Twenty Red Deer Catholic students are advancing in their studies to become health care aides through a partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic and Clearview School Division.
Students started the Health Care Aide program last year and attended their first lab of 2024-25 this past weekend at RDP’s downtown campus. Hands-on lab experience, which is a critical component of the program, provides students with the practical skills needed for success in the healthcare field.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication to this demanding program. This partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic gives them a head start in a rewarding career path, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed and serve others,” said Tracey Millar, career pathways co-ordinator for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, in a statement.
Students are scheduled to begin their first practicum placements in the summer of 2025 to gain experience working directly with patients and healthcare professionals in clinical settings.
Upon completion of the program, students will graduate in 2026 fully prepared to enter the workforce as certified health care aides.
Red Deer Catholic said the program is an essential pathway for students interested in healthcare, offering them an opportunity to acquire specialized training and make a meaningful impact on patient care in their communities. It also exemplifies the division's commitment to provide students with hands-on, career-focused learning opportunities that align with Alberta’s healthcare needs.
