FAQs

Can I take a course at the College?

The Alberta College of Paramedics does not offer courses. It is the regulatory body for Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), and Emergency Medical Technologist-Paramedics (EMT-P) in Alberta. EMRs, EMTs, and EMT-Ps must register with the College in order to practice in Alberta. Registration is done through an exam and application process that is undertaken following completion of an approved training program.

There are a number of approved programs in Alberta. If you are interested in taking approved EMR, EMT, or EMT-P education/training in Alberta, please see the College's list of Approved Education Programs.

What are the annual nomination deadlines for the awards?

The deadline for nominations for the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal is November 30 of each year.

The deadline for nominations for the Award of Excellence is February 28 of each year.

I submitted a nomination for an award and want to know how I can check the status. Who do I contact?

For the status of a nomination for the Award of Excellence, click here. For the status of a nomination for the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal, click here.

How can I be involved with a College Committee?

Practitioners who meet the following criteria are encouraged to get involved with a College Committee.

• In good standing within the College.
• An expert relative to the objective of the committee.
• Interested in working toward the betterment of the profession.
• Able to use problem solving techniques within a team environment.
• Dedicated to completing assignments or tasks on time.
• Have undertaken College-approved governance training.

If you meet these criteria and wish to apply, complete the Committee Application Form and submit it to the College.

How long are the terms for committee members?

Committee members can serve a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms.

If you apply to a committee, you will be notified upon receipt of your application. All applications are reviewed and held on file if a position is not immediately available for consideration. Committee appointments must be approved by the College Council so it can take some time before candidates are notified of an appointment.

I just completed my four-year plan and then I went to create plans for next year. Now it's showing me that I have not completed my four-year plan. What should I do?

Unfortunately, when you work on the following year's competence requirements for renewal, the current CIMS CC Module will show the competency as incomplete. To correct the issue, go back into your created plans, enter an end date and write "entered in error" in the completed section. This will redress the four-year deficiency and the green tick will return.

Remember, you only need to complete plans within the 'four-year requirement' section first. Do not attempt to create new learning plans for 2012 until after Oct. 1, 2011. Do not enter anything in the 'Next Year's Learning Plans' section. Your four-year cycle will begin again with your renewal for 2012.

Can the College check to see what I have left to do on my four-year plan?

The College staff can only view a summary of what you've created, not your individual profile.  The CC Module is a secure, confidential and interactive online process. For example, when you send an email directly to the College through CIMS, administrative staff cannot access your personal CIMS file because it is password protected. You are responsible for ensuring your plans are complete.

Follow these instructions to check your compliance status:

1. Log in to CIMS and find the 'Learning Plan Requirements - Four Year Requirement' section on the welcome page.
2. If you have any red 'X' marks in that section, you must create and/or complete those plans for the four year cycle.
3. If there are only green ticks in that section, you have successfully completed your four-year requirements.
4. Ensure there are green ticks in the created and completed sections by Sept. 30, 2011.
5. Do not attempt to create new learning plans for 2012 until after Oct. 1, 2011. Do not enter anything in the 'Next Year's Learning Plans' section. The self assessment component of your profile will unlock on Oct. 1 so you can rate yourself and create new learning plans. Your four-year cycle will begin again with your renewal for 2012.

I have been a member for four years. I started as an EMR in 2007 and became an EMT in 2009. Does this affect me?

Everyone's four-year plan begins when they enter a new designation. Your current four-year plan began in 2009 when you became an EMT. While the focus will be on those practitioners with four years of experience within one designation, you may still be selected for review through the College's upcoming audit process to demonstrate how you are progressing with your CC learning plans. It's important to retain all the evidence relating to documentation of your competencies for a minimum of five years regardless of any change in designation.

The course I plan to take to complete a mandatory learning plan in my four-year cycle does not end until October 2011. What should I do?

We recognize that some of you may be in the process of completing activities related to your four-year plans during the upcoming renewal season. Your CIMS profile will be reset on Oct. 1, 2011 and you will not be able to input an end date on any plans created prior to this date. As a result, you will have a 'red X' under your four-year learning requirements until Sept. 30, 2011. This will not impact your compliance status as long as you retain all evidence of your learning plan activities and are prepared to provide these upon request should you be selected for audit.

I have been doing the required five learning plans per year. Why is my four year plan showing red X's?

Learning plans for ALL mandatory competency clusters, regardless of where you rate yourself as a 1 or 5 through self-assessment, must be created and completed within four years. The legislated requirement for renewal is to have at minimum five learning plans per year. Given the total required in the four-year cycle for the Continuing Competence Program, we encourage you to access your CC Module year-round to create and complete all necessary plans.

As noted through frequent messaging in recent issues of The Pulse newsletter and the Emergency Medical Dialogue magazine, the number of mandatory competencies within the four-year cycle are as follows:  EMR: 61 EMT: 67, EMT-P: 79.  Remember - a single course or learning activity can relate to multiple competencies.

Will my registration be cancelled if I do not complete my four-year plan in time?

No. If you have met the minimum annual requirements, you will still be able to renew for 2012. However, once the College begins its audit process next year, should your file be selected for review, there may be additional requirements for you to remain in good standing with the College. The Professional Practice/Continuing Competence Manager will work closely with all practitioners through this important process.

I have so many plans left to create and complete, where do I start?

It can feel overwhelming. It's important to remember, however, that just one learning activity can satisfy multiple competencies. This means you could potentially use one professional development course to cross-reference to multiple competencies in your respective learning plans. Be sure to keep the evidence of all your activities should you be selected for audit.

I don't have the opportunity to access or attend courses before Sept. 30, 2011. How can I meet the deadline without missing any competencies?

There are a number of ways to fulfill your mandatory competencies. From seminars to hospital rounds, distance education to teleconferences, there are countless avenues for you to choose from.

I would like to become a member of the College Council. What's involved?

Council members are elected by registered practitioners each year at the Annual General Meeting and elected practitioners may serve a maximum of two consecutive three-year-terms. Nomination forms are sent to all registered practitioners early in the year and candidate profiles, including biographies, are posted to the College website once the deadline for nominations has passed. Candidates are invited to speak to attendees at the Annual General Meeting once prior to voting.

NOTE: As per College Bylaw 5.9.3, 'any nominees for Council elections must first attend an Alberta College of Paramedics Governance Training Session.'

Are College Council meetings open to practitioners? The public?

Yes. Council meetings are open to practitioners and the public, but space is limited so please contact the Executive Assistant to the CEO/Registrar at 780-410-4131 at least a week prior to the meeting if you are planning to attend.

If I am a trained RN from the Philippines, what should I do first?

Carefully review the Transferring to Alberta - Equivalency page of the website. This page details all the steps included in an equivalency review, including the documentation you must provide to the College.

What if I cannot provide my certificates and education program course outlines and information?

The College uses discretion in situations where candidates are unable to produce educational information (house fire, institutional closure, etc.). If this is your situation, please contact the College to determine whether you are eligible for a review.

I'm a trained paramedic in the United States. Why am I not automatically eligible for the same designation in Alberta?

In Alberta, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Emergency Medical Technologist-Paramedic (EMT-P) are protected titles under the Government of Alberta's Health Disciplines Act (HDA) and adhere to a defined scope of practice under the EMT regulations included in the HDA. Practitioners from other Canadian provinces are eligible to transfer through the Government of Canada's Agreement on Internal Trade, but international candidates must participate in an equivalency review to assess their qualifications against the scope of practice of regulated Alberta practitioners.

What are the steps of the equivalency application process?

A complete step-by-step for the equivalency process, including what you need to include in an application, can be found here.

What can I do if my equivalency application is not successful?

If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a detailed written explanation from the College including rationale for the decision.

If I change my mind and choose to cancel my application, can I get a refund?

You may only choose to cancel your application once the prescreen review is completed. You will be notified of the results of the pre-screen and may choose to cancel your application at that time. If you choose to cancel your application, you will forfeit the non-refundable $100 pre-screen fee. You will be refunded the balance. If your application has proceeded to the full review, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Can I work in Alberta with temporary registration?

Yes. Practitioners with temporary registration may provide services under the direct supervision (the supervisor must be physically present at all times) of a registered practitioner who has current registration at the same or higher designation level. See the Temporary Registration Policy for full details.

What does the equivalency review 'do'?

The equivalency review ensures that individuals are evaluated and deemed to possess 'reasonably similar' education, training and experience to the College's entry to practice standards for EMT and EMT-P, relative to applicants from the traditional entry to practice stream.

Will the College review all equivalency applicants?

Equivalency reviews are limited to those seeking the EMT and EMT-P designation levels. Assignments of restrictions, conditions or limitations to scope of practice in accordance with the EMT/EMT-P Alberta Occupational Competency Profiles will not be considered. Once a designation has been granted, the process is considered complete. Applicants may then apply to complete the College's Provincial Registration Examination.

How do I change my contact information with the College?

Practitioners are now able to update their own contact information (including email) by accessing the  CIMSPractitioner Module. Please follow these steps:

• Enter login and password information on the CIMS main page.
• Click on 'Registration Info' link located at the top of the page and enter updated information.
• Click on 'Update' to save.

I've recently been married and would like to change my last name with the College. What do you need from me?

In order to change your name, we require a piece of government ID (a marriage or driver's licence - something that includes the name you would like use) faxed to us at 780.417.6911 or scanned and emailed to acp@collegeofparamedics.org.

Please include on the fax or email your registration number, clear instructions for what you would like to have done and your signature.

How does the Prior Knowledge/Out of Province Policy affect me?

If you are educated in Alberta, have taken the exam and failed in Alberta at the level you are applying for, your application for labour mobility will be reviewed by the Registration Committee to determine your eligibility for registration.

If you have been educated in Alberta and have chosen not to write the Provincial Registration Examination, you must provide evidence as to why you did not do so - this will be reviewed on a case by case basis and you may be requested to provide evidence of your competencies within the province that you are practicing, including but not limited to, employment verification.

I am in the military. Do I still need to apply to transfer to work in Alberta?

Yes. According to the Mutual Recognition Agreement between Canadian provinces, if you are providing health services to civilians on or off the base (i.e. obtaining practice hours), you are required to hold registration in the province in which you are practicing.

How do I remove my restrictions when I am in Alberta?

Please follow the Learning Module information for your designation on the website. Your employer may work thorough the applicable modules with you and a physician/medical director registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta must sign off on the Confirmation of Completion form provided - this form is on our website but is also sent to you when you successfully register. New registration will be issued once these restrictions are lifted. Where there are no modules available it is your responsibility to find an instructor and a physician/medical director registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta willing to train you on those gaps in your training.

I am coming from Ontario. Do I need to provide any other information?

If you registered in Ontario in the year preceding your Alberta registration, you are not required to provide further information. If you registered with Ontario over a year ago and you are not in the Ontario base hospital system, you must send a letter from an employer detailing how you have maintained your practice skills within the last year.

How long does the labour mobility process take?

The process is dependent on how fast you and your current regulatory body are able to supply all of the documents. We process most documentation for labour mobility within 48 business hours providing all documents are within the office. To expedite the process you may send in the required New Registration forms prior to taking the online exam. This means we will be able to process your application as soon as we are notified that you have passed the Jurisprudence Exam.

Note that you are not required to submit educational documents as your verification from your current province is used in its place.

Please note: The verification we receive from your current province must be valid at the time of your Alberta College of Paramedics registration application. Allowing your registration to lapse in another province during the labour mobility and Alberta College of Paramedics registration process will mean you are not able to obtain registration in Alberta.

Can I have temporary registration during the labour mobility process?

No. Temporary registration is only available to those educated in Alberta and intending to write the Provincial Registration Examination in Alberta.

Who does the labour mobility application process apply to?

The labour mobility application process applies to people who are fully registered in good standing in another Canadian jurisdiction and would like to apply for registration in Alberta.

I am an unregistered EMR in another province but do not see this listed on the cross reference document. Can I still apply through labour mobility?

No. If the designation is not listed on our cross reference documents it means that you have not been able to register in your province as an EMR and are therefore unable to come to Alberta through labour mobility. In this situation, you would need to attend an approved educational program in Alberta, challenge the Provincial Registration Examination and apply for registration to practice in Alberta.

If I work for an employer who attends calls both in B.C. and Alberta, do I need to be registered in both provinces?

Yes. If you are providing health services in Alberta as defined in the scope of practice for EMR, EMT or EMT-P, you are required to be registered with the College.

I have got a job with an industrial employer who has told me I'm not required to register. Is this correct?

No. If you provide health services as defined in the scope of practice for EMR, EMT or EMT-P, you are required to hold valid registration with the College.

I've been told I only have one year to register with the College. What event begins that year?

You have one year from the date you graduated from your education program to obtain registration with the College. You must also pass all components of the Provincial Registration Examination within that time, or you will not be eligible to apply for registration.

I've applied to write the Provincial Registration Examination. If I pass, does that mean I'll be registered with the College?

No. Once you have passed your Provincial Registration Examination, you will be eligible to apply for a new registration with the College. Note that you must pass the exam and apply for registration within one year of the date you graduated from your education program.

Are practitioners working at job sites that are in Alberta but only accessible from another province (ie. Remote drilling site) required to be registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics?

Yes. Practitioners are required to be registered with the College because the job site is in Alberta. Remembering that jurisdiction is determined by where the incident occurs, the provider must be registered in the province in which they are practicing as part of their regular employment. If you are working in multiple jurisdictions (AB, BC and SK, for example), you should be registered in each jurisdiction.

The two people who are giving me character references gave them to me. Can I send them in with my application?

No. Your referees (the persons providing you with the reference) MUST complete and submit your reference to the College office by mail separately from your application. If the reference is sent to us with your application it will be void and your application will be delayed until a new referee is able to complete the form and provide it to us.

If I get a job with an employer who attends calls both in B.C. and Alberta, do I need to be registered in both provinces?

Yes. If you are providing health services in Alberta as defined in the scope of practice for EMR, EMT or EMT-P, you are required to be registered with the College.

I'm concerned that my personal contact information will be given to the person I'm making a complaint about. What exactly is provided to them?

Investigated practitioners are entitled to know the name of the complainant and the nature of the complaint made against them and are provided with a copy of the formal complaint, less the complainant's personal information such as address and telephone number.

What is the 'Alternative Complaints Resolution' process?

The Alternative Complaints Resolution (ACR) process provides for the mediation of complaints that may be resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, the investigated practitioner and the College representative who represents the public interest.

The ACR process

• is confidential.
• allows disputing parties to resolve differences without the higher costs, lengthy time commitment, and publicity of an open hearing.
• strives to work on the issues surrounding the complaint, seeking a mutually-agreeable resolution.

Once all parties agree to enter into ACR, the Complaints Director appoints an impartial mediator who evaluates the complaint's suitability for mediation, and maintains its progress throughout the process. Among other duties, the mediator is also required to report the settlement to a Complaint Review Committee created from a list of volunteer regulated practitioners who may approve, modify or reject the agreement.

How does a punitive decision affect my practice record in the future, after I've satisfied all the requirements of the decision?

A ruling of professional misconduct or unskilled practice will remain on the practitioner's record indefinitely. This information is accessible to employers and other regulators and should be disclosed by the practitioner upon hire and/or registration with another regulatory body.

Can I reserve a spot for the exam before I have graduated from my program?

No. You must provide proof of completion of your education program PRIOR to the application deadline date of the exam you wish to write in order to reserve a spot.

Does the College have an exam study guide?

The College does not publish an exam study guide.

We recommend that exam candidates familiarize themselves with the Alberta Occupational Competency Profile (AOCP). The AOCP defines the scope of practice for practitioners in Alberta. It is a complete description of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgements expected of practitioners ranging from entry to practice to mastery.

I have passed the written portion of the EMR exam and am retesting the practical. If I pass, can I apply for registration right away or do I have to wait until I receive my confirmation letter in the mail?

If you pass your practical you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics. You will not need to wait for your confirmation letter to arrive in the mail.

I just graduated from an approved program. What are my next steps?

You have one year from the date you graduated from your education program to successfully complete the Provincial Registration Exam and apply for registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics.

The Provincial Registration Exam is offered a few times per year for each designation level. See the Provincial Registration Examination page for full details. For further information on registration with the College, visit the New Registration section.

What happens if I can't make my scheduled exam and have to cancel?

All exam cancellations or transfers after the application deadline date are subject to a 50 per cent cancellation fee. If you are registered, but do not attend the exam without informing the College prior to the exam, you will forfeit all fees paid. If extenuating circumstances arise (eg. medical issues, accident, etc.), please contact the College.

What can I expect at the exam? Also, when will I know if I've passed or not?

Written exam results are mailed to candidates within four weeks of the exam date and practical exam results are announced to each candidate at the end of the required scenario(s).

The following are some things you should know before coming to write your exam. 

• You should arrive to your exam at least 60-90 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
• You will need to bring:
  • Government-issued picture ID (driver's licence or passport) OR two of the following: SIN card, AHCIP card, birth certificate or school identification.
  • The exam confirmation letter you have received in the mail.
  • Two HB pencils and a white eraser.
• EMR exams are 2 hours. EMT and EMT-P exams are 3.5 hours.
• Written exams consist of:
  • EMR: 100 multiple choice questions.
  • EMT & EMT-P: 200 multiple choice question
• Practical exams can take between 3 to 5 hours. Please consider this when making travel arrangements.
• Practical exams consist of:
  • EMR: one scenario (medical OR trauma)
  • EMT & EMT-P: two scenarios (one medical AND one trauma)
• Please adhere to the Provincial Registration Examination dress code.

 

I have just finished my EMR program. How long do I have to pass the Provincial Registration Examination?

You have one year from the date you graduated from your program to meet the registration requirements, one of which is satisfactory completion of the Provincial Registration Examination. Within that year, you may attempt the exam a maximum of three times. If you fail the exam on the third attempt you would be required to repeat your education program before you can attempt the exam again.

What if I only attempt the exam twice in the year after I graduate and fail both times? Can I attempt a third time in the second year after graduation?

No. Once in your second year, you must enroll in a refresher program before you can attempt the exam again. Once you've completed your refresher program, you would have the remainder of that year and only one more attempt to pass the exam. If you fail this third attempt, you would be required to repeat your full program of study before you can attempt the exam again.

If I only fail the written component, does that count as a fail?

Yes. Failing either the written or practical component constitutes a failed attempt at the exam.
NOTE: If you pass the written portion but fail your practical on the Saturday, you will be invited to retest the practical component on Sunday. If you pass the practical that is considered one attempt and one pass. If you fail on the Sunday, it would be considered a failed attempt and counts as one of the three exam attempts.

Is the reference date for my three attempts from the day I graduated?

Yes. Candidates are given one calendar year from the date you graduated. Due to the timing of the registration exam cutoff dates, not all applicants will be able to attempt three exams in one year.

Am I required to send copies of my updated CPR and ACLS certification to the College?

As a practitioner, you should always have current copies of CPR-C and ACLS certifications on file with the College. You MUST have a current copy of your certifications on file with the College to be eligible to renew your registration.

Please send copies via fax to 780-417-6922 or scan and email to acp@collegeofparamedics.org. Please ensure that you include your name and registration number on the fax or email. Allow two business days for updates to certifications. You can check to see if your certifications are up-to-date by logging into CIMS and clicking on the 'Registration Info' tab. At the top of this section you will see the start and end dates of your CPR or ACLS certifications.

As per legislation, CPR certification is valid for two years from the date of issue and ACLS certification is valid for four years from the date of issue.

NOTE: Certifications may become invalid prior to the expiry date printed on them. The College only accepts certifications that are two (CPR-C) and four (ACLS) years from the date of issue, regardless of the expiry date printed on the certification.

I've lost the 'receipt' part of my registration. Do I need it? If I do, how can I get another one?

You should hang on to the receipt portion of the registration card issued to you when you renew your registration for income tax purposes.

If you ever misplace the receipt, you can quickly and easily print off a proof of payment by logging into CIMS and clicking on the 'Registration Info' tab. From there you can open your 'Registration History' and click the year that you wish to print off a proof of payment for and print the screen capture.

If you require a duplicate of your card for the current year we are able to reprint that at a cost of $50.

I've forgotten my password for CIMS. How can I retrieve it?

If you're trying to access CIMS and have forgotten any of your login information, remember that you can reset it quickly and easily at anytime by clicking on the "Forgot Login ID or Password?" link located on CIMS login screen.

New login information can only be generated using the email address you have on file with the College, so be sure to keep your contact information updated in CIMS. If your email address is out of date, and you are unable to login to CIMS, please contact the College at acp@collegeofparamedics.org to have your file updated.

I am trying to renew, and I have a question about my competence requirements - where do I go for information?

For information about the Continuing Competence Program, visit the section on the website, or read through the FAQs for continuing competence. If your question is still unanswered, contact us by clicking the Ask the College question mark located on the left bar of every page on the website.

What happens if I don't renew by the Dec. 31 deadline?

The College recognizes a late renewal period each year (posted on the website during the renewal period) when you can renew your registration with an additional $175 added to the renewal fee.

If you don't renew during the late renewal period, your registration will be cancelled. If you choose to practice at a later date, you will be required to reinstate your registration.

It's been a year or two since I renewed my registration last. What do I need to do to reactivate my registration?

If your registration has lapsed for a year or more, you must reinstate with the College to obtain current registration. Reinstating practitioners must meet the requirements established by the College's Registration Committee as outlined on the Registration Reinstatement Form. You must determine your reinstatement situation (1. Less than 12 months since registration lapsed. 2. More than one year, but less than three years since registration lapsed. 3. More than three years since registration lapsed.) and follow the steps indicated on the form.

I was planning to renew my registration in October but was told that I would have to reinstate because I didn't renew my registration last year. What now?

Practitioners who let their registration lapse for 12 months or more are not eligible to renew and must complete the registration reinstatement process, including appropriate forms and associated fees before being eligible to reactivate their registration.

I am pregnant and will be taking a year maternity leave starting in September. I don't want to pay to keep my registration current, but am concerned about what might happen when I go back to work. What do I need to know?

There are a number of reasons a practitioner might choose to take a leave from the profession. In addition, there are a number of things to think about if you are considering letting your registration lapse.

The first thing to be aware of is that if you let your registration lapse (more than 12 months since you had current registration) and choose to practice again in Alberta at a later date, you must reinstate your registration. Reinstating is a different process than renewing and may involve additional training and/or fees.

If you choose to maintain your registration, remember you must also satisfy your competence requirements before being eligible to renew between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31.

What kind of supervision do I need to work with a temporary registration number?

As stated in the Temporary Registration Policy, practitioners with temporary registration may only provide services under the direct supervision of a registered practitioner who has current registration at the same or higher discipline. Direct supervision means that the supervisor must be physically present to handle issues should they arise. See the Definition of Supervision Policy for full details.

Can I apply for a temporary registration number if I have failed the Provincial Registration Exam before?

No. Temporary registration is not available to you if you have been previously unsuccessful at the Provincial Registration Examination at the same designation (EMR, EMT or EMT-P).

I just received a temporary registration number. How long is it valid?

Your temporary registration is valid from whichever of the following circumstances comes first:

• one year after your graduation date from an approved program;
• one year after your equivalency approval date (if coming through the equivalency program);
• 30 days after you write a Provincial Registration Examination (no matter the outcome); or
• upon notification you failed any part of the Provincial Registration Examination. 

If you hold a temporary number when you pass the Provincial Registration Examination, your temporary number is changed to a permanent number and your registration is mailed within a week.

I'm not yet registered with the College. How do I apply for a temporary registration number?

If you have completed your education program and require registration before you take the Provincial Registration Examination, you can apply for a temporary registration number.

The process to obtain a temporary registration number is outlined on the Temporary Registration page of the website. If you pass the Provincial Registration Examination, your status will be changed to EMR, you will receive your registration in the mail and you will not have to pay any additional fees.

What are the Alberta Occupational Competency Profiles?

The Alberta Occupational Competency Profiles (AOCPs) list the scope of practice for practitioners at each designation level. The AOCPs specify exactly what EMRs, EMTs, and EMT-Ps can do in their work practice. Practitioners cannot perform skills not listed in their AOCP.

How do the AOCPs relate and/or differ from the NOCPs?

The AOCPs (Alberta Occupational Competency Profiles) define the scope of practice for all Alberta practitioners. They were developed in Alberta by regulated Alberta practitioners. The NOCPs (National Occupational Competency Profiles) are competence documents that identify the nationally-accepted scope within four distinct levels of practice. The NOCPs were developed by interprovincial teams and give us a sense of what is happening nationally within the profession as it relates to scope of practice.

If I'm in a situation at work that I'm not sure is in my scope, what should I do?

If you are in a work situation where you are uncertain as to your scope, you should consult with someone who is knowledgeable about your designation level's scope of practice, such as the Alberta College of Paramedics. All practitioners are obligated to be knowledgeable as to their scope of practice and may access the AOCPs on the college website at any time. If you are uncertain as to whether a skill is in scope or are not confident that you can deliver it competently, you should not perform it.

What is the difference between the full competency profiles and the profiles that are ranked (Mandatory, Recommended and Variable)?

As a practitioner, you are required to be competent to your full scope of practice on entry-to-practice. The full AOCPs reflect the complete description of the knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgments expected of practitioners at each designation level when they begin to practice. For the purposes of the Continuing Competence Program, the AOCPs have been ranked mandatory (directly affects patient care), recommended (necessary to support patient care) and variable (enhance triage, treatment and transport but vary in situation, service and patient). See the Continuing Competence section for full details.