Alberta’s colleges are shifting to respond to the need of the economy by responding to the needs of the labour market by updating their curriculum.  As a result, the Red Deer College and several other colleges will be launching new programs in the fall of 2021 and making updates to their course delivery.

Recently, Red Deer College has been approved to offer a Bachelors of Science but some of their unique labs will also help students prepare for the current industries. The High-Fidelity Simulation Lab creates complex and realistic scenarios for health care students, give students the skills needed to excel in industry. The Alternative Energy Lab gives students the skills needed to install, operate, and maintain alternative energy system.  

RDC High-Fidelity Simulation Lab: Using high-fidelity mannequins or standardized patients in simulated scenarios, RDC students experience realistic situations to prepare them for careers in the healthcare sector. Photo provided by RDC. 

“Red Deer College is proud to provide our students with work-integrated learning opportunities. This provides learners at RDC, and in all of Alberta’s colleges, with a competitive advantage as they graduate and find success in their chosen careers,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, RDC President.

For the 2021 school year, RDC will be offering online, blended, and hy-flex courses. The hy-flex options give students the opportunity to select on-site or online learning, where possible. Of course, some labs will need to be attended in-person when hands-on experience is a valuable component to instruction and education.

“Our students are excited about the increased on-site learning opportunities for Fall term, while still having the ability to choose from several course delivery options that best meet their needs and circumstances throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” says Kylie Thomas, RDC Vice President Academic and Research.

Additionally, the school has updated their COVID-19 resources and the RDC health and safety protocols for the 2021 school year.

On April 20, new students will be able to select their courses, labs, shops, and seminars. Current students will be able to select their courses starting on May 18.

RDC Science Lab: More students interested in studying biological sciences will be able to do so at Red Deer College. RDC's new Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences is among the new programs being offered at Alberta's colleges this fall. Photo provided by RDC. 

This article was written with files from Red Deer College and Alberta Colleges.