University College of the North (UCN) will offer Health Care Aide programs in three communities beginning early next year.
In February 2024, up to twenty-seven students will be accepted into a Health Care Aide certificate program in Swan River, The Pas, and Thompson. The 20-week Health Care Aide certificate program will be taught in person at all three sites and includes a combination of theory and clinical instruction. When students complete the program at the end of June 2024, they will be well prepared to enter various clinical settings within the health care system.
"The Health Care Aide program represents a first step on what can become an exciting, rewarding health care career journey," said Helga Bryant, UCN's Dean of Health. "We are grateful to our healthcare partners who collaborate with us by welcoming and supporting our students in clinical placements as part of their education."
The three new program offerings will help fill significant Health Care Aide vacancies in the health system. Health Care Aide vacancies in northern Manitoba are as high as 50% in some areas, resulting in the closure of beds and reduced service delivery to northerners.
"UCN is responding to a critical need in the north," said Doug Lauvstad, UCN's President and Vice-Chancellor. "In partnership with northern communities, and with the collaboration of employers, the Health Care Aide profession is one of several occupational areas with labour shortages where UCN can respond with programming to help fill the gap."
UCN also delivers rotating Health Care Aide programs organized in communities upon request and based on demonstrated need. In January 2024, a Health Care Aide certificate program offering is planned for delivery in Churchill, and discussions to offer the program in Flin Flon in the near future have begun.
University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.
