LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE
Lethbridge Polytechnic to offer new Primary Care Paramedic, General Arts and Science, and Trades certificates

Lethbridge Polytechnic will soon be offering its own Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program, in addition to new certificates in Trades and in General Arts and Science.

The PCP certificate program has been offered on the Lethbridge Polytechnic campus for more than a decade, although until now, it has been delivered in partnership with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).

The entry-level medical program uses a combination of simulation training, practicum placements in active treatment hospitals, training in advanced life support ambulance services and experience working with other allied health professionals.

"Paramedics are in high demand, and our industry partners have already told us how eager they are to offer placements for student work-integrated learning," says Debra Bardock, dean, Centre for Health and Wellness. "We are also working closely with Blood Tribe Emergency Services to encourage Indigenous students to enrol in the program to help increase representation in Indigenous communities and across southern Alberta."

Both Lethbridge Polytechnic and NAIT will remain close partners through a curriculum sharing agreement that will see the institutions collaborate on curriculum updates as the paramedicine professions evolve.

Applications are currently being accepted for a January 2025 intake.

Lethbridge Polytechnic has also made changes to its Trades programming ahead of the next academic year.

Several pre-employment programs have transitioned to certificate programs. These include Pre-Powerline Technician, Pre-Carpenter, Pre-Electrician, Pre-Pipe Trades and Pre-Welder certificates.

Sheldon Anderson, dean, Centre for Trades, says this change supports economic and industry needs by addressing the shortage of skilled tradespeople in the workforce.

"These programs are designed as pathways that lead into their respective apprenticeship programs while also providing work-integrated learning opportunities so students can earn hours toward their apprenticeship," he says. "Converting to credit programming also allows the courses to become dual credit offerings for partnerships with local high schools, providing more students with an introduction to the trades."

Additionally, the Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences has been given approval by Alberta Advanced Education to offer three new one-year certificate programs within the General Arts and Science area of programming:

• General Arts and Science certificate - a strategic and flexible option for self-discovery and career development that allows students to customize their course load to suit their unique goals and interests.
• General Arts and Science (Science Pathway) certificate - a program that focuses on a curriculum in science and will appeal to students wanting to transfer into the second year of a science diploma or degree program.
• General Arts and Science (Kinesiology) certificate - a program that will appeal to students interested in pursuing a qualification in kinesiology. It offers courses with transfer credits to diploma and degree programs at other post-secondary institutions.

"The new one-year certificate programs are the ideal starting point - and springboard to the future - for prospective students who are ready for a post-secondary education but not yet sure of their focus or career path," says Dr. Kevin Smith, dean, Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences. "These programs offer flexibility for students who wish to acquire a broad education in the arts and sciences in preparation for employment, to obtain the necessary qualifications or grade point average for acceptance into other Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, or to earn course credits that will transfer to other institutions."

The first intake for the General Arts and Science and Science Pathway specializations will be Fall 2024. The Kinesiology certificate will be offered starting in Fall 2025.