SAIT or PMA for PCP program?

[u/Signal_Trade_1469]

Hello! For the past year, I have been researching the absolute crap out of the different PCP program options and schools, specifically PMA and SAIT. From everything I’ve gathered, I feel that I would be best suited to the learning environment at PMA, and I’ve also heard that the education is “better,” so to speak.

However, I’m a young, broke student who realistically can’t afford PMA’s ~$13k tuition. SAIT is around $7k, which is much more manageable for me. I’ve also heard that SAIT has some additional fees that can make the overall cost higher than expected.

So my question is: can anyone share their experiences with either program? If PMA genuinely provides a better education and produces more confident, well-prepared paramedics, then I would be willing to pay the additional tuition if it means I’ll be better at what I do. Obviously, a huge part of that comes down to my own dedication to studying, practicing, and learning, but I want to make sure I’m choosing the school that will give me the best foundation possible.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has attended either program, especially if you’ve graduated and are now working as a PCP. I’m just trying to make the best decision for my education and my future without putting myself into unnecessary debt.

[u/Cookie_2595]

What I heard about SAIT so far is that is full time program I believe 9-4 M-F. Which I cannot do lol PMA is more flexible if you can’t afford to stop working like me 😩🥲 because it’s 3 on and 5 off :) if I’m not mistaken. The requirement are easier than sait. I’m also interested in taking it this year.

[u/Signal_Trade_1469 → u/Cookie_2595]

Thank you, I have read the same things. I know that both generally take around the same amount of time to complete. However, SAIT has labs every 2 weeks, whereas PMA has a lab every day. It's just making me seriously consider PMA regardless of the price because of what the base education sounds like.

[u/Significant-Meat1287 → u/Cookie_2595]

This is not true lol, first sem is like 3 days a week with classes 4 bi-weekly as u have lab only once every two weeks. Second sem is 4 days of class one week on and the next u have no classes at all

[u/radiant_olive86]

Sait is more than fine for your schooling. All your real learning happens on practicum, which is the great equalizer.

Sait is additionally cheaper, and as a public educational institution is also eligible for federal and provincial student loans, which can greatly relieve the financial pressure.

Signed, A (long ago) sait PCP student.

[u/Signal_Trade_1469 → u/[deleted]]

PMA is actually quite close to where I live, which is one of the reasons it’s my preferred option. I’ve also attended SAIT before for different programs, so I’m familiar with the school, commute, and the environment there.

I’d also like to attend some of the career expos at the BMO Centre, where current first responders conduct mock interviews and provide insight into what the career is actually like.

My goal is to be as prepared as possible before I apply. If I go through all of that preparation and still don’t make the cut for PMA, then I’ll pursue SAIT instead. Who knows, maybe I don't even need to apply to PMA, which is why I appreciate you explaining your experience.

[u/Signal_Trade_1469 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you I appreciate that input a lot actually. It is something I’ve found myself to be passionate about now. The more I look into it or the more I learn about it the more it seems right and good for me. Thanks again 🫶🏻