LAC LA BICHE - Portage College has announced it will be offering a new ‘Pre-Health Sciences Certificate’ program at its Lac La Biche campus starting this fall, in an effort to address healthcare needs in the region.
Students who take the one-year program, according to information from Portage College, will be provided with a foundation for further pursuing careers in the healthcare field. This, in turn, will help to deal with critical shortages in the healthcare industry, particularly in rural Alberta.
Dr. Donna Feledichuk, vice president academic and research for Portage College, said the college is always looking for ways to meet the needs of the communities it serves, along with businesses and industries.
“We know that there is a strong demand for healthcare workers, and providing learners in the northeast with a pathway into healthcare careers will benefit the region for years to come,” stated Feledichuk.
The Pre-Health Sciences Certificate, which is set to run from Aug. 28, 2025, to May 29, 2026, is geared towards those who are interested in health-related fields, but who are unsure of what career path to take.
Students who take the Pre-Health Sciences Certificate will be introduced to core concepts in health, including anatomy, medical terminology, and healthcare ethics. The program focuses on essential skills such as studying, writing, information literacy, and digital literacy.
“These competencies will prepare students for further healthcare education and entry-level positions in healthcare settings,” according to information from Portage College. “It offers students the opportunity to explore various healthcare professions while building essential academic skills.”
Stephanie Solarz, the dean of foundational learning, university transfer, and arts at Portage College, praised the program.
“By offering accessible education close to home, this program empowers students to pursue in-demand roles and improve healthcare access in their communities,” said Solarz.
According to Portage College, courses for the Pre-Health Sciences Certificate will be offered online, with options for face-to-face and hyflex classes in Lac La Biche. There is also a component of the program that offers practicum placements designed to provide hands-on experience for students.
Maddison McKee, a spokesperson for the Alberta Ministry of Health, said Portage College’s new Pre-Health Sciences Certificate is a great initiative to help address rural healthcare shortages by bringing learning closer to home.
“This one-year program, delivered in a hybrid format, helps rural students get foundational academic and practical skills that will help them pursue careers in healthcare,” McKee told Lakeland This Week. “It also exposes students to a range of healthcare jobs from nursing to paramedicine, helping them make informed decisions and increasing the likelihood they’ll continue their education and eventually build their careers in rural communities.”
