George Wallace simply wants to help people. He wants to help people close to his West Kelowna hometown.
To get the training he needs, Wallace can commute from his home to the North Okanagan.
Wallace is one of 15 students in the primary care paramedic program at the Vernon campus of Okanagan College. He's able to study to become a paramedic thanks to a five-year lease deal reached between the college and the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) that expands access to JIBC's Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) training in the Interior region.
This collaborative agreement not only provides a home for JIBC’s health training programs but also gives students access to on-campus housing and other supports, making it easier for them to pursue training in the region.
"Having this program in the Okanagan allows me to train in the community I want to work in in the future," said Wallace. "To work alongside friends, family, and neighbours. I feel connected to the people I will eventually serve.
"Studying local keeps the cost of schooling down, and makes it more accessible. It's not a career path, but a calling I'm proud to be pursuing.
JIBC students – including Wallace, as a patient – led a simulation as part of a welcome event at the Vernon campus Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Under the five-year agreement, JIBC expects to train approximately 600 students.
"Today marks an important milestone for the communities we serve in the Interior, expanding access to high-quality paramedic training in this region," said Sarah Wareing, JIBC interim vice-president of academics. "Joining the Okanagan College campus gives us the ability to deliver immersive hands-on training in a location that supports both learning and living.
"This collaboration provides upgraded facilities, but also on-campus housing and supports helping to make training more accessible for students."
The JIBC students join other health care students on the Vernon campus as OC offers a range of health programs in Vernon and online, designed to help support shortages across the sector.
"Out in the field we know paramedics work directly in all areas of the health system," said Jen Goodwin, OC's vice-president of enrolment. "Having all of you here today is a great way to emphasize it’s a team sport. OC partnered intentionally with JIBC to support our region's growing need for skilled health and emergency response professionals.
"By offering these programs here, we’re removing barriers from students from all parts of the B.C. Interior to choose a career pathway that is relevant and incredibly impactful."
The students in the paramedic program are in school for 12 months. Eight of those are in OC's classrooms, while the final four months will be spent in practicums, preparing for post-secondary success.
"These students will help to shape an identity for this program here in Vernon," said JIBC regional training instructor T. Jay Mulyk. "I'm excited to see how they will rise to the challenge. How they will collaborate under pressure, and grow into the role of future paramedics.
"Their success will set the tone for every group that follows."
The JIBC's primary care paramedic program is the only accredited program in B.C. recognized by the Emergency Medical Assistance licensing board.
Starting in January, the program will expand to a pair of cohorts (classes) with 24 students.
JIBC is unique among B.C. post-secondary institutions, offering specialized education and training in justice and public safety. With a commitment to serving professionals at every stage of their careers, JIBC trains more than 40,000 learners annually through in-person, online, hybrid, and customized contract training.
At OC’s Vernon campus, JIBC offers the Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and the Certificate in Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) programs. The five-week, in-person EMR program is a pre-requisite to the 12-month PCP program, which is offered in a blend of online, in-person, and practice education components. Both programs incorporate scenario-based, simulation training exercises to prepare students to be job-ready.
Okanagan College offers a range of health programs at the Vernon campus, including Practical Nursing Diploma, Early Childhood Education, Health Care Assistant Certificate, and Human Service Work Diploma. Shorter duration health-related options include Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate, Medical Office Assistant Certificate, Perianesthesia Nursing Certificate, First Aid training, FoodSafe, and Trauma-Informed Practice courses.
