New programs announced at Red Deer Polytechnic

Degrees, certificate, diploma and micro-credentials added

Red Deer Polytechnic continues to expand its program offerings to learners with a complement of two new degrees, one certificate and a diploma, and two micro-credentials. 

Earlier today, the Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, announced approval for the Polytechnic to offer its own Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees to its breadth of program options. 

"These new programs help empower local students to achieve success close to home, but they’re also a win for Red Deer and central Alberta. This is an exciting opportunity both to connect Alberta’s students to jobs, and to attract learners to our growing province," says Minister Nicolaides. 

Prospective Bachelor of Education Degree students may apply now to begin their first year of study in the Bachelor of Education Degree at the Polytechnic in Fall 2022 Term. The Bachelor of Business Administration Degree will welcome its first group of learners the following year. In the meantime, the institution’s current business administration programming will remain in place, offering students a pathway into the new degree in Fall 2023.

“This is an exciting time for the Red Deer Polytechnic community. We continue to expand programming choices designed to meet the diverse needs of students, industry, and communities,” says, Kylie Thomas, Red Deer Polytechnic’s Vice President, Academic and Provost.

“Through consultation with a variety of stakeholders, we developed quality and relevant curriculum with engaging work-integrated learning and applied research opportunities designed to position our students for success in their future careers.”

Savannah Snow, President of the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic, sees the new program options as a strong benefit for students. “This is a monumental win for students,” she says.

“Students wishing to pursue education in central Alberta will be able to learn and live close to their support systems. We are taking measurable steps towards eliminating brain drain in our region – a process that I’m so proud to be a part of. I’m excited for the future, for Red Deer Polytechnic students and the community it serves.”

Along with the expansion of degree offerings, a Therapeutic Massage Therapy Diploma and Paralegal Certificate will also be offered in the 2022/2023 academic year through the Polytechnic’s Division of Extended Education. The Paralegal Certificate is currently the only one of its kind offered in Alberta.

New micro-credentials in Elder Care Aide and Transitional-Vocational Programming will also begin in Fall 2022. These micro-credentials assist students in meeting their immediate academic, career and personal goals while providing opportunities to build upon their future educational priorities.

“Since we became a polytechnic institution eight months ago, we have worked collaboratively to help shape our unique path forward,” says Jim Brinkhurst, Red Deer Polytechnic Interim President.

“The variety of academic pathways will help our learners achieve their career goals and meet the evolving needs of industry and our region. We are on a positive trajectory moving forward with increased opportunities for students to complete their programs in central Alberta.”

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Photo (from left to right): His Worship Ken Johnston, Mayor of The City of Red Deer, Jason Stephan, MLA for Red Deer-South, The Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, Savannah Snow, President, Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic, The Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education, Guy Pelletier, Chair, Red Deer Polytechnic Board of Governors, His Worship, Jim Wood, Mayor of Red Deer County, Jim Brinkhurst, Red Deer Polytechnic Interim President and Kylie Thomas, Red Deer Polytechnic Vice President Academic and Provost.

For media inquiries, contact:

brent [dot] forster [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (Brent Forster) or shelley [dot] newman [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (Shelley Newman)
Communications Strategists – Corporate
Red Deer Polytechnic