Certificate of Pre-Health Sciences

at Red Deer Polytechnic Canada

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate program, offered over 16 months, graduates will have the knowledge and practical skills to work as Human Resources professionals in a variety of Human Resource settings. This program will also prepare graduates for the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.* The program has been specifically developed to align with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta accreditation framework. Graduates of an accredited program who achieve a minimum overall average of 70% (2.7 GPA) in the program may apply to the CPHR to waive the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) requirements towards the CPHR designation with Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Canada (CPHR) member associations**. Graduates who do not achieve a minimum overall average of 70% in the program will be better equipped to write the National Knowledge Exam in preparation to obtain the CPHR designation. The entrance requirement of an undergraduate degree in any field ensures that students in the program will receive instruction commensurate with their background.

Program Outcomes:

• Explain and demonstrate the strategic importance of human resources practices as they relate to the organizational strategy, best practices and trends in human resources.
• Identify key elements of ethical behaviour and professional code of conduct for HR professionals; provide examples to illustrate ability to balance interests, promote organizational values, and manage risk.
• Demonstrate the value of human resources initiatives and their impact on employee engagement and organizational results; explain the importance of involving key stakeholders.
• Identify and explain the components of creating and executing an effective workforce plan and employee value proposition.
• Outline the steps to implement an effective performance management system.
• Identify and explain employment legislation and labour and employee relations strategies used to manage risks and create a respectful, productive and engaging work environment.
• Describe the components of a total rewards structure and outline methods to evaluate a total rewards structure.
• Illustrate the steps involved in job evaluation and market comparison.
• Identify learning priorities and adult learning principles, as well as methods for measuring learning initiatives that support a learning environment, align with business strategy, and provide a return on investment.
• Develop health, wellness and safety policies and procedures in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and standards; promote a healthy workplace as per organizational policy.
• Use metrics and HR information systems to measure and report on effectiveness of key performance indicators, and to make informed decisions.

Forest Technician, Forest Technologist, Forester, Tree Care Specialist, Research Scientist, Timber Scaler, Environmental Technician, Arborist, Biological Technician, Community and Park Planner, Conservation Officer, Environmental Auditor, Landscape Gardener, Interpretive Naturalists, Technical Writer, Environmental Education Specialist, Horticulturist, Sustainability Specialist.

Transfer Features
The courses in this program can be transferred in full to BSc Forestry at University of Alberta. Note that this recommended program does not correspond exactly with the first year at University of Alberta (some courses are from subsequent years in the program). Refer to the University of Alberta calendar for the complete listing of courses under the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences

Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. RDC special interests include: memory and attention, social psychology, physiological psychology, and anomalous experiences.

Program Content
The below schedule is a general pattern that transfers to the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. Check the Alberta Transfer Guide for transfer credit information.

Are you interested in a career in a health or wellness related field, but not sure which program you would like to study? Or perhaps you are interested in one of the Certificate or Diploma programs in Health Sciences, but do  not meet the admission requirements. The Pre-Health Sciences Certificate program is a pathway designed to give students who are interested in a health career the opportunity to explore basic concepts related to health and health care. Students may do this while taking courses in Mathematics and Biology for Health Professions that can be used for admission. The relatively low credit load of the program (22 credits) allows students the opportunity to upgrade other high school courses required for admission while they are in the Certificate program.

Students who complete this one year Certificate program will have the opportunity to explore a variety of health related careers that require either a Certificate or Diploma. They will also develop strong study skills, and, upon completion of the program and fulfilment of additional admission requirements, will be eligible to apply to the following RDC School of Health Sciences programs:

• Kinesiology Diploma
• Medical Lab Assistant Certificate
• Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma
• Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Practical Nurse Diploma

The Bachelor of Commerce program will provide you with background skills and knowledge in the various specialized areas of business, as well as in the humanities and social sciences. Emphasis is on developing the ability to analyze various organizational problems of a human and/or technical nature.

At RDC, students may complete Year 1 and Year 2 of the undergraduate business degree programs offered at Mount Royal University, the University of Alberta, the University of Lethbridge, Athabasca University or other Canadian universities. At RDC, students may complete Year 1 of the program offered at the University of Calgary.

When the student transfers to the University of his/her choice, a specialized area of study (a major) may be selected. These specializations include:

• Accounting
• Computer Science
• Economics
• E-Commerce
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• First Nations' Governance
• Human Resource Management & Labour Relations
• Finance
• International Business
• Marketing
• Political Science
• Supply Chain Management
• Others as offered by the University you choose      

Kinesiology is the study of the science of movement. The program is designed so that students can complete 2 years of studies in order to transfer to a university and then enter the work force or transfer to a university and complete a Bachelor's degree. The program is designed for students wishing to transfer to the University of Alberta. Transfer to other universities is possible with proper program consultation and careful course selection. For university transfer, the courses you select must meet the program requirements of the specific university chosen.

Admission to a university program may be limited by quota. Entry is based on your academic record. You should expect heavy course and program demands and the need for a competitive GPA if you wish to transfer to a university program.

The objective of the program is to educate and prepare qualified leaders in the field of Kinesiology and Sport Studies who:

• are prepared for employment in related fields and agencies in the private and public sectors
• upon completion of a Bachelor's degree may choose to continue their education at the graduate level

This program delivered over two academic years prepares the graduate to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) following graduation and successful completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam. As a LPN, the graduate will provide nursing care in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, the community and other health care agencies.

In this program, you will gain an understanding of the elements of the justice system in Canada, how those elements relate to each other, and how the system works at the local, provincial/territorial, and federal levels. You will learn about the complex origins of crime and criminal behaviour; how to work with other professionals to improve community safety; and how to apply skills in mediation and conflict resolution to communicate effectively in stressful situations. You will also learn about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the connected contemporary issues within the justice system.

Completing this diploma program will allow you to liaise with working professionals in the justice system and to experience what it means to work in the field through a practicum placement.

Understanding the roles and requirements for a number of justice-related professions will prepare you for entry-level positions in the justice field, or degree completion in a Justice Studies or related undergraduate program.

Our program offers:

• Dynamic learning activities
• Blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills
• Dedicated instructors who will help you succeed
• Practicum placement that will give you experience in the justice field

Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes that enable them to:

• Employ oral, written, and non-verbal communication strategies that are appropriate for situation and context
• Analyse elements of the justice system and how they relate to one another
• Interpret federal, provincial, and municipal laws in order to apply them within different areas of the justice system
• Assess systemic issues within the justice system that impact the interactions of Indigenous and Non- Indigenous Canadians with the justice system
• Assess societal inequities for their impact on the justice system and its interactions with various populations
• Work collaboratively as a member of a team, program partnership, and/or interprofessional group
• Describe the impact of global issues on the Canadian justice system
• Assess varying sources of information for accuracy and relevance
• Assess issues in the community and work collaboratively with partners to address these issues
• Consistently and coherently apply moral principles to personal and professional practice
• Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct
• Seek new knowledge, skills, and supports to maintain and improve personal physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being holistically

Students may apply for the program on a full or part-time basis, application requirements and the application process are the same for each stream. Program planning will take place with students during the registration process.

The mission of the Social Work Diploma Program at RDC is to prepare the student for employment as a social worker and to provide a foundation for further post-secondary education through the introduction and integration of: practice skills, theoretical knowledge, and application of social work ethics and values. The Program fulfills its mission by promoting of ethical practice, social and economic justice, respect for and acceptance of diversity among peoples, and relationship building.

Social workers are trained to 'help people help themselves'. The focus of social work is on the interactions between people and their social environment. The program examines how to help people meet the demands of daily life. It looks at how social work seeks to improve people's problem-solving and coping skills, and links them with systems that offer resources, services, and opportunities.