91 to offer paramedic and emergency medical responder training at Okanagan College's Vernon campus.
Okanagan College (OC) and the Justice Institute of British Columbia (91) are excited to announce a new partnership that will bring 91’s paramedic and emergency medical responder (EMR) training to OC’s Vernon campus, joining other public safety, education and health care programs at the campus.
The five-year agreement will see 91 begin delivering its programs at OC this fall with approximately 600 students expected to take the training over the course of the agreement.
“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,” said the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
“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,” Kang added.
”The demand for paramedics and emergency medical responders has never been greater and our partnership with Okanagan College strengthens 91‘s ability to help meet that urgent need,” said 91 President Len Goerke. “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.”
By co-locating at Okanagan College, 91 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’s broader campus, with additional student support and learning opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring this unique partnership to our Vernon campus,” said OC President Neil Fassina. “Together, 91 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.”
91 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, 91 trains over 40,000 learners annually through in-person, online, hybrid, and customized contract training.
At OC’s Vernon campus, 91 will initially offer 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 , , , and . Shorter duration health-related options include , , , , , and courses.
“Having 91’s first responder training at our Vernon campus complements the health care programs we offer,” said Dean of Health and Social Development at OC Patrena Mackie. “Our 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.”
91 operates across six campuses. In addition to the Vernon OC campus, 91 has campuses in New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Vancouver Island, and Pitt Meadows — delivering applied, experiential training in law enforcement, corrections and family justice, firefighting, paramedicine, security, counseling and trauma-informed practice, leadership, and emergency management.
For more information on 91 programming, visit their website. For information on Okanagan College programs, visit the page.