As part of its commitment to creating new and additional pathways for student success, Lethbridge Polytechnic will be offering two new certificate programs and one revamped certificate for the Fall 2025 semester: General Arts and Science - A'paitsitapisksinimaattsaa, General Arts and Science - Kinesiology, and Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk. Applications for all three are currently being accepted.
Open to domestic and international students, A'paitsitapisksinimaattsaa (Weasel People Education) is an introductory post-secondary certificate program that uses land-based learning to educate students about Blackfoot identity and relationships.
"A'paitsitapisksinimaattsaa is our way of teaching about the land and finding ways to integrate land-based knowledge into students' everyday lives," says Marcia Black Water, instructor, Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences. "In Blackfoot culture, weasels are viewed as the mark of a leader or a strong knowledge keeper. It's an honour to teach students about the rich Blackfoot culture, heritage and people."
Instructors will teach vital skills related to traditional Blackfoot knowledge and land practices to broaden students' understanding of the unique and diverse cultural experiences of the A'paitsitapi, also known as Weasel People or Blood Tribe.
For more information about the A'paitsitapisksinimaattsaa certificate, visit lethpolytech.ca/programs-and-courses/general-arts-and-science-indigenous.
Domestic and international students looking to take their first steps in the world of medicine and physical activity can enrol in the General Arts and Science - Kinesiology certificate. In just one year, students will gain skills in both theory and practice that apply to kinesiology-related degree programs within Canada and abroad.
"Kinesiology is a dynamic and globally relevant field, and your time at Lethbridge Polytechnic will start the path towards a meaningful career studying human movement," says Jillian Hallworth, chair, General Arts and Science certificates. "This program reflects our commitment to providing unique, hands-on experiences that prepare students for success in their careers."
To learn more about the Kinesiology certificate program, visit lethpolytech.ca/kinesiology.
The polytechnic will also be offering a revamped Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate for domestic students interested in a practical introduction to health-care administration. The program can be completed in just 20 weeks and provides students with 120 hours of practicum experience after they learn essential skills in the classroom. Lessons include medical terminology, reception and administration, health-care records management and more.
"As the unit clerk career path evolves in Alberta, we are proud to offer modernized programming that teaches students foundational skills to work in a variety of health care settings," says Deanna Gonnelly, associate dean, Centre for Health and Wellness.
Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk students will complete hands-on work-integrated learning experiences throughout their program. Possible employment positions vary for graduates but include administrative roles in doctors' and medical offices, hospitals and hospice facilities and long-term care facilities.
To learn more about the Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk certificate program, visit lethpolytech.ca/moa-uc. An experiential tour, provided by an instructor and current student in the Unit Clerk program, will also take place at Winter Open House on March 15.
For more information on these certificates, or to learn about the more than 60 programs offered at Lethbridge Polytechnic, how to apply and what scholarships may be available, register for Winter Open House or visit lethpolytech.ca.
Lethbridge Polytechnic has been a leader in education and innovation since becoming Canada's first publicly funded community college in 1957. Each year, we welcome thousands of students in more than 60 certificate, diploma, degree and apprenticeship programs ranging from health care, business, public safety, human services, environmental and agricultural sciences, trades, design and technology.
Our students benefit from experienced instructors, small class sizes, flexible learning possibilities and programs that are career-ready, hands-on and industry responsive. With clear pathways to other institutions, work-integrated learning opportunities with community partners and cutting-edge applied research, our students gain the skills and experience they need to move into the careers they love. At Lethbridge Polytechnic, we are a place where people come together to learn and grow no matter where they are on their educational journey.
