area

[rtmackie]

hey guys im looking at getting on the fire dept but alos looking to get my certification as a pcp in langely or vancouver area. i know that you have to have your primary care paramedic certification to work on an ambulance. but now my question is where are there academys to be trained as a pcp in the vancouver region.

[FireChef]

I know of one and that is The Justice Institue of BC, in New Westminster, there might be others around

[rtmackie]

thanks. im from manitoba. and dont know much about vancouver right now. approx how far is westminster from langely?

[nolcor]

ive tried to get in to the pcp program with jibc and in the vancouver program theres no openings untill 2009!

there is openings in september however in kelowna i beleive

[rtmackie]

wow 2009 eh. graduation will pretty much be just intime for the olympics. is there much hiring for pcp's in vancouver?

[northernmedic]

You could try the Chilliwack campus. I have heard good things about the courses run there and the commute isn't too bad from Langley.

[911Caddy]

rtmackie,
Check the last EMR posting info reguarding how the BCAS hires. You will have to start out in a smaller community and then build your seniority to work in say the lower mainland. Which makes up all the communities in and around Vancouver proper.
Oh, got a call..

[911Caddy]

OK, Here's a little more. There are other companies offering the PCP course. The JI seems to be the most expensive from what I've seen of the newer companies on the Island.
In the mainland I'm not sure who.. But, here on Vancouver Island you can check Malaspina University Collage for courses. I would imagine that would be your best bet for the lower mainland.. Check Collages and google for as much info as you can find.
You could also take your EMR and get started with BCAS a little quicker than waiting for a PCP course.. You will also have to wait a considerable amount of time to get an Exam date with "licensing" after your course. For both the EMR AND PCP.
It's along drawn out process...
Oh, don't forget. You'll also need your class 4 drivers license to drive the "Bus".
Clean driving record...And no criminal record...Etc..

[rtmackie]

another question... if applying for the paramedic program it says pre req. or emr training. is the ofa level 3. an alternative for a pre req. or no?
ALSo. if completing the emr training. which bcas could i work for? any or only certain ones?

[Rescue71]

Old school BCAS hired staff and then trained them to required levels to work on the cars. Now, you can pay $$$$ get your PCP and then have to wait to get hired by BCAS. You will not start out in any city in Vancouver proper or GVRD. You will do your time like anyone else and start most likely at a remote station which could be up north or on one of the small islands off the west coast. I'm 4 1/2 yrs in now and still waiting for my # to come up for a f/T irreg position. Luckily I was able to get a transfer from my remote station to something more rural but your time needs to be put in first. Can be frustrating.....oh and don't foregt about the Kilo $2 pager pay or Fox $10 pager pay....

[Paraone]

I know Malaspina College was looking at starting the PCP program, but it did not go through for 2008. It might be a go for 2009. You can take your PCP through the JI and it is a four month full time program or you can take the part time program, which I am half way through and it is about a year long which includes your clinical days and your on car practicums. I was hired by the BCAS with my EMR certificate. I have not got my License, but I was still hired as a driver only under the condition I get my EMR or PCP license. I know the College in Campbell River was offering the PCP course as well. If you are looking to work in Vancouver, like some of the other people of said. You will need to start in a remote station, like Boston Bar, or some of the other remote stations on Vancouver Island.

[prmdc_girl91]

"I know the College in Campbell River was offering the PCP course as well."
^Haha, I couldn't get it to quote that for the life of me, so I gave up. That's what I'm making reference to, though.

Was this the North Island College? I'm a little confused because JIBC says applicants have to be 17, but the North Island College says 19!? ( http://www.nic.bc.ca/news/media_releases/2007/mr07-049.htm )