CMA Accreditation vs "The Gap" vs Reciprocity

I was asked by a member that is currently enrolled in regional "gap" training (the difference between the EMT and PCP programs as identified by Manitoba Health) whether or not this education is accredited by the CMA. The simple answer...no. Although the Technician-Paramedic license is measured against the PCP competency profile, unless you complete an accredited full PCP or PCP bridging course, the fact that you are a Tech-P does not mean your education is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association.

I'm assuming that the reason some individuals are asking the question about accreditation is related to potential for employment in other EMS services (such as Winnipeg) or inter-provincial reciprocity. Two very different scenarios, as one relates to employment requirements and the other to recognition of qualifications in another jurisdiction.

In the case of employment requirements, such as applying to Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, the employer has every right to set minimum hiring standards. Winnipeg will not currently employ anyone who has not completed CMA accredited EMS education. So the reality is that a Technician-Paramedic in Manitoba that obtained their license by completing "gap" training will not be considered for employment. As I mentioned earlier, the "gap"training is not CMA accredited.

But inter-provincial reciprocity can be looked at somewhat differently. Most provinces have signed a document entitled Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Paramedics (available on the PAC web site...Agreement on Internal Trade pdf) Simply put, this agreement ensures that a paramedic authorized to practice in one Canadian jurisdiction will have his or her qualifications recognized in another jurisdiction. The scale used to measure these occupational qualifications is based on the NOCP. Because Manitoba has indicated that the Technician-Paramedic license they issue is based on the PCP competency profile, other Canadian jurisdictions should now recognize our Tech-P license as equivalent to PCP practice qualification. According to the MRA, your qualifications as a PCP should be recognized and only differences in occupational requirements (regional and local differences) should be tested by the regulator. This still does not, however, preclude other regulators or employers in other provinces from setting minimum requirements which may include completion of CMA accredited education.

All this said, it should be mentioned that the Paramedic Association of Manitoba supports the concept of CMA accreditation in EMS education. Accreditation is public recognition that an educational program has met national standards. The goal of CMA accreditation is to ensure that programs enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to function as competent health practitioners for the benefit of all Canadians. As an organization committed to achieving excellence in pre-hospital emergency care and our profession, it's important that we promote and expect accreditation of our EMS educational programs.