The University College of the North (UCN) has been awarded $619,000 to expand Health Care Aide training seats from 30 to 130. This greatly enhances access to health care education in The Pas, Swan River, and Thompson, along with additional rotating sites.
"Health care aides provide essential direct patient care, and this funding allows us to expand our reach to multiple communities," said Cindy Woodson, UCN Dean of Health. "With in-person instruction at all three sites, we can better support our healthcare partners and the communities they serve. This investment is welcomed by both the health care and education sectors."
This expansion addresses the critical vacancy rate of 50% in health care aide positions, ensuring that more trained professionals can enter the workforce to meet the growing demand in Northern Manitoba.
The UCN Health Care Aide program prepares graduates to support patients and families experiencing common short-term and chronic health challenges. Students learn to provide personal care safely and ethically before engaging in direct client support. Graduates are equipped to deliver empathetic, person-centered, and culturally sensitive care that complies with established legal health care practice guidelines.
For more information or to apply to the UCN Health Care Aide program, visit: UCN.ca/HCA
