Manitoba Increases Paramedic Training Seats to Enhance Services

The Manitoba government has announced a significant expansion of paramedic training programs across the province, aiming to enhance emergency medical services and improve response times. Premier Wab Kinew revealed the initiative on September 27, 2023, alongside Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable.

Kinew stated, “Our government is rebuilding emergency medical services so Manitobans can get care faster.” He emphasized the importance of expanding training opportunities, particularly in northern Manitoba, to facilitate entry into the healthcare profession. The initiative is expected to result in more trained paramedics serving communities across the province, ultimately leading to quicker response times and improved care for families.

New Training Programs and Increased Capacity

A new direct-entry Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program commenced this fall at RRC Polytech, allowing students to enter the workforce more rapidly. The province will add an additional 14 seats under this program, raising total PCP enrolment at RRC Polytech to 40 seats. Asagwara noted that these efforts are designed to bolster staffing levels and mitigate delays in emergency care.

“Our government is opening doors for more Manitobans to pursue careers in emergency care,” Asagwara said. “This will help stabilize emergency medical services staffing, reduce wait times and ensure our paramedic workforce reflects the communities they serve.”

In support of this initiative, the province has also introduced 16 new PCP seats at University College of the North in Thompson, increasing the total number of seats between Thompson and The Pas to 32. Cable highlighted that these training expansions create genuine opportunities for residents, enabling students to acquire skills while remaining in their home regions.

“This investment supports our healthcare system, our northern and rural communities, and ensures Manitobans can train, work, and thrive in the province they love,” Cable added.

Improving Practical Training Opportunities

The expansion of training seats is just one aspect of a broader strategy to enhance emergency medical services. RRC Polytech President and CEO Fred Meier indicated that the college is collaborating with government partners to improve both training capacity and quality. “We’re committed to removing barriers and creating new pathways so more Manitobans can access the training they need to build meaningful careers in health care,” Meier explained.

Key to this effort is the college’s Simulation Centre at the Notre Dame campus, which plays a crucial role in preparing future paramedics for frontline work. Additionally, the province is adjusting the intake schedule for the Paramedicine – Advanced Care (PAC) program to ensure alignment between classroom instruction and practicum availability.

Starting with a full spring intake, graduates will be able to commence their practicum placements immediately. Government officials expect that 13 PAC graduates will be placed with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service in fall 2026, followed by 16 graduates in fall 2027.

The combined expansions are part of an overarching goal to increase the number of trained paramedics entering the workforce and alleviate longstanding staffing pressures within Manitoba’s emergency medical system.