Bow Valley College has surpassed its goal of achieving 10% enrolment growth in health-related programming, contributing to efforts to address Alberta's projected need for more than 77,000 healthcare professionals between 2025 and 2033.
The enrolment success was achieved through collaborative efforts across the college's School of Health and Wellness, School of Community Studies, and Chiu School of Business.
According to a labour market study commissioned by the college and conducted by EY Canada, Alberta will face significant healthcare labour shortages without new investments in training. With sector labour supply increasing by just over 14,400 by 2033, the gap between supply and demand underscores the need for expanded training capacity.
"This achievement reflects our dedication to meeting the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals," said Dr. Misheck Mwaba, President and CEO of Bow Valley College. "Through teamwork and a focused commitment to student success, we've expanded access to quality health education while maintaining the high standards our programs are known for."
Building Capacity Through the Health Care Centre of Excellence
A goal of the college's Health Care Centre of Excellence is to more than quadruple enrolment from 2,500 Full Load Equivalents to 11,000 FLEs by 2035-36, with graduates projected to more than triple from 750 to 2,500 annually. The college has 14 new health care program areas under development.
"Alberta's population is aging, with seniors over 65 growing faster than any other age group," added Dr. Mwaba. "Despite record population growth in our province, enrolment in health-related programs at colleges has remained stable. We're committed to changing that trajectory."
Program Growth Highlights
The School of Health and Wellness saw Health Care Aide program enrolment more than double compared to the previous year, while the Practical Nurse program also experienced substantial growth through increased intake capacity, additional faculty, and enhanced lab space.
In Community Studies, programs including Disability Studies, Child and Youth Care, Addiction Studies, and Social Work contributed to growth. Addiction Studies will introduce winter intakes beginning in Winter 2027.
The Chiu School of Business achieved a 70% increase in domestic enrolment for the Medical Office Unit Clerk program by introducing a weekend-only cohort, allowing students to complete the certificate while maintaining full-time employment.
Leading Innovation in Healthcare Education
Bow Valley College is both a pioneer, and Canada's largest user of VR clinical simulation learning.
"Our intentional integration of VR in clinical education allows us to better prepare students for the realities of the health care environment, before they ever touch a patient," says Clare Howland, program chair in the School of Health and Wellness. Howland has also conducted extensive research in the implementation and use of simulation technologies.
"Our innovative work has placed us as a national and international leader for simulation-based learning in nursing."
Research suggests one hour of simulation time can replace two hours in clinic, providing immediate feedback and deliberate case assignments that ensure consistent exposure to diverse health scenarios.
The college offers some of the most sought-after healthcare programs in the province, including Healthcare Aide Certificate, Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma, Pharmacy Technician Diploma, Practical Nurse Diploma, and Perioperative Nursing for Registered Nurses.
"Our expanded capacity means more students can access the hands-on, industry-relevant training they need to enter the healthcare field with confidence," said Dr. Mwaba. "To fully realize our vision of quadrupling enrolment by 2033, capital expansion will be essential."
