Photo courtesy of OC Vernon and the Justice Institute of B.C.

By Liam Verster

EMR and Paramedic Education

Emergency medical responder education to be offered at Okanagan College in Vernon

Jul 3, 2025 | 11:27 AM

The Okanagan College’s Vernon campus will be offering new courses for people wishing to serve in emergency medical situations.

The Justice Institute of B.C. (JIBC) has partnered with the college to bring emergency medical responder (EMR) and paramedic training.

The five-year agreement will see JIBC deliver its programs at the college, building off the existing public safety, education and health care programs at the Vernon college.

“Okanagan College and the Justice Institute of British Columbia, like all public post-secondary institutions in the province, are the primary trainers of workers and the cornerstone of workforce development that meet the needs of our communities, the workforce, and the economy,” Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, said in a news release.

“This partnership is a strong example of how post-secondary institutions assess and respond to identified critical needs in our province. This training will prepare future workers for critical roles in our health and emergency response systems. By bringing expanded paramedic and EMR training to Vernon and the Interior, we are opening doors for future workers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to serve their communities and improve the services British Columbians depend on.”

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It is expected that approximately 600 students will take part in the new courses over the partnership period.

”The demand for paramedics and emergency medical responders has never been greater and our partnership with Okanagan College strengthens JIBC‘s ability to help meet that urgent need,” JIBC President, Len Goerke, stated.

“By expanding access to training and student housing in Vernon, we will help more students pursue careers in public safety, supporting our vision of safer communities and a more just society.”

The program at OC Vernon will see students in the new programs be able to earn the Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder and the Certificate in Primary Care Paramedicine. These courses both incorporate scenario-based, simulation training exercises on top of the class work to ensure students are job ready. The students in these programs could also use their first responder education to branch into other health care related courses offered at the local college.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring this unique partnership to our Vernon campus,” OC President, Neil Fassina, said.

“Together, JIBC and Okanagan College are making it possible for more people to get the education they need for rewarding careers in health care, at a time when we know our health system needs them. OC is excited about this new collaboration, and we look forward to welcoming students and instructors on campus in September.”

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