Find your place in health care

A student performing a checkup on a simulation mannequin
 

By 2035 Alberta will need 46%+ more health workers

Health care needs every kind of talent, on the front lines or behind the scenes. Explore diverse careers that contribute to quality care across the health-care system.

Learning grounded in real-world care

Discover programs that build the practical skills, professional judgment, and people-centred approach needed in today's evolving health-care sector.

Dental Office Assistant

Earn a specialization in Data Analytics and Business Intelligence. Build data processing and workplace skills for digital careers.


Outcome

Certificate

Length

1 term

This program has an open admissions pathway

Health Care Aide

Train in one of Canada’s largest Health Care Aide programs and learn to provide front-line care and support in hospitals, home care, and continuing care.


Outcome

Certificate

Length

2 or 3 terms

Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant

Become an Interdisciplinary Therapy assistant with the skills to assist in occupational, physical, therapeutic recreation, and speech-language therapy.


Outcome

Diploma

Length

6 or 9 terms

Mental Health and Addiction Support Worker

Prepare for a fulfilling frontline career supporting individuals in recovery from mental health and addiction challenges.
Outcome

Diploma

Length

4 terms

This program has an open admissions pathway

Mental Health Recovery Practitioner

Gain the knowledge and skills to identify and understand mental health needs and support clients navigate mental health systems.


Outcome

Post-diploma certificate

Length

2 terms

Medical Office Assistant

Learn the skills you need as a medical office assistant in only 12 weeks, including scheduling, billing, basic clinical skills, and software. 


Outcome

Certificate

Length

1 term

This program has an open admissions pathway

Pharmacy Assistant

Earn a Pharmacy Assistant Certificate in just six months with flexible online courses, hands-on in-person training, and pharmacy work experience.
Outcome

Certificate

Length

2 terms

Veterinary Office Assistant

Train in 12 weeks as a veterinary office assistant. Learn administrative skills, billing, medical record keeping, and customer service. 


Outcome

Certificate

Length

1 term

This program has an open admissions pathway

Hospital Unit Clerk

Get job ready as a Hospital Unit Clerk in only 16 weeks: learn medical terminology, medical order processing, administrative procedures, and computer skills.


Outcome

Certificate

Length

1 term

This program has an open admissions pathway

Medical Device Reprocessing Technician

Learn to perform the critical work of a Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, and get well-prepared to write the MDRT certification exam.


Outcome

Certificate

Length

2 terms

This program has an open admissions pathway

Pharmacy Technician

Learn to dispense prescriptions, compound medications, prepare sterile products, and more in this nationally accredited Pharmacy Technician program.


Outcome

Diploma

Length

5 terms

Therapeutic Recreation

Learn how to deliver client-centered care in a variety of Therapeutic Recreation settings and earn 480 hours of experience during this two-year diploma.


Outcome

Diploma

Length

6 terms

Advanced Education in Orthopedics for LPN

Specialize your LPN practice through advanced study in orthopedics. Learn about pathologies, assessments, and interventions for pediatric and adult patients.
Outcome

Post-diploma certificate

Length

3 terms

Advanced Foot Care

Boost your nursing career with advanced foot care training at NorQuest and gain specialized skills through theory and clinical practice.
Outcome

Completion certificate

Length

Practical Nurse

Earn your Practical Nurse diploma in 2 years and get ready to write your licensing exam, with hands-on training, clinical placements, and flexible study options.


Outcome

Diploma

Length

5 - 9 terms

Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses

Prepare to become a practical nurse in Canada by building on previous health care education and strengthening your English skills.


Outcome

Diploma

Length

4 or 5 terms

Foundational Business and Entrepreneurial Skills in Healthcare

Learn how to develop a successful healthcare business or advance your career in project and business management. This online, flexible program will provide the training and skills you need to take an ...
Outcome

Microcredential

Length

39 hours

Health Care Aide Workplace

Experienced caregiver in a health-related role? Earn your health care aide certificate on the job with NorQuest’s workplace program.
Outcome

Certificate

Length

12 months

Accessible pathways. Respected health training. Real-world experience.

Simulation and high-tech training opportunities for real-world practice

Apply your learning through practicum experiences in real workplace settings

Learn where it works for you: campus, community, or online options

As a mom and paramedic working at remote industrial sites, I wasn’t sure whether I could continue my education. NorQuest’s online, anytime delivery is what’s making this possible.

— Jamie Bursey, Practical Nurse

Choose from accredited, industry-recognized programs

Keep your options open with transferrable credits

Choosing your next step comes with questions. We've got answers.

Can I fit school around work and other responsibilities?

Yes. Many NorQuest programs offer flexible study options. Depending on the program, you may find:

  • Flexible delivery: In-person, online, blended, or HyFlex learning that lets you choose between online or in-person participation
  • Flexible scheduling: Real-time, anytime, evening, or weekend classes
  • Part-time study: Learn at a pace that works for you
  • Community-based learning: Some work-integrated learning opportunities may be available closer to home

Check the program pages for details about delivery methods, schedules, and placement requirements.

Do all health-care careers involve direct patient care?

No. Health-care careers can be quite varied. Here are a few examples of paths our programs prepare you for: 

  • Direct hands-on care: Roles like Practical Nurse and Health Care Aide. 
  • Rehabilitation care: Roles like Physical, Recreation, Occupational, Speech and Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant. 
  • Patient-facing, support, and administration: Roles like Medical or Dental Office Assistant, Pharmacy Assistant, and Hospital Unit Clerk. 
  • Backline and technical support: Roles like Medical Device Reprocessing Technician and Pharmacy Technician. 
What financial support could I qualify for?

Start with our interactive Funding Your Education tool. By answering a few quick questions about your student type and program, you’ll get a personalized list of options tailored to your situation.

Depending on your results, your funding options may include:

  • Government loans and grants
  • Awards, scholarships, and bursaries
  • NorQuest and community resources

You can also use our Cost Estimator to calculate your expected tuition and fees.

If you’re unsure, you don’t need to figure this all out on your own. Reach out to an advisor for help.

What if I don’t meet the admission requirements?

Missing a course or prerequisite doesn't close the door. Depending on the program, you may be able to qualify through:

While you work on upgrading your qualifications, you may be able to get a head start on some programs by taking courses through Open Studies.

If you’re unsure, you don’t need to figure this all out on your own. Reach out to an advisor for help.

What should I consider when choosing a program?

The right program depends on you and your goals.

Consider: 

  • Your interests: What kind of work would you enjoy? 
  • Your future goals: What careers or opportunities do you want to pursue? 
  • Your credential: Do you want short-term training, a certificate, or a diploma? 
  • Your starting point: Do you meet the requirements or is there another way to enter the program? 
  • Your learning preferences: What fits your schedule and lifestyle? 

If you’re unsure, you don’t need to figure this all out on your own. Reach out to an advisor for help.

Questions? We're here to help.

Ask us a question

Search answers to common questions or send us a message for personalized support.

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Connect with an advisor

We're here to help you explore your options.

In-person

Visit us in CELT main floor. View our campus map.

Phone

Call us at 780.644.6000

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