International Recruitment
Join the Associated Ambulance Family
Associated Ambulance provides EMS service to 23 rural communities across Alberta and we would like to give you the opportunity to live and work in one of those rural areas. Our community sizes range from just a few hundred to the tens of thousands, but we assure you, what they lack in size, they make up for in heart!
“Small town Alberta is a place where you don’t just work in the community, you become a part of it. The relationships you build there ultimately depend on you. The staff at the healthcare center have been supporting their community for over 30 years and their knowledge is beyond what we could ever read in a textbook. Boyle is the exact definition of where teamwork within multi agencies came from.” Brittney Wolff; PCP, Station Supervisor Boyle, Alberta 2014 – 2022.
Experience our unique towns and cities in rural Alberta, many which offer location-based incentives along with great rates of pay, benefits and more!
Interested in learning more about becoming an Advanced Care Paramedic or Primary Care Paramedic in rural Alberta?
Visit our careers website at www.associatedambulance.com and find out if the rural life is what you’re missing in your life!
We’re Here For Life
Lead By Example—Innovative Thinking—Family Values—Excellence in Care
International Recruitment
Apply through COPR to get an assessment of international applicants, then register with the Alberta College of Paramedics
Register for a social insurance number, bank account and Alberta healthcare card
Apply for an Alberta Class 5, then Class 4 Drivers License and take the Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation (FARE test)
Why Choose Associated Ambulance
Rural Experience
Health & Wellness Support
Clinical Development
Patient Advocacy
Become A Paramedic in Alberta with Associated Ambulance
Step 1: NOCP Competency Self Assessment
Step 2:NOCP Competency Skills Resources
Step 3: COPR Submission
Step 4: Alberta College of Paramedics Determination & Jurisprudence Exam
Step 5: Driver License Requirements
Step 6: Take the Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation (FARE test)
Step 7: Apply for a Position via www.AssociatedAmbulance.com
We Have Resources In Place To Assist With The Remaining Steps
Step 8: Immigration and VISA information
Step 9: Social Insurance Number—SIN
Step 10:Income Tax
Step 11: Health care
Step 12: Banking
Step 13: Housing
Step 14: Cell Phone Providers
Step 15: Transportation
Useful Links too Assist You:
Step 1:
You can access the full National Occupational Competency Profile here. You can also access a self assessment tool by visiting: NOCP Self Assessment – International Paramedics (internationalparamedicsbc.com)
The key competencies to evaluate yourself on are:
Step 2:
You may be required to submit supporting evidence for areas identified as requiring improvement, with respect to your clinical practice, during the self-assessment. You may find examples of some courses at All the Steps – International Paramedics (internationalparamedicsbc.com). You must verify any courses meet the knowledge requirements and are taken through an approved provider.
Step 3:
The following resources will outline the COPR requirement.
COPR Submission: https://copr.ca/assessment-of-international-applicants
The COPR Assessment Process consists of four steps:
- Complete the initial application form
- Competency Self-Assessment Tool in your account
- Eligibility Assessment Application Form in your account
- Applicant File Review
Upon completion of the above steps, COPR will provide a summary of assessment findings to the respective provincial paramedic regulator for consideration. Applicants will then be contacted by the regulator regarding completion of provincial regulatory requirements. It should be noted that regulatory requirements differ in each provincial jurisdiction. It is at this point that any additional gaps can be discussed or requested for completion should any be missing.
Step 4:
Once you have completed the COPR examination, you can apply for Provisional Registration in Alberta. You can find information regarding the Application Types here.
Information on Registering with the Alberta College of Paramedics can be found here.
Step 5:
Driver Licensing information can be found here. You will be required to obtain your Class 5 license and then your will need to obtain your Class 4 license in order to operate an ambulance.
Step 6:
- A Musculoskeletal screen
- A lifting test consisting of:
- Progressive lifting of a crate up to 48kg (105lbs) of weight
- Progressive front carry of a crate of up to 48kg (105lbs) of weight
- Progressive bilateral side carry of up to 9kg (20lbs) of weight in each hand
- Kneeling and forward trunk flexion simultaneously for 2 minutes
- Completion of one full circuit within 15 minutes
FARE Tests in Alberta can be booked through lifemark.ca
International equivalents may be available by searching Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluations.
Step 7:
Now that you are registered to practice in Alberta, job opportunities with Associated Ambulance can be found on our website.
www.associatedambulance.com/careers
Those applicants that are successful will be contacted and put into touch with members of our team to assist you with the remaining steps below.
We look forward to you joining our team!
Step 8:
You will be assisted by a team member with your immigration and VISA application.
Click here for Immigration and Citizenship information and here for information on how to Immigrate to Canada.
Step 9:
Everyone working in Canada is required to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This can be obtained by providing your personal documents and work permits to Service Canada.
Step 10:
Despite having income tax removed from each paycheck, you will still need to file a personal tax return document for the calendar year (January to December). You may choose to complete this yourself or have an accountant prepare your taxes for you.
Step 11:
All new and returning residents must apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance Coverage.
Individuals moving to Alberta from another country who have an immigration document from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada may be eligible for AHCIP coverage depending on the type of document, any restrictions, the length of time on the document and their commitment to reside in Alberta for 12 consecutive months.
Step 12:
There are a variety of Banks to choose from. Compare the deals being offered as well as the locations of different branches to where you will be working or living. To set up an account, you will need your work permit, SIN, valid home address and ID.
Step 13:
We will assist you with your initial housing upon arrival in Alberta for work. Ask us for more details! You may then explore your options to rent or purchase a home in your community.
Consider tenant insurance for rentals and home owners insurance if you purchase to help protect you and your belongings. There are a wide variety of insurance providers to choose from.
Step 14:
There are various cell phone providers in Alberta. Compare the plans, phones and services you would like when setting up a new account.
Step 15:
Transportation systems will vary depending on where you choose to live. Urban centers such as Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer will have public transportation systems. Some smaller communities will have taxi services available. You may choose to rent or purchase a vehicle as well and will also need to purchase insurance for the vehicle.
EMS at Associated Ambulance
- Associated Ambulance supports rural Alberta in 23 communities with 49 Front Line Ambulances located across North and Central Alberta. This covers approximately 130000 sq km of the province.
- Communities supported include:
- Rural Alberta runs the majority of communities under the core-flex model, but some communities do support a 12-hr shift model.
- Core-flex means your shift is for a whole 24hr block of time. You are paid for a combination of regular wage and on-call wage, and qualify for overtime if you are busy. A full time rotation is 4 days on then 4 days off. When on shift, you live in the station if you do not already live in community
- 12hr shift models are based on 12hr day shifts and 12hr night shifts. You then go home between your shifts and do not live in the station.
- Associated runs two different ambulance service levels, Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). ALS ambulances are staffed by an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) and a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP). BLS ambulances are staffed by either two PCP’s or one PCP and one Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).
- These paramedics respond to approximately 35000 calls a year across Alberta
- If working in the core-flex model and living in the station, the stations provide for a bedroom, living room, full kitchen, a small gym and a media room. This in in addition to the office area, boardroom or training area, medical storage and the ambulance bays.
- Rural EMS provides for a strong sense of community where you can maximize your work-Life Balance by living and working from home. If working the core-flex model and you live in community, you may choose to respond from home providing there are not delays in assembling to provide patient care with your partner.
Get to Know our Communities
Jasper
A community in the Rocky Mountains with a local population of approximately 4738 locals. Jasper is a popular travel destination that sees people visit from around the world and is known for it’s outdoor recreation including mountain biking, hiking, and skiing or snowboarding.
Jasper runs 2 core-flex ambulances with one being ALS and one being BLS and has an annual call volume of approximately 870.
https://www.jasper-alberta.com/
Hinton
A community known as the Gateway to the Rockies, located less than an hour from Jasper. Hinton is a community of 10077 people that supports numerous outdoor activities such as mountain biking, cross country skiing and off road recreation opportunities.
Hinton runs three core-flex ambulances, 2 BLS and 1 ALS with an approximate annual call volume of 1520.
https://www.hinton.ca/
Edson
A community of about 8000 people located in Yellowhead County located just East of Hinton and Jasper. Edson boasts a number of parks and trails as well as opportunities for offroad recreational activities.
There are three core flex ambulances located in Edson, 2 BLS and 1 ALS with an approximate annual call volume of 1820.
https://www.edson.ca/
Evansburg
Evansburg is a hamlet located in yellowhead county just west of Edmonton and near the Pembina River Provincial Park. The population is approximately 717 residents. The proximity to the Pembina river contributes to the popularity of water sports in the area as well as the local pump track for biking.
Evansburg has one core-flex ALS ambulance with an approximate annual call volume of 765.
https://yhcounty.ca/living-here/county-hamlets/
Mayerthorpe
The home of our Head office, Mayerthorpe is an agricultural community with a population of approximately 1259.
Located a short distance northwest of Edmonton at the intersection of Hwy 43 and Hwy 22, Mayerthorpe is located in Lac St Anne County and has numerous camping, fishing and outdoor recreation activities.
There are two core-flex ambulances located here, 1 ALS and 1 BLS, with an approximate annual call volume of 1110.
https://www.mayerthorpe.ca/
Whitecourt
Proudly called the snowmobile capital of Alberta, and holding the Guinness world record for longest parade of snowmobiles, Whitecourt has a population of 9927 people. Located in Woodlands County, Whitecourt is located at the confluence of four waterways and the home to Rotary Park. There is also a meteor impact crater located nearby.
Whitecourt has two ALS core-flex ambulances in community with an approximate annual call volume of 1510.
https://www.whitecourt.ca/
Barrhead
A rural community of 4320 people, Barrhead is located North West of Edmonton and is an area rich in oil, gas, forestry and agriculture. Nearby Thunder Lake provincial Park offers the chance to see the Northern Lights. Barrhead offers access to hiking along the Athabasca River, paddling in one of the many lakes, camping and motorsport parks as well as the Misty Ridge ski Hill.
In Barrhead, there are 2 core-flex ambulances, one ALS and one BLS. They have an approximate annual call volume of 1625.
https://www.barrhead.ca/
Westlock
A short Drive North of Edmonton, Westlock is a town of approximately 4921 people. Primarily an agricultural community, Westlock has many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year round. Camping, watersport, and skiing are available at the nearby Long Island Lake and the Tawatinaw Valley Ski Area. Edmonton Skydive also operates out of the Westlock Municipal Airport.
Two ALS ambulances are based out of Westlock, one core-flex and one 12-hour day night shift model. The approximate annual call volume is 2310.
https://www.westlock.ca/
Thorhild
A hamlet in Thorhild county, just north of Edmonton, with a population of 391 people. Small town charm and living, the community offers various recreation activities including Half Moon Lake and Nature Area, Long Lake Provincial Park and Ski Area, Radway Fish Pond and an outdoor swimming pool. A short drive to Westlock, Athabasca, Boyle, Smoky Lake and Edmonton for any amenities you are looking for.
Thohild has one Core-Flex BLS ambulance with an approximate annual call volume of 650.
https://www.thorhildcounty.com/
Boyle
The Village of Boyle is located on Hwy 63 and is a community directly between Edmonton and Ft McMurray. With a local population of 825, this close knit community offers recreation at the local arena, outdoor recreation with offroad vehicles, shopping at the local farmer’s marker and a short commute to Athabasca for any additional amenities you may be looking for. Get out and enjoy Long Lake Provincial Park just a short drive away.
Boyle has 2 Core-Flex BLS ambulances and supports and annual call volume of approximately 1020.
https://www.boylealberta.ca/
Smoky Lake
With a local population of 1127 people, Smoky Lake is the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta and hosts an annual Great White North Pumpkin Fair. Located right on Hwy 28, Smoky Lake offers proximity to numerous lakes and campgrounds in the summer and various winter sports including cross country skiing, snowmobiling along the Iron Horse Trail and ice fishing.
There is one ALS core-flex ambulance located in Smoky Lake with an approximate annual call volume of 675.
http://www.smokylake.ca/
Vilna
The Village of Vilna is located a short distance East of Smoky Lake on Hwy 28 and is in close proximity to many other communities including Edmonton, Ft McMurray, St Paul, Lac La Biche and Cold Lake. Rich in Lakeland there are many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors including Bonnie Lake, the Iron Horse Trail and the Vilna Golf Course.
Vilna also hosts an annual Boomtown Days Fair and Seasonal Farmers Markets.
With one BLS 12-hr model ambulance, Vilna supports an annual call volume of approximately 910.
https://www.vilna.ca/
Lac La Biche
This community at the heart of Lac La Biche county has a local population of 3120 people. This area is rich in history and has many opportunities to learn about the fur trade and the Voyageur Highway linking the Athabaskan region to Hudson Bay. Nestled right on Lac La Biche, the community is home to the main campus of Portage College. Easy access to Lakeland Provincial Park provides for numerous recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, camping and hiking. There are 13 public boat launches in the county for you to enjoy.
Lac La Biche supports one ALS ambulance running on a 12hr model and one BLS ambulance running a core-flex model.
The annual call volume is approximately 1635.
https://www.laclabichecounty.com/
Cold Lake
The city of Cold Lake is in the Lakeland district and is home to the Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake and the 4 Wing Squadron. Cold Lake is the largest city in our team with a population of 15661 people. With a marina, various parks and trails as well as a variety of recreation programs, there is something for everyone. A short distance away is Kinosoo Beach as well as areas rich in wildlife for hunting and fishing. The community supports a wide variety of festivals and events year round.
Cold Lake has two stations that support a total of three ambulances. There are 2 ALS 12hr model units as well as 1 BLS core-flex model unit. Together these three ambulances support an approximate annual call volume of 4325.
https://coldlake.com/en/index.aspx
Athabasca
With a population of 2805, Athabasca provides many local amenities for living, shopping and sport. Athabasca provides numerous indoor and outdoor recreation activities including swimming, off road recreation, hunting, fishing, boating and numerous team sport activities. Culture and arts opportunities are also available with the Nancy Appleby Theater and the Old Brick School Pottery Club. The community is also the main campus for Athabasca University.
With two ambulances, the annual call volume is approximately 1490.
One ALS ambulance runs on a 12hr model and one BLS ambulance
https://www.athabasca.ca/
Drayton Valley
Located just south of Hwy 16 along Hwy 22 south west of Edmonton, Drayton valley is a town of 7291 people. The community has a history in oil, lumber and trapping and has many opportunities to learn about the town’s history.
Recreation opportunities are numerous and include the largest pump track in Canada, numerous parks, lakes and camping destinations, and the Eagle Point Provincial Park and Recreation Area. Cultural activities can be found at the Eleanor Pickup Arts Center and include performing arts such as music, drama and dance festivals.
With 2 ALS and 1 BLS ambulance, the annual call volume is approximately 2200. All three ambulances operate on a core-flex model.
https://www.draytonvalley.ca/
Breton
Breton is a small village just East of Drayton Valley with a population of 567 people. Situated in Brazeau County, you will find many annual community events and celebrations. Attractions and recreation opportunities can be found at the Coyote Lake Nature Sanctuary, the Soil Plots and the various lakes, trails and campgrounds nearby. The North Saskatchewan river is near by and the home of the Drayton Valley Paddling Club.
You will find one core-flex BLS ambulance in Breton with an approximate annual call volume of 650.
http://www.breton.ca/
MaMeO Beach
The Summer Village of MaMeO Beach is a lake community on the South East shore of Pigeon Lake and has a population of 88 people year round but is the largest summer village on Pigeon Lake with a large influx of seasonal residents. While in close proximity to many lakes and summer activities, MaMeO Beach is also located near Wetaskiwin about half an hour away. EMS and Fire share space at the Pigeon Lake Fire Hall just outside the summer village and directly on Hwy 13.
With one ALS Core-flex ambulance, the annual call volume is approximately 735.
https://mameobeach.ca/
Rimbey
A town in central Alberta just North West of Red Deer with a population of 2470 people. Rimbey is mainly a farming community with some oil and gas industry with many local amenities and recreation opportunities. The nearby Medicine Lodge Ski Hill is a popular winter destination and there are numerous nearby lakes and campgrounds for summer activities including Pigeon Lake and Sylvan Lake.
Rimbey is a very busy station running two BLS core-flex ambulances with an annual call volume of approximately 2605.
https://www.rimbey.com/
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is a popular tourist destination with over one million visitors a year. The community of 15995 people is located on the South East shore of Sylvan Lake, is the largest town of our communities, and is minutes away from the city of Red Deer. There are year round recreational opportunities including Winter Village, Light up the Lake, Beach and Paddle as well as many trails and parks.
Sylvan Lake supports two 12hr model ambulances, one ALS and one BLS. The annual call volume is approximately 3840.
https://www.sylvanlake.ca/en/index.aspx
Rocky Mountain House
A town in West Central Alberta in Clearwater County, Rocky Mountain House has a population of approximately 6765 people. There is a rich history in the fur trade and exploration here due to the location near both the North Saskatchewan and Clearwater Rivers. Along side the many urban based recreational activities, Rocky Mountain House also boasts access to many outdoor and back country activities including camping, fishing, boating, off road vehicles as well as hiking and cross country skiing.
With two ALS core-flex ambulances in community, an annual call volume of approximately 2485 calls are responded to.
https://www.rockymtnhouse.com/
Nordegg
Nordegg is a hamlet in Clearwater County located not far from Rocky Mountain House. It is a short drive from Hwy 93 which provides access to both Banff and Jasper National Parks. Nordegg is a former coal mining town with a local population of nearly 100 people but home to many more as seasonal recreation brings many to the community and surrounding area. Crescent falls and Abraham Lake are just two of the popular areas to visit.
Enjoy back country activities including hiking, camping, mountain biking, skiing and paddling.
Nordegg has one BLS core-flex ambulance with an annual call volume of approximately 245.
https://www.nordegg.ca/
Red Deer
A city in Central Alberta about half way between Edmonton and Calgary.
Red Deer runs a wide variety of Interfacility Transfer units spanning multiple scopes of practice. This service joined the Associated Ambulance family in 2023. Red Deer is a city of 100 418 people and believes that promoting and supporting heritage and culture defines them as a community. Red Deer is central to many of our other communities with the closest being Sylvan Lake, Rimbey, MaMeO Beach and Rocky Mountain House. Popular outdoor recreation sites include Discovery Canyon, Heritage Ranch and Bower Ponds.
https://www.reddeer.ca/
Head Office
P.O. Box 419
Mayerthorpe, AB T0E 1N0
Phone: (780) 786-2223
Fax: (780) 786-2619
Toll Free: 1-888-877-3577
Human Resources
16110 – 112 Ave. NW
Edmonton, AB T5M 2W1
Phone: (780) 429-6771
Fax: (780) 424-0118
Please Note: All correspondence to be mailed to our Head Office.