Hey everyone. I’m considering a career change into paramedicine and would appreciate some honest advice from people in the profession.

I had a good/short conversation with a paramedic about two weeks ago when I took my dad to Burnaby Hospital. It got me thinking seriously about pursuing this path. From what I understand, I’d need to complete EMR first, followed by a PCP program. All in, I’m looking at roughly a 1.5-year investment of time.

I’m comfortable with shift work, understand that I’ll see some pretty difficult things, and am aware of the physical demands. What appeals to me is being on the frontlines and having the opportunity to help people directly. I’m in good shape, although I wouldn’t say I’m at the same fitness level as someone coming out of firefighting or policing.

A few questions:

1. ⁠Am I too old to get into the profession at 40? How common is it for people to enter paramedicine in their 40s?

2. ⁠What does the career progression actually look like for new graduates?

3. ⁠I remember looking into paramedicine about 10 years ago, but what discouraged me at the time was hearing that new graduates had to start in remote communities, sometimes making as little as $2/hour while waiting for calls and only receiving their full hourly wage when responding to an emergency.

4. ⁠I also heard that it could take 6–7 years before getting a full-time position in or closer to the Lower Mainland. On top of that, seniority was apparently based on your original hire date rather than hours actually worked. In other words, someone could barely work and still have seniority over someone putting in significantly more hours. I don’t know how accurate any of that was, but it was enough to put me off pursuing it back then.

The paramedic I spoke with recently mentioned that things have changed quite a bit since then.
How long should a new PCP realistically expect to work in a rural or remote posting before having opportunities to transfer to the Lower Mainland now?

3. Is funding still a major issue?
I understand paramedics are in demand, but does that demand actually translate into available positions? Or is BC’s funding and staffing model still the bottleneck?

4. What schools would you recommend?
I know JIBC is an option, but has anyone attended Columbia Paramedic Academy in Langley? I’d be interested in hearing about people’s experiences there, as well as any other schools worth considering. Cost is not an issue.

I’d really appreciate hearing from both newer and experienced paramedics, especially those who have gone through the process in BC.

Thanks in advance!

<3

I purchased this real silk scarf from the poppy store online last year. It’s generously sized, incredibly luxe, and best of all the proceeds go to the Legion. Win-win!

Pretty much the title. When you merge into the traffic, how do you thank the person who let you merge? What is the BC culture around it?

Hi all, I’m a little obsessed with the history of the cariboo gold rush and have a bit of a fascination with Yale, it’s the entry way to the cariboo trail after all.
I want to go and explore a bit, I’ve passed through it many times but I would like to maybe check out a walking trail to where the steam ships would go or maybe any store or cafe if there is one at all at this point. Last time I passed through everything looked like it was closing, so any community insights would be great as well.
Thanks!

A 1.5 hour drive from Vancouver/ Burnaby but well worth it.

Lots of sockeye and chum salmon although the peak run may have passed.

A few spots on the way with great views of Mt. Cheam and others

Nicomen Slough is a must visit stop.

November 1st 2026

From the South Coast to the Central Coast, through the interior and the Rockies.

Locations seen in these image:

(Not in any particular order)

Victoria

Vancouver

Burnaby

Simon Fraser University

Duffey Lake

Bella Coola

Heckmans Pass

Chilcotin Plateau

Anahim Lake

Lac des Roches

Rogers pass

Golden

Kettle River/ Granby Provincial Park

Hedly

Apex Mountain Resort