The Province’s Free Tuition Program for Paramedics and Emergency Medical Responders Shows Positive Results

After a year of implementing a free tuition program to attract more paramedics and emergency medical responders, the province of Nova Scotia is starting to see the benefits of its initiative. Jeff Fraser, the senior executive director for Emergency Health Services at the Department of Health, announced that vacancy rates had been reduced by half in April 2025 compared to the previous year.

The incentive program, which covers full tuition for over 460 individuals interested in becoming primary care paramedics or emergency medical responders, has already produced impressive results. Graduates are required to commit to working in the province for four years as paramedics or two years as emergency medical responders in exchange for the tuition coverage.

As of now, 119 paramedics and 37 emergency medical responders have completed their training and are actively working in the field. The province has awarded a total of 319 bursaries, with 259 going towards future paramedics and 60 towards aspiring emergency medical responders.

Kevin MacMullin, the business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 727, praised the program’s impact on expanding access to training opportunities for individuals in regions like Yarmouth. Previously underserved areas now have access to paramedic training programs, leading to a more diverse and qualified workforce.

Both the paramedic and emergency medical responder training programs offer a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the field. The paramedic training program spans 50 weeks, while the emergency medical responder program lasts for three months.

Emergency medical responders play a crucial role in providing basic emergency care and supporting paramedics in various healthcare settings. They are essential in facilitating hospital patient transfers and assisting in offload areas in emergency departments, reducing wait times and ensuring expedited response to emergencies.

Looking ahead, the province plans to continue the incentive program to bolster the healthcare workforce and ensure stability in staffing levels. Fraser emphasized the importance of ongoing evaluation and collaboration with the government to make informed decisions for the future of emergency medical services in Nova Scotia.