REGINA — The Government of Saskatchewan is now offering financial supports for individuals interested in pursuing a frontline paramedic career in Saskatchewan.
Training bursaries will be available to students and new graduates of paramedic programs who commit to joining Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Saskatchewan. The bursaries will be administered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
One-time funding of $530,000 will provide a total of 58 bursaries to support paramedic training for EMS providers within the province. Bursaries will range from $5,000 to $10,000.
"This shows real progress in acknowledging paramedics as vital and trusted health professionals," Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan (PSCS) President Steven Skoworodko said. "Government's support to recruit and retain additional paramedics for the province is appreciated."
Paramedic training programs in Saskatchewan are primarily offered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatchewan's regional colleges. Medavie HealthEd also provides an Advanced Care Paramedic program.
To qualify for bursaries, candidates need to meet the following criteria:
- Be accepted into, or a new graduate of, a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program.
- Pass pre-employment screening process through the Saskatchewan Health Authority or a contracted EMS provider.
- Sign a return for service agreement for a minimum of two years employment with ground EMS in Saskatchewan, operated by the SHA or a contracted EMS provider.
- ACP candidates will need to sign the agreement with services currently designated as, or prioritized for, future Advanced Life Support designation.
For more details visit https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/careers-volunteering/careers/career-profiles/emergency-medical-services/paramedic-training-bursaries
