Through growing its healthcare programming in rural and remote communities, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is helping to shape Alberta's healthcare future by delivering responsive programs and preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of communities.
Red Deer Polytechnic will welcome students into a new cohort of its Health Care Aide (HCA) program in Camrose, starting next year. This means that local students can complete the one-year HCA certificate in Camrose, without having to relocate to Red Deer.
The Camrose HCA program is accepting up to 16 students who will begin their studies in January 2027. Students will take theory courses online and complete labs at the training space in The Bethany Group's Heritage Building. The HCA program runs from January through August 2027. Individuals can apply now through Red Deer Polytechnic.
Rural healthcare programming in central Alberta communities, such as Camrose, is provided through Campus Alberta Central (CAC), a joint venture between Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and Red Deer Polytechnic. Community learning partnership sites, such as in Camrose, provide access to information, technology and support to help ensure students have a positive learning experience.
For the new HCA program, the Bethany Group has donated space for the healthcare training lab and CAC is funding lab equipment costs including hospital beds, Manikins and health care supplies. The HCA program is intended to be offered in Camrose every two years.
"Campus Alberta Central and Red Deer Polytechnic are pleased to partner with the Bethany Group to expand healthcare education in Camrose through this new Health Care Aide program," comments Cody McCarroll, Executive Director, Campus Alberta Central. "Bringing post-secondary education to rural learners makes higher education more accessible and affordable while helping to improve healthcare provision across the region. Thank you to The Bethany Group for generously donating space to host these valuable programs."
Training healthcare workers where they live helps to address critical labour shortages in rural healthcare. With 12 credit health programs, RDP contributes to Alberta's healthcare talent pipeline through more than 1,100 seats annually. By providing education and training in rural communities, students don't have to uproot their lives and families. Learners form relationships with local healthcare providers during their studies as they participate in clinical and practicum placements. Campus Alberta Central's data shows that 80 per cent of students who complete their programs in rural areas proceed to live and work in rural communities after graduation.
"The need for trained professionals stretches across the continuing care system as well as the greater healthcare system," adds Carla Beck, CEO. "The Bethany Group is proud to partner with Red Deer Polytechnic and Campus Alberta Central to contribute to meeting the workforce needs while keeping the learners in our rural communities. I appreciate the opportunity to support RDP, CAC and the learners on this system initiative."
"Our Heath Care Aide Certificate is a high-demand program. By expanding to more community sites through Campus Alberta Central, we can educate more healthcare workers who support rural and remote communities," says Heather Dirks, Dean, School of Health and Wellness at Red Deer Polytechnic. "At RDP, we are pleased to help address the rural and remote healthcare workforce shortage that we are experiencing in Alberta."
The new HCA program in Camrose expands on other programming in this city. Since September 2025, 13 students have been studying in the Practical Nurse Diploma (LPN) through CAC. A new intake of 16 students for the PN Diploma is planned for Fall 2027. Applications will open in October 2026. CAC also offers Practical Nurse and Health Care Aide in Ponoka, Drumheller, Stettler and Rocky Mountain House to approximately 90 learners.
For details about RDP's Health Care Aide Certificate, visit: rdpolytech.ca/HCA.
