Lakeland College’s Health Care Aide Cohort in Wainwright recently had 17 students graduate from the eight-month certificate program. It followed the same delivery model offered at the Lloydminster campus and was taught by Lakeland instructor Joan Green at the Wainwright Health Centre.
“Everyone who started the program finished it, with 13 of the 17 enrolled students already working in the health care aide field. All of the students were very motivated because they could take it closer to home and help the community meet the demand for health care aides,” says Judy Sarsons, dean of the School of Health, Wellness & University Transfer.
For students already working, they say it opened up new doors for them.
“I wanted to stay in the medical field and I like working with elderly people, so I decided to step up and do something else by enrolling in the program,” says Graduate Charlene Paulgaard.
She adds, “I loved the program, because it was very hands on and the theory was really good too. I also enjoyed the classroom and the people I worked with.”
Students also credit small class size for their success.
“Because there were fewer students, I had more opportunity for one-on-one moments with my teacher which helped better my education,” says Graduate Farrah Salmond.
The program was offered in due to a partnership between Lakeland College, Town of Wainwright Economic Development, and Wainwright Adult Learning.
Going forward the program will be offered every two to three years in Wainwright depending on demand.