An estimated 600 new paramedics and emergency medical responders (EMR) will be coming out of Vernon over the next five years.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is bringing its training to Okanagan College's (OC) Vernon campus.
Starting this fall, JIBC will initially offer the and the 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.
鈥漈he demand for paramedics and emergency medical responders has never been greater and our partnership with Okanagan College strengthens JIBC鈥榮 ability to help meet that urgent need,鈥� said JIBC president Len Goerke. 鈥淏y 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.鈥�
Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Anne Kang says the training will meet the needs of communities, the workforce, and the economy.
鈥淭his 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,鈥� Kang added.
By co-locating at OC, JIBC students will also have access to new on the Vernon campus, making EMR and paramedic training more accessible, particularly for learners from rural and remote communities. They will also benefit from being part of OC鈥檚 broader campus, with additional student support and learning opportunities.
鈥淭ogether, 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," said OC president Neil Fassina.
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 over 40,000 learners annually through in-person, online, hybrid, and customized contract training.
Okanagan College offers a range of health programs at the Vernon campus, including , , , and . Shorter duration health-related options include , , , , , and courses.
鈥淗aving JIBC鈥檚 first responder training at our Vernon campus complements the health care programs we offer,鈥� said Dean of Health and Social Development at OC Patrena Mackie. 鈥淥ur programs prepare learners to be ready to launch into a great career, often working with Interior Health and supporting people and the communities where we all live, some of which are facing a shortage of skilled workers in key health care sectors.鈥�
JIBC operates across six campuses. In addition to the Vernon OC campus, JIBC has campuses in New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Vancouver Island, and Pitt Meadows 鈥� delivering applied, experiential training in law enforcement, corrections and family justice, firefighting, paramedicine, security, counselling and trauma-informed practice, leadership, and emergency management.
For more information on JIBC programming, visit their . For information on Okanagan College programs, visit the page.
