JIBC Victoria -PCP Program

[NoJo]

I am currently looking into getting my EMR, and then taking the PCP Program through the JIBC at the Victoria Campus.

I'm trying to dig up some info on the program...sucess, failures, etc. The most information I could get was from a few years ago.

So, from those of you who have taken the program, which is a better program: Part-time or Full-time? How long did it take to get into the clinical and on car preceptorship? Also, if you are working as an EMR for BCAS, can you use that time as part of the preceptor?

What is actually done during the clinical and ambulance components? How many hours are you putting in, in each?

At this point, I am definately going to get my EMR, but I am still in the "research" stage for the PCP Program in January 2010.

Thanks, and I look forward to the replies.

-Cam

[rcp23]

Hey Cam,
I'm just finishing up the PCP program at the JI right now. If you can afford to take the time off all at once do the full time. Being emerced in the full time class is WAY easier than the part time I would think. The instructors say the same. You can't use EMR shifts as preceptor shifts though. The reasoning is when your doing your precepting your working under a PCP medical license not an EMR. During your clinical and precepting shifts you are working as a PCP gaining experience while being supervised by a licensed PCP, they are VERY helpful and I would say the highlight of the course for me. You put in 12, 12 hour shifts.

If you need anything else let me know

Cheers

[FireChef]

I start my EMR April 14 at the Parksville Campus, as it is the closest. The only crappy thing is that the next PCP is in June, but its not the F/T one, the next F/T one is in February. I would perfer to take the F/T one as I dont really want to do it over 9 months. There was a F/T that was supposed to be starting for August, but is has been pulled, which sucks. I will figure something out.

[NoJo]

Thanks for the info. I would definately "like" to do the full-time program.

Heading into the PCP Program, how much of a benefit is it to be a part-time EMR before starting? Does that help you in class very much, or just while on ambulance?

-Cam

[rcp23]

in my class there is one person who is a working EMR, and the good thing for her is that she has way more seniority than us...as in 8 months more. Other than that it's all been the same

[northernmedic]

I would say there isn't much value in being an EMR in terms of learning but there is value in getting the paperwork started to get hired. As an EMR you are a last resort in remote stations. You can't lateral until you are a PCP and you generally fill shifts after all the PCP's. I would get into your PCP course ASAP because that is the priority for pay and career advancement.

That being said, once you are a licensed EMR, get your hiring papers in since you can start the process. You can go through the written exam, interviews, fitness and get that all looked after. Following this it can take a while for your reference checks and background checks to be processed. If you get all this done prior to or during your PCP course then you are good to go as soon as you get your PCP license in the mail.

My 2 cents anyways after 16 years in the BCAS.

Never worked on the island though so I can't answer too many specific questions about Victoria per se.

In addition I would say get out to your local stations, get to know the unit chiefs and maybe do some ridealongs. Also take any and all other courses to help you out. I have some specific suggestions if you are interested.

[FireChef]

I would say there isn't much value in being an EMR in terms of learning but there is value in getting the paperwork started to get hired. As an EMR you are a last resort in remote stations. You can't lateral until you are a PCP and you generally fill shifts after all the PCP's. I would get into your PCP course ASAP because that is the priority for pay and career advancement.

That being said, once you are a licensed EMR, get your hiring papers in since you can start the process. You can go through the written exam, interviews, fitness and get that all looked after. Following this it can take a while for your reference checks and background checks to be processed. If you get all this done prior to or during your PCP course then you are good to go as soon as you get your PCP license in the mail.

My 2 cents anyways after 16 years in the BCAS.

Never worked on the island though so I can't answer too many specific questions about Victoria per se.

In addition I would say get out to your local stations, get to know the unit chiefs and maybe do some ridealongs. Also take any and all other courses to help you out. I have some specific suggestions if you are interested.

That is why I have sent my application to Victoria already. I was told by a Unit Chief and a Supervisor to apply as soon as I got confirmation about being in the EMR course. Northern Medic I would be interested in some courses that would be a benefit to me in my future career to better myself as a EMR/PCP. You can PM me.


Thanks

Mike