A one-year professional development program with Christian foundations in Bible and discipleship. Students will gain technical and leadership skills that will launch them into various outdoor and emergency service careers.
Emergency Rescue Technician (ERT) Certificate
With the one-year Emergency Rescue Technician (ERT) certificate from Columbia, you’ll graduate with 25 academic credits. You will be eligible to transfer into Year 2 of many of our diploma and degree programs, including the Diploma or Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology and the Diploma in Outdoor Leadership. You may also be able to transfer your credits to another institution (see our transfer guides).
Certifications
The ERT certificate includes the following certifications:
- Emergency Medical Responder – recognized by BC Emergency Health Services. To be licensed as a working EMR, you will need to take a licensing exam. EMR is the first step to becoming a BC paramedic.
- Advanced Rope Rescue (EMBC-recognized)
- Avalanche Safety 1 & 2 (Canadian Avalanche Association)
Program Schedule
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Expect to be on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays, taking core Bible college classes like Old Testament Survey, the Church in Mission, and Spiritual Formation. You’ll also be able to go to Thursday morning chapels and connect with the Columbia community.
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS
Three eight-hour days a week, and two four-day overnight training operations, are set aside specifically for ERT training over an eight-month span. What this means is that our students, in one year, receive more face to face, hands on training in the field than all the classroom training combined. This allows us to not only train to some of the highest standards in medical, rope rescue and avalanche safety but to also put those skills to practice on the road to personal mastery.
Our year is composed of six, month-plus long training units as follows:
- ERT 1 – Wilderness Operations
- Rope Rescue Technician Level 2+
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Avalanche Safety
- ERT 2 – Wilderness Operations
- ERT Skills Evaluation
Hands-on First Responder Training
- Emergency Medical Response
- Advanced Rope Rescue
- Advanced Safety Training
- Mountain Rescue Operations
- Search & Rescue
Go Beyond Hard Skills
Develop Solid Christian Character
When crisis hits, you need to be grounded in what really matters. In the ERT program, you’ll develop your mind and soul along with your skills. Your classes will deepen your faith and give you tools for following Jesus 24/7.
Become a Strong Leader
A core focus of the ERT certificate is helping you learn how to take the lead in a crisis. You’ll finish your year with the confidence to make wise decisions that save lives, prevent injuries, and get the job done.
Experience Teamwork
Because we’ve packaged these rescue courses together, you’ll train alongside the same people over eight full months. You’ll learn how to collaborate, rely on each other, and push each other to reach your potential.
Experience Teamwork
Because we’ve packaged these rescue courses together, you’ll train alongside the same people over eight full months. You’ll learn how to collaborate, rely on each other, and push each other to reach your potential.
Enjoy West Coast Training
There is no better place than the West Coast to learn emergency rescue skills. You’ll experience terrain that ranges from mountains to ravines to rivers and oceans.
Program Objectives
To view the Program Objectives for the Certificate in Emergency Rescue Technician, click here.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
Requirements & Fees
ERT students pay additional course fees to cover the costs of technical training and out-trips. Each student also needs to buy his or her own set of gear, listed in the equipment checklist.
2024-2025 Program Fees
See the Tuition and Fees page for the cost breakdown for all programs.
| Description | Cost (2024-2025) |
| Student Application Fee | $50.00 |
| Tuition | $9,375.00 |
| Course Fees | $3,450.00 |
| Textbooks | $500.00 |
| Course Materials | Approximately $2,000.00 (student is responsible for purchasing equipment) |
| Administrative Fee (applicable for payment plans) | $100.00 |
| Total: | $15,475.00 |
| OTHER FEES | |
| Deposit (towards total amount of tuition) | $800.00 |
| Residence* | $3,300.00 |
| Meal Plan* | $4,000.00 |
| Resident Student Fees (Stucco, Recreation Fee, Technology Fee, Residence Programming Fee)* | $430.00 |
| Resident Student Parking Fee (Optional)** | $200.00 |
| Commuter Fees (Stucco, Recreation Fee, Technology Fee)* | $300.00 |
| Commuter Student Parking Fee (Optional)** | $168.00 |
| International Student Medical Plan*** | $190.00 |
| Bible Software Fee | $15.00 |
| Grad Fee | $150.00 |
*Students have the option to be either a Resident or Commuter.
**If student does not park a car on campus, they do not have to pay the parking fee.
***International students: Medical plan is mandatory.
Connect with Us
“I have learned to grow in my faith with professors who push me to dive deeper into the Bible and ask questions, I’ve grown in allowing space to be guided by the Spirit and trusting in the process, and mostly I’ve grown in experiencing my salvation in the beautiful creation of British Columbia!”
—Allie P, Emergency Rescue Technician Program
“I have grown so much during this time, though most noticeably in my confidence. Before CBC I was very quiet, avoiding conversation and would often become quite nervous in situations where I needed to speak to those who I didn’t know very well. Since coming to CBC, I am far more comfortable speaking to others and sharing my experiences, often opening up in conversation and have worked multiple jobs where conversation is the main focus of the job.
My time at CBC has reinvigorated my passion for helping others. I plan to continue working in the rescue industry working towards further certifications in paramedicine and working as a ski patroller in the winters.”
—Owen T
