The government is extending the tuition bursary program for paramedic and emergency medical technician students to help recruit and retain more front-line health-care professionals in New Brunswick.
The program is open to graduates from six approved training programs who commit to working for Ambulance New Brunswick. Initially, it was available only to those beginning their studies or graduating between June 11, 2025, and March 31, 2026. It will now also include students who begin their studies after March 31, 2026.
"We need more trained professionals to join Ambulance New Brunswick so that they are available to care for New Brunswickers when an emergency arises," said Premier Susan Holt. "By extending this program, we are making it easier for people to choose a career in paramedicine and to build that career here at home."
Primary care paramedic and advanced care paramedic bursary recipients must sign a two-year return-of-service agreement, while emergency medical technicians must sign a one-year agreement. The bursary covers eligible tuition costs and is paid in two instalments: half when employment begins and the remainder upon completion of the return-of-service agreement.
Graduates must also receive a licence from the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick.
"We are committed to ensuring our health-care professionals are supported within a well-staffed system and that New Brunswickers can access care when they need it," said Health Minister John Dornan. "Since the program launched, 49 graduates have already received their first bursary payment, helping them start their careers with Ambulance New Brunswick. We are encouraged by this strong uptake and look forward to welcoming even more paramedics and emergency medical technicians into the system."
The program is available to those studying to become primary care paramedics or emergency medical technicians at Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, Medavie HealthEd, Omni Life Support Training and Consulting, and Oulton College. It is also available to students in advanced care paramedics programs at Holland College and Medavie HealthEd.
"It's certainly good to see the extension of this educational bursary reimbursement program. It is an important tool in our efforts to recruit paramedics in what remains a very competitive environment," said Craig Dalton, CEO of Extra-Mural/Ambulance New Brunswick. "One of our key priorities is to build and maintain a full staffing complement of paramedics, helping us to provide better work-life balance for our teams who do such excellent work caring for their fellow New Brunswickers each and every day."
"Today's announcement is a call to action," said Courtney Croucher-Fillmore, treasurer of the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick. "To anyone considering a career in paramedicine, and to those already in the profession who are thinking about furthering their education, this is your moment to step forward and take on that challenge. New Brunswick needs you, health care needs you, and there has never been a better time to be part of the future of paramedicine."
"As a post-secondary institution in Moncton, we are proud to play a role in supporting the future of our city and province," said Darcie Reidpath, president of Oulton College. "We are committed to preparing students who are ready to step directly into the workforce, and initiatives like this bursary make a real difference. This kind of support helps remove financial barriers and creates a clear, direct pathway into the workforce."
"We welcome the continuation of this funding for the training of emergency medical technicians and paramedics," said Julie Cyr, dean of the school of health sciences at Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick. "New Brunswick must be able to rely on a competent and well-trained workforce to support paramedic services across the province. This financial support helps enhance access to French-language training aligned with the needs of the sector, and contributes in a sustainable way to workforce development in this essential field."
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