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Paramedics are in high demand, not only in the Humboldt region, but across the province. That’s why the provincial government has invested an additional half million dollars to support training for those seeking to enter the career.
A release from the province states that funds are targeted toward training bursaries for new students and graduates of paramedic training programs entering Emergency Medical Services. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is in charge of administering the bursaries.
“This program experienced a high success rate last year with 90 bursaries awarded to deserving recipients that will strengthen our province’s current and future paramedic workforce,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “Our government is pleased to again offer supports that will assist Saskatchewan residents wanting to study and work in the EMS field, especially in rural communities.”
The release goes on to state that one-time funding of $530,000 will provide approximately 58 bursaries to support paramedic training for EMS providers within the province. Bursaries will range from $5,000 for urban communities to $10,000 in rural and northern communities.
"We are excited about the Government of Saskatchewan's continued commitment to supporting paramedic training in Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan Health Authority Provincial Clinical and Support Services Vice President Bryan Witt said. "Last year's bursary program was a great success and allowed qualified applicants to receive essential financial aid for their education. The additional funding for the 2024-25 academic year will further strengthen the future of paramedicine in our province. A well-trained workforce is vital to meeting the growing health care needs of our communities."
To qualify for bursaries, candidates need to meet the following criteria:
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Be accepted into or a new graduate of a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) program;
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Pass a pre-employment screening process through the Saskatchewan Health Authority or a contracted EMS provider;
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Sign a return for service agreement for a minimum of two years employment with ground EMS in Saskatchewan, operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority or a contracted EMS provider; and
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Advanced Care Paramedic candidates will need to sign the agreement with services currently designated as, or prioritized for, future Advanced Life Support designation.
Paramedic training is offered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Carlton Trail College, and other regional colleges in the province.