Emergency Medical Responder Training Bursaries

Training bursaries are available to individuals who commit to joining Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Saskatchewan. 

Bursaries will range from $2,000 to $3,500.

• $3,500 will apply to successful bursary applicants taking an approved EMR training program from a training agency other than the SHA.
• $2,000 will apply to successful bursary applicants taking an approved EMR training program from the SHA. SHA will not charge bursary recipients for EMR training.

IMPORTANT: The bursary payments are subject to taxation, the Canada Revenue Agency rules apply.

To qualify for bursaries, candidates need to meet the following criteria:

• Must complete the EMR Bursary Application Form, identifying their preferred EMS site
• Must pass pre-employment screening from the EMS service
• Must provide a satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector search
• Must sign 1 year return for service agreement with the Saskatchewan Health Authority
• Must be registered in a SCoP approved EMR training program before they receive funds

Questions and Answers

What is an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)?

As an important member of the EMS team, the EMR provides basic life support level of care and provides safe patient handling and movement, and safe vehicle operation.

How do I become an Emergency Medical Responder?

• Take an EMR Training Program – there are a number of EMR training programs that are approved by the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics (SCoP) that would qualify a person to be licensed as an EMR with SCoP.  A list of the approved programs are available on the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics website. 
• Obtain an EMR practicing license from SCoP – licenses can be restricted or unrestricted. Often restricted licenses are provided to allow a person to practice while they prepare to write the licensing exam to receive an unrestricted license. More information on licensing is available on the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics website. 
• Obtain a Class 4 Driver License – EMRs require a minimum Class 4 Driver’s License in Saskatchewan to operate the ambulance unit.
• Apply to an Ambulance Service that is recruiting EMRs – there are a number of ambulance services recruiting EMRs in the province. Open postings for SHA EMS services can be found on the Health Careers in Sask website. You can also contact the ambulance service directly to inquire about employment opportunities.

What support is available through the EMR Bursary Program?

If an applicant is approved for the EMS Bursary Program they will receive $2,000 to $3,500 to help with the costs of EMR training, licensing and writing the licensing exam. A Return For Service (RFS) agreement is required in order for successful applicants to qualify for bursary funds.

Up to $3,500 will be provided for successful bursary applicants taking an approved EMR training program from an agency other than the SHA.

$2,000 will be provided for successful bursary applicants taking an approved EMR training program from the SHA. The SHA does not charge bursary recipients for EMR Training.

The bursary payments are subject to taxation, the Canada Revenue Agency rules apply.

How long is the SHA funding the EMR Bursary Program?

Applications will be accepted for the EMR Bursary Program between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, subject to funding availability. Extensions to the program may extend beyond April 1, 2025, should funds be available.

How do I qualify to be approved for an EMR Bursary?

To qualify for a EMR Bursary applicants must:

• Submit an application (found below)
  • Must include Criminal Record Check including vulnerable sector check (dated within past 6 months)
• Participate in a pre-employment screening process with a Saskatchewan Ambulance Service
• Sign a one-year Return For Service Agreement with the Saskatchewan Health Authority

When will the Applicant be provided the bursary funds?

If an applicant signs and completes the Return for Service agreement, they can request the payment of the EMR Bursary funds once they have registered in a Saskatchewan College of Paramedics approved EMR training program. The applicant will provide written confirmation from the EMR Training Agency of the applicant’s registration in an approved EMR Training Program and the start date of the program. The start date of the training program must be within 3 months of the request for payment of the bursary funds.

What qualifies for one year of work?

In order to complete the Return For Service agreement one year of work requirement, applicants may work full time, part time, or casual. A total of 1948.8 hours will fulfill the Return For Service one year work requirement.

Return For Service credited hours will be calculated using the formula of 1 hour Return For Service credit for every hour of work and 1 hour Return For Service credit for every 3 hours on standby. A combination of worked hours and standby hours can be used to complete the one year of work requirement in the Return For Service agreement.

What happens if the Applicant completes all the requirements of the RFS agreement except the one year of work requirement in the RFS agreement?

The hours earned towards the RFS hours will be prorated to determine the amount repayable.

What happens if the Applicant fails or refuses to obtain employment as an Emergency Medical Responder with a Saskatchewan ambulance service?

The total bursary amount is repayable.

How soon after completing the Emergency Medical Responder training program will that applicant have to apply for a position?

The expectation is that within 90 days of successful completion of the EMR program, the applicant will apply for and, upon successful application, accept and assume a position as an EMR with a Saskatchewan ground ambulance service.

What happens if the Applicant has not secured a position as an EMR within 90 days of completion of the EMR training program?

The applicant should contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority to request an extension beyond 90 days. Should there be a valid reason, an additional 90 days may be granted at the discretion of the SHA.