Advanced First Aid (AFA) Training

The CFRC has a pretty comprehensive admissions policy which students should review before applying. The highlights of the requirements for this program are: 

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Drivers License (Or equivalent)
• Legal Right to work in Canada (we do not currently accept international students)
• English Language Proficiency (in accordance to the CFRC Language Proficiency Policy)
• High School Diploma, GED, or letter requesting Mature Admission
• Proof of age (minimum 18 years of age)
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C (or equivalent/higher - from an approved training provider)

The Advanced First Aid (AFA) program is delivered in an in-class format, meaning that the entirety of the program is delivered in person. The course includes the Basic Life Support (BLS) training as well.

AFA Program Highlights:

• Approximately 80 hours of in-person training 
• Provides you with the basic theoretical knowledge and skills required to provide appropriate patient assessments, interventions, and on-going care, including the transportation of a patient to a healthcare facility.
• The electronic version of the textbook for this program is available for free to all students and is automatically sent out after tuition payment has been received.
• Stay at the complimentary College dorms - no fees!  

BLS Program Highlights:

• Approximately 6 hours of in-person training
• Designed to build participant confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills in a team environment for professionals with a duty to respond. 
• Teaches the important steps to perform a rapid assessment, perform Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, and perform rapid defibrillation including use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 
• Includes airway management and oxygen administration training to further improve patient care and survivability.

There are two official Red Cross certifications earned upon successful completion of the training program, they are:

Canadian Red Cross Advanced First Aid

Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support

This Advanced First Aid course provides graduates with AFA and BLS certifications necessary to apply for firefighting positions across Canada. Many workplaces also have designated First Aid Attendants, or similar positions, which require staff to receive this level of training.

This program is Exempt from licenseing through Alberta Advanced Eduation as it is intended to improve existing skills, and is of a low enrolment duration.

When you attend the practical component, you will be given the opportunity to stay overnight at the college dormitories. While there is no fee for this living arrangement, expect to not be staying at the Ritz! Students who demand a more luxurious living arrangement will have to seek it out at their own expense. The dormitories feature private rooms, with shared washroom and kitchen facilities.  

The EMR practical component does have set dates that students must apply before, and select dates they must attend our campus on. Students must pick one scheduled class to attend from the list below: 

Class 261AFA - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
• Start Date: April 6, 2026
• End Date: April 17, 2026

Class 262AFA - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: June 6, 2026
• Start Date: July 6, 2026
• End Date: July 17, 2026

Class 263AFA - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: September 5, 2026
• Start Date: October 26, 2026
• End Date: October 16, 2026

Class 264AFA - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
• Start Date: November 30, 2026
• End Date: December 11, 2026

All classes are hosted at the CFRC Red Deer Campus located at 3420 22 Street, Springbrook.

The CFRC Breaks down pricing for the Advanced First Aid course into a few different payment plan options so students don't have to pay a large sum all at once. Students will be given the opportunity to apply for a payment plan as part of their program application. 

Advanced First Aid: Canadian Red Cross

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $950.00

TOTAL: $1,100.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

These tuition payments must be made by certain deadlines prior to attending the practical component of the course. 

Tuition payments cannot be made until a student has submitted an application and been accepted into the program.

Need a loan? We have partnered with Loans Canada to provide financial options to students. Take a look at our tialored financial solutions.

The only fees that students may encounter that not included with their tuition are:

Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Reference Text:

• The paperback version of the text can be purchased for $198 directly through the College and will be issued on the first day of class if ordered. Is purchased in tuition payment portal (link received upon acceptance into program).
• E-Book version can be downloaded for free online.

Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support Field Guide: 

• The paperback version of the text can be purchased for $32 directly through the College and will be issued on the first day of class if ordered. Is purchased in tuition payment portal (link received upon acceptance into program).
• E-Book version can be downloaded for free online.

Food during your stay: 

• The College kitchen provides 3 meals per day if you subscribe to a meal-plan (optional). The meal-subscription for this course cost $450. You can register and pay for meal plans after being accepted into a program.
• NOTE* There is no meal-service provided by the college on weekends or holidays.

Travel costs to and from campus: 

• Travel to and from the Edmonton International Airport or the Calgary International Airport, the cost of flights, or if you travel directly to the school via car or bus will all cost you money. The nearest airport to the CFRC campus is the Calgary Airport (YYC), however the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is only a few kilometers further away. These airports are both approximately a 1 hour drive from the college facility. One-way travel via Red Arrow bus-lines costs from $40 - $64, however a rideshare or taxi from Red Deer to the Campus will need to be purchased as well which will cost from $30-$50 ($70-$114 one-way total). The Red Arrow Pick-up and Drop-off location in Red Deer is 7150 50 Ave, Red Deer, Alberta (in front of the Quality Inn), and the college address is 3410 21 Street, Springbrook, Alberta.  
• If you need to book a flight, click here to see what is available and for pricing.

Before you apply, it is a good idea to reach out to an admissions specialist. 

You can book a video chat appointment with one, or send them an email. Click here to get started.

Ready to apply? Click on the link here to begin the application package.