Hero

News

Stay Informed On What's Happening At RDP

Red Deer Polytechnic is proud of the diverse students, faculty, staff, partners, alumni and others who are part of the Polytechnic community. Read the latest news and blogs about Red Deer Polytechnic's people, programs and initiatives.

RDP News

A group shot of Stuart Callum, Lloyd Desjarlais, Caitlin Fox and Scott Bollman
Scotiabank Donates $250,000 to Support Land Based Learning & Reconciliation Space at RDP
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has received a significant boost in education and cultural enrichment with a generous $250,000 pledge from ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank’s social impact initiative that helps remove barriers to career advancement and employment. The funding will contribute to the establishment of the Land Based Learning and Reconciliation Initiative that aims to create a dedicated space on campus for learning, community engagement and the promotion of Indigenous traditions and teachings. “Elders and staff at RDP have identified an on-campus location which is an ideal setting for an Outdoor Learning Space, located on the south side of the campus adjacent to Waskasoo Creek, the space features a natural amphitheater, pathways and ample open space suitable for a range of programming,” comments Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives. “The space, surrounded by abundant wildlife and access to naturally growing medicinal plants sacred to Indigenous communities, will serve as a dynamic venue for integrating cultural and Indigenous perspectives across all of our academic programs.” Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic, emphasized the significance of Scotiabank's contribution: "We are immensely thankful for this generous donation from Scotiabank, which will allows us to offer distinct educational and cultural experiences to our students, faculty, staff, and
Two female students stand in front of an audience with a presentation being projected called "Bee Barcoding"
RDP Students Showcase Research at Conferences
Red Deer Polytechnic continues to provide opportunities for students to engage in applied research that advances the economic and social priorities of communities.   Recently, Red Deer Polytechnic hosted the Student Science Conference and Agora Conference which celebrated and shared the research that was conducted by RDP learners.   “As a polytechnic institution, we provide enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities that prepare students for the workforce and meet the needs of industry,” says Chad Flinn, Associate Vice President, Academic. “The Student Science Conference and Agora Conference showcased diverse projects and applied research that was conducted by students in several academic disciplines, complementing their education and helping to create real-world solutions.”  At the two-day Student Science Conference, attendees were able to view a range of posters and discuss the findings with student researchers. Guests also had opportunities to expand their learning by attending formal student presentations on a variety of scientific topics.   In addition, the Student Science Conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Jeff Biernaskie, Professor of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Biernaskie’s research focuses on stem cell biology and tissue regeneration in the skin and brain.  The Agora Conference also provided opportunities for RDP students
A group of nursing students in purple scrubs working on equipment while instructor watches
RDP Creates Accelerated Practical Nurse Diploma Pathway
Red Deer Polytechnic has become the first post-secondary institution in Alberta to offer an accelerated pathway for health care professionals to complete the Practical Nurse Diploma program. This program is designed for internationally educated nurses or internationally trained health care professionals and Canadian health care professionals interested in completing the Practical Nurse program at an accelerated pace. Applicants must have earned a domestic or international health care credential within the past 10 years. Through a variety of evaluation tools, applicants may receive prior learning credit toward courses in the first year of the two-year diploma, potentially reducing the duration of the program in half. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are extremely proud to be a leader among post-secondary institutions in providing an accelerated Practical Nurse pathway for health care professionals,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “This program demonstrates the commitment from RDP to align learner-centric programming with industrial and societal needs, helping to fulfill labour market demand within the health care sector.” Students can demonstrate prior learning and competencies in first-year Practical Nurse courses that include Anatomy and Pharmacology by completing individual assessments, such as case studies, exams and presentations. “This accelerated Practical Nurse Diploma program