Health Studies

NorQuest College is helping ensure Alberta is prepared to meet the growing need for continuing care and anticipated shortage of continuing care workers with the support of our nationally recognized continuing care career programs. We offer the largest Health Care Aide program and one of the largest Practical Nurse programs in Canada, along with several allied health programs. Our programs offer hands-on training, simulation labs, and practicum and work placements, giving students the practical skills to enter the workforce. And, NorQuest College graduates enjoy a 95% success rate in either finding employment or continuing their education.

For those already working in the health care field, visit our Professional Development section for specific additional courses to further your professional career objectives and meet continuing competency requirements.

Health Studies Programs
Health Studies Courses

Advanced Education in Orthopaedics for LPNs^{Part-time, Online} This post-diploma, advanced certificate program prepares licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with the knowledge and skills for a specialized career in orthopaedics. The program consists of two theory courses, one lab course, and a clinical practice. Learners will further their understanding of anatomy and physiology in relation to orthopaedics and orthopaedic radiology, assessment, and trauma. The curriculum includes specialized orthopaedic procedures, including casting.
Health Care Aide^{Full-time, Part-time, Hybrid, Online} NorQuest College’s Health Care Aide program is among the largest in Canada and prepares you to be a part of a health-care team in a variety of different settings, providing a high level of frontline care to clients in need of assistance. NorQuest College is licensed to deliver the Health Care Aide Government of Alberta Provincial Curriculum.
Health Care Aide (English as a Second Language Bridging)^Full-time The Health Care Aide (English as a Second Language Bridging) courses are career-specific language courses designed to prepare students with the language and intercultural communication skills to be successful in the Health Care Aide program at NorQuest College. All courses are four months long and offered in-person. There are four main areas of focus for language development: reading and writing skills, listening and speaking skills, medical terminology, and intercultural communication skills.
Health Care Aide PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition)^Distance The Health Care Aide PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) is a certification process for individuals who have directly related work experience in the past three years, but do not currently have a certificate that is recognized in Alberta.
LPN Continuing Education Courses^{Part-time, Distance, Online} Licensed practical nurse (LPN) continuing education courses can be applied to your continuing competency profile. These are self-paced online education courses. You can register at any time and you will have 26 weeks to complete each course. A certificate of completion is awarded for each course successfully completed.
Medical Device Reprocessing Technician^{Full-time, Hybrid} The Medical Device Reprocessing Technician program prepares skilled graduates to enter the workforce to perform the critical work of sterilizing, packaging, and storing surgical and medical instruments.
Pharmacy Technician^Full-time Our nationally accredited Pharmacy Technician program thoroughly prepares graduates for this fast-paced and highly respected occupation. As a regulated pharmacy technician, you will be involved with dispensing prescriptions, preparing compounded medications and sterile products, repackaging pharmaceuticals, managing inventory, and providing patient care. The two four-week practicums give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in both community and institutional pharmacy settings.
Physical Therapy Assistant^{Full-time, Online} The Physical Therapy Assistant diploma program prepares you with the theoretical knowledge and therapeutic skills needed to assist patients in overcoming physical injury or disability. This program includes two six-week practicums in physical therapy settings. A 16-month, fast-track delivery allows graduates to enter the workforce sooner, or a 28-month delivery off ers a reduced course load so students can work while they study.
Practical Nurse^{Full-time, Part-time, Open Studies, Online} To meet Alberta's growing needs in health care, the demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is increasing. NorQuest's program, one of the largest in Canada, will prepare you to become a professional practical nurse educated to give high-quality care to clients in a variety of health-care settings.
Practical Nurse Refresher^{Part-time, Online} If you are a former Canadian-educated practical nurse or internationally educated nurse and wish to regain your licence to work as an LPN, you can achieve your goal through a combination of transfer credit, prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR), challenge exams, and part-time online learning with NorQuest College. You have up to five years to complete the Practical Nurse Refresher program.
Prep for CPNRE Workshop The Prep for CPRNE workshop is a one-day course that will prepare you to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam, including study skills, exam practice and classroom assessment and review.
Therapeutic Recreation Certificate^{Full-time, Open Studies, Online} The Therapeutic Recreation certificate program focuses on the knowledge and skills required to plan, implement and evaluate individual or group therapeutic recreation and social activities. The program includes a 320-hour practicum. Following successful completion, graduates may continue on to the Therapeutic Recreation Diploma program.
Therapeutic Recreation Diploma^{Full-time, Open Studies, Online} Building on the Therapeutic Recreation certificate program, this additional year focuses on the concepts, theory and practical experiences related to leadership and critical thinking you will need to work with clients and enhance their quality of life through leisure activities. The leadership and communication skills you develop will help you encourage clients, who may have cognitive or physical impairments, to participate in activities. This program includes a 320-hour practicum.

Administrative Health-Care Procedures^Online Learn the professional, clinical, and interpersonal skills required in a health-care setting. Students begin by examining the Canadian health-care system, including facilities and services related to health care. Students also explore health-care ethics and legalities, provincial and federal privacy legislation, as well as policies and procedures. Additional modules include electronic information management, organizational and time management, medical administrative skills, and basic clinical skills. Topics include telephone reception and etiquette, records administration, operating office equipment, ordering supplies, and maintaining inventory. Students are also introduced to basic health-care computer applications.
Assisting Clients I^{Distance, Online} In this hands-on laboratory-based course, you will become familiar with the knowledge and skill procedures you need to safely care for individuals. Learn about the importance of mobility to one’s health, as well as the skills required to safely and comfortably meet the client’s mobility needs. You will also learn the importance of observation, practice planning, and documenting the care given to the client.
Assisting with Medication Delivery^{Distance, Online} This course will assist you to work safely within the legal roles and responsibilities of health care aides in this province. Assisting with medication delivery is a very challenging and highly responsible task. The theory and labs of this course will allow you to undertake this task with competence and confidence. This course is included in the HCA Preparation for Employment provincial standard as mandated by Alberta Health Services.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health-Care Providers^Part-time The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health-Care Providers is a classroom course that is designed to teach a variety of health-care professionals how to recognize a number of life-threatening emergencies, how to provide CPR, how to use an AED and how to relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health-Care Providers Re-certification^Part-time The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health-Care Providers is a re-certification classroom course that is designed to teach a variety of health-care professionals how to recognize a number of life-threatening emergencies, how to provide CPR, how to use an AED and how to relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.
Basic Pharmacotherapeutics^{Distance, Online} Examine the physiological effects of drugs on humans, including therapeutic effects, side effects, adverse effects, and drug interactions. Study common drug classifications and selected medications, including herbal preparations, within each classification. Explore the pertinent legislation related to best evidenced in medication therapy.
Business Communications Skills for Health-Care Professionals^{Full-time, Open Studies, Online} This course examines communication: what goes well, what goes wrong and, most importantly, why! Students explore how background, experience, and beliefs shape the way individuals communicate and how to adapt to changing conditions, people, and situations. Students also explore how to use problem solving and critical-thinking skills to resolve conflict within a team setting. Finally, students focus on how to communicate in writing, including writing business letters, emails, resumes, and cover letters.
Communication in the Health-Care Environment^{Distance, Online} Strong communication skills are an important part of being a successful health care aide in a health-care environment that requires competent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills. This course focuses on professional communication with other team members, clients, and client families; written communication including documentation in client records and report completion; and strategies for problem solving and handling conflict. Strategies for overcoming the challenges and barriers to communication between client and caregiver caused by disease and aging in the client will also be discussed.
Communications for Nursing^{Distance, Online} Examine the fundamentals of communication and the development of interpersonal, therapeutic nurse-patient, and professional relationships with members of the interdisciplinary health-care team. Examine factors that influence our ability to communicate effectively and discover communication strategies that can improve our interactions with others. Discover the connections between effective communication, patient safety, and safe, high-quality care. Learn about theories related to communication climates, groups, teams, conflict and conflict management, and intimidation behaviour.
Community Pharmacy Lab Gain practical experience in applying safe and accurate medication practices in community pharmacy environments. Develop a knowledge base of frequently prescribed medications and related dosage forms while mastering basic concepts of prescription dispensing, checking, inventory management, and patient interactions. Performance evaluation is based on evidence of the attainment of skills and demonstration of professionalism throughout the lab sessions.
Community Pharmacy Practice Learn about community pharmacy operations in relation to the roles of pharmacy personnel, security, technology, and contemporary issues in community pharmacy practice. Explore the application of federal and provincial legislation to community pharmacy services.
Community Practicum Gain practical experience applying the knowledge and skills of a pharmacy technician in a community pharmacy setting. Students are preceptored in a community pharmacy for four consecutive weeks (20 days/160 hours). Some evening or weekend shifts may be required.
Community Prescription Processing Lab Learn to use community dispensary software programs to accurately enter prescription information. Computer software practice opportunities are provided for modification of drug and inventory information, as well as for updating patient and physician information.
Compounding Lab Gain practical experience in preparing a variety of extemporaneous compounds, including liquids, suspensions, emulsions, lotions, capsules, solutions, elixirs, ointments, creams, and suppositories. Learn how to competently calculate, weigh, and measure chemicals and complete records required in pharmacy practice.
Dementia Studies^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} This is a creative and dynamic approach to dementia care that is suitable for caregivers, both formal and informal, in a variety of care settings. Comprehensive information about dementia from diagnosis to end stage is discussed in a practical and interactive manner.
Evidence Based Program Planning and Facilitation Project^{Distance, Online} In this course, you will work with a faculty advisor in designing an extensive term project that utilizes current research in therapeutic recreation facilitation techniques and/or interventions. In doing so, you will further your understanding of evidence-based practice, increase your research skills, and explore the practical applicaton of research to program planning and facilitation.
Functional Anatomy^{Distance, Online} Learn the essential concepts of functional anatomy including terminology, the movements of joints during various activities, and biomechanical principles.
Health Assessment^{Distance, Online} Learn and practise procedures based on best evidence for obtaining a health history and conducting a physical examination on a healthy adult. Examine assessment findings for normal structures and functions of the human body. In the laboratory component of this course, apply your newly acquired knowledge. Practise obtaining a health history and demonstrate your physical assessment skills.
Health Care Aide Integrated Practicum I Under the direction of a regulated health-care professional, students will work in a designated assisted living (DAL) site providing care and support for clients.
Health Care Aide Integrated Practicum II Under the direction of a regulated health-care professional, students will work in a continuing care setting providing care and support for clients.
Institutional Pharmacy Lab Gain practical experience in applying safe and accurate medication practices in institutional pharmacy environments. Develop a knowledge base of frequently prescribed medications and related dosage forms while mastering basic concepts of prescription dispensing and checking in a variety of drug distribution systems. Performance evaluation is based on evidence of the attainment of skills and demonstration of professionalism throughout the lab sessions.
Institutional Pharmacy Practice Explore the ways in which institutional pharmacy operations influence the work of pharmacy personnel and the function of drug distribution systems and pharmacy services. Study the issues that affect institutional pharmacy practice and the impact of technology and trends. Learn how federal and provincial legislation applies to institutional pharmacy services. In addition, you will learn about aseptic technique in the preparation of sterile products.
Institutional Practicum Gain practical experience applying the knowledge and skills of a pharmacy technician in an institutional pharmacy setting. Students are preceptored in an institutional pharmacy for four consecutive weeks (20 days/160 hours). Some evening or weekend shifts may be required.
Institutional Prescription Processing Lab Expand your knowledge in the use of pharmacy software programs. Practise order entry of prescriptions for institutionalized patients by entering the prescriptions according to simulated institutional health-care agency guidelines.
Integrated Skills for Pharmacy Technicians Integrate theory and hands-on lab skills from throughout the pharmacy technician diploma program as you prepare for clinical placement in the program and a career as a pharmacy technician.
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} Study the basics of normal anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of each body system is covered, and the relationship between the structure and function of each system is explored. Learn about the interactions of body systems.
Introduction to Composition^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} The course has a strong focus on essay composition and analysis. The assignments are designed to encourage critical and analytical reading, thinking, and writing. This course also introduces and demonstrates the APA method of citation. Prerequisites: 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 70% in English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent.
Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Explore the history of pharmacy practice. Discover the role and scope of practice of the pharmacy technician within the Canadian health-care system. Examine health promotion and primary health care in relation to medication use. Explore the use of critical thinking in pharmacy practice. Learn the fundamentals of pharmacy practice related to drug development and manufacturing, drug stability, drug formulations and uses, and safe medication practices. This course also introduces you to lifelong learning through reflective practice and has a mentorship component.
Introduction to Rehabilitation^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} Learn the fundamental concepts and theories specific to rehabilitation and gain an introduction to the field of rehabilitation medicine. Examine the common practices and unique roles of physical therapy, therapeutic recreation, and occupational therapy, and explore the skills, roles, and traits of the therapy assistant.
Introduction to Software Applications^Online Practise intermediate computer skills in MS Windows using MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, as well as commonly used Internet browsers. Learn how to apply these skills in a health-care setting with workplace-relevant exercises and assignments.
Keyboarding^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} Develop your keyboarding technique and enhance your keyboarding skills while increasing your speed and accuracy.
Medical Applications^Online Learn about specific medical software applications used to electronically manage information in a hospital setting. Acquire skills that will enhance your employment opportunities as a unit clerk in a health-care setting.
Medical Orders^Online Learn about and practise processing medical orders in a hospital setting. You will work with orders for admissions and discharges, transfers, diagnostic tests, medical treatments, medications, and pre-operative and post-operative treatments.
Medical Terminology^{Full-time, Open Studies, Online} Study the language of medical terminology. Learn how to read and interpret commonly used medical terms, symbols, and abbreviations. Develop your understanding of rules, prefixes, suffixes, roots, combining forms, body systems, diagnostics, and drug classifications. Achieve fluency through practice sessions, quizzes, and exercises. Minimum pass mark of B- required to progress to BUSN 1154
Meeting Complex Care Needs^{Distance, Online} Building on the basic skills introduced in previous courses, this course gives students the opportunity to learn the advanced skills that health care aides need to support care activities such as ostomy care, respiratory care, catheter care, and tube feeds. In addition, accurate measurement of vital signs is demonstrated, practised, and assessed, and students will acquire the knowledge and skills required to provide safe active and passive range-of-motion exercises.
Nursing Foundations I: Introduction to Nursing^{Distance, Online} This first nursing foundations course of the Practical Nurse diploma program introduces several concepts and processes that will be further developed and applied throughout the program. The course introduces the learner to nursing by exploring health care in Canada, the history of nursing, and the evolving role of the practical nurse. Values, ethics, legalities, and legislation that affect nursing practice in Alberta are also introduced. The learner will relate the roles and responsibilities of the practical nurse to the direction of the professional association and standards of nursing practice. The nursing metaparadigm and nursing theory are explained as major concepts in nursing. Learners explore the holistic approach to client-centred care. Critical thinking skills are developed as the learner applies nursing knowledge to the delivery of safe, quality nursing care.
Nursing Foundations II: Basic Nursing^{Distance, Online} This second nursing foundations course builds on the theory and skills learned in Semester I, with a focus on the client and the nurse-client relationship. The primary purpose of this course is to prepare the student practical nurse for the continuing care practicum. Topics include the metaparadigm of nursing, safety, professionalism, and leadership, but the focus shifts from the applying these concepts to self to applying them to the client. Emphasis will be placed on using the nursing process, demonstrating critical thinking, applying the concept of self-care, and setting priorities. Students will develop nursing care plans tailored to client needs and will demonstrate effective documentation, mathematical calculations, communication, and client-teaching skills. In the lab setting, students will apply theory, practise skills, and competently perform the selected nursing skills required for the continuing-care practicum.
Nursing Foundations III: Medical-Surgical Nursing^{Distance, Online} This nursing course focuses on nursing care and related skills based on evidence-informed medical-surgical nursing practice. The learner builds upon previous nursing knowledge and related theory in adapting the nursing approach to the care of the medical-surgical client using the nursing metaparadigm and the nursing process. The learner continues to develop leadership skills through the experience of mentorship. A laboratory component is included in which learners apply theory and practise nursing skills related to medical-surgical nursing, including parenteral medication administration.
Nursing Foundations IV: Maternity Nursing^{Distance, Online} This course introduces the learner to the childbearing family and the practical nurse's role in promoting, restoring, and maintaining the health of the maternity client and her family. The learner will apply knowledge of the nursing process and the four concepts of the nursing metaparadigm to the care of the expectant family before, during, and after the birth of the baby. The learner will build upon previous nursing knowledge and related theory in adapting the nursing approach to the care and health promotion of the child-bearing family and learn how assessment of family strengths, coping abilities, and life experiences are key to the practical nurse's role in health promotion. The learner will apply the collaborative interdisciplinary team approach to maternity care. New developments in maternal and newborn care will be examined as trends and issues in maternity care are addressed.
Nursing Foundations V: Pediatric Nursing^{Distance, Online} This course builds on previous nursing knowledge and related theory and assists the student in adapting nursing care for pediatric clients and their families through the use of the nursing metaparadigm, nursing process, and growth and development theories. Theoretical concepts of assessment of the pediatric client related to growth and development are introduced. Pathophysiology, nursing care, communication, and health-teaching techniques specific to pediatric clients and their family are discussed.
Nursing Foundations VI: Community Nursing^{Distance, Online} This nursing course examines family and community theory, assisting the learner to acquire the knowledge and skill required to promote the health and well-being of families within the community. The course emphasizes the importance of collaboration among the interdisciplinary health-care team, families, and communities to achieve safe, evidence-informed community nursing practice. The learner will build upon previous nursing knowledge and related theory in adapting the nursing approach to the care and health promotion of the family and community using a nursing metaparadigm and nursing process. Trends and issues in the care of families and communities will also be explored.
Nursing Foundations VII: Mental Health Nursing^{Distance, Online} This nursing course explores legal and ethical considerations and social stigmas related to mental health disorders. The learner will examine evidence-informed mental health nursing practice for clients and their families as they adjust to changes in functioning associated with mental health issues and related treatments. The learner will build upon previous knowledge and related theory in adapting the nursing approach to the care and health promotion of mental health clients and their families using the metaparadigm of nursing and nursing process. Trends and issues in mental health nursing will also be explored.
Nursing Foundations VIII: Transition to Graduate Nursing^{Distance, Online} The final theory course of the program prepares the learner for the transition from student to graduate practical nurse. The learner will explore working within the parameters of a health-care organization, labour relations, and the professional association. The learner will also study concepts surrounding power, empowerment, contributing to successful teams, types of management and leadership styles, professional development, continued competence, lifelong learning, and quality improvement, all of which contribute to becoming a professional practical nurse in today's health-care field.
Nursing Practice I: Continuing Care Practice This nursing practice course provides opportunities for the learner to gain experience as a member of the interdisciplinary health-care team by providing safe, holistic, and evidence-informed nursing care in a continuing care setting, following the standards of practice for a practical nurse.
Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Medicine^Online This practice course provides the learner with clinical experience as a member of the health-care team, providing safe, holistic, and evidence-informed nursing care to clients and families in an acute care environment, following the standards of practice for a practical nurse. This course includes four weeks of instructor-supervised clinical practice on an acute care medical and/or surgical unit and in combination with Nursing Practice III, meets the program requirements of eight weeks of placement in an acute care setting.
Nursing Practice II: Acute Care Practice - Surgery^Online This practice course continues to provide the learner with clinical experience as a member of the interdisciplinary team, providing safe, holistic, and evidence-informed nursing care to clients in an acute care environment, following the standards of practice for a practical nurse. This course includes four weeks of instructor-supervised clinical practice on an acute care medical and/or surgical unit and in combination with Nursing Practice II, meets the program requirements of eight weeks of placement in an acute care setting.
Nursing Practice III: Focused Practice This course provides the opportunity for the learner to integrate program knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgements into the role of the practical nurse in a specialized practice environment. The learner will apply accumulated knowledge and skills in a clinical experience involving three weeks of instructor-supervised or preceptored clinical practice in one of the following settings: community, rural, maternity, pediatric, or mental health.
Nursing Practice IV: Comprehensive Practice This final course of the program provides the opportunity for the learner to integrate knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgments to make the transition from the role of student to that of graduate practical nurse. The learner will apply learned competencies during a four-week, preceptored clinical practice experience in which the student will assume the anticipated roles of a graduate practical nurse. The focus of this course is to provide a placement opportunity to allow students to integrate medical-surgical generalist nursing skills and abilities.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Foundations^Online Explore the fundamental concepts and theory specific to occupational therapy that can be applied to various client populations. Take a closer look at the occupational therapy practice framework including key concepts such as frames of reference, clinical reasoning, and activity analysis, and how they relate to the occupational therapy process. Study basic concepts of teaching and learning, and how these concepts assist with the therapeutic process.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Skills^Online Learn about assessment, treatment, and techniques used in the delivery of occupational therapy services. Explore adaptive devices in common service settings. Develop your hands-on fundamental skills in assisting an occupational therapist in providing treatment.
Pathophysiology^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} This course focuses on the pathological processes underlying diseases and disorders. It gives learners a foundation for understanding the phenomena that produce alterations in human physiologic function across the lifespan. The course includes common disease entities as examples of pathological processes. Each pathological process is explained as a concept and illustrated by typical diseases and disorders. Disease is discussed in terms of manifestations, etiology, and complications. Learners will gain a basic understanding of the diagnosis and management of the disease process associated with pathophysiologic dysfunction.
Pathophysiology for Health-Care Professions^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} Learn the pathological processes underlying diseases and disorders that produce alterations in human physiologic function across the lifespan. Each pathological process is explained as a concept, and examined through examples of typical diseases and disorders. Gain a basic understanding of the diagnosis and management of the disease process associated with pathophysiologic dysfunction.
Pharmaceutical Calculations Learn the application of arithmetic to pharmacy calculations. Examine units of measurement, pharmacy math, prescription pricing, calculation of medication doses, and those calculations used in the preparation of extemporaneous compounds and parenteral products.
Pharmacotherapeutics I Examine the physiological effects of drugs on humans, including therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and drug interactions. Study the drugs used to treat infections and various disorders affecting the nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems.
Pharmacotherapeutics II Examine the physiological effects of drugs on humans, including therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and drug interactions. Study the drugs used to treat various disorders affecting the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems. Topical therapies, chemotherapy, and nutrition are also studied.
Pharmacy Law and Ethics Examine the laws and ethics that govern health care, pharmacy practice, and the profession of pharmacy technician in Alberta. Learn the value of professionalism, the Code of Ethics, and the concept of self-regulated professions. Students will differentiate between personal and professional values and principles.
Physical Therapy Assistant: Community Practicum During this six week (30 day) practicum opportunity, you will be introduced to a community physical therapy setting and the role of the physical therapy assistant in providing therapy to clientele. Throughout this experience, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate therapeutic communication, positioning, mobility and modalities, the use of assessment tools, and exercise instruction under the supervision of a physical therapist. Professionalism and team communication skills are also emphasized. Pre-requisite: All PTAD theory and lab courses
Physical Therapy Assistant: Hospital/Continuing Care Practicum During this 6 week (30 day) practicum opportunity, you will be introduced to an institutional physical therapy setting and the role of the physical therapy assistant in providing therapy to clientele. Throughout this experience, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate therapeutic communication, positioning, mobility and modalities, the use of assessment tools, and exercise instruction under the supervision of a physical therapist. Professionalism and team communication skills are emphasized. Pre-requisite: All PTAD theory and lab courses
Practicum for Unit Clerks This four-week practicum will give you hands-on practice in an active hospital unit or in a long term care environment.
Preceptor-Supervised Clinical Practice-Acute Care Medicine This acute care practicum consists of 4 weeks of clinical practice in an acute care medical unit.
Preceptor-Supervised Clinical Practice-Acute Care Surgery This acute care practicum consists of 4 weeks of clinical practice in an acute care surgical unit.
Professional Practice for Pharmacy Technicians Examine the responsibilities of the pharmacy technician to the profession and the practice of pharmacy; explore the role of the technician with common self-medication products. Utilizing excellent patient-centred communication skills, learn to describe and demonstrate accurate and safe patient teaching for use of common devices and aids.
Providing Client Care and Comfort^Online In this course, you will learn to support clients to maintain their independence and meet their care needs according to individual care plans. You will acquire the skills and knowledge you need to assist clients with daily grooming and hygiene and to assist clients to walk and use mobility aids and wheel chairs safely. You will learn several methods for carrying out client lifts and transfers, with a focus on client safety and comfort. Upon completion of the course, you will have excellent baseline knowledge of standards for meeting client nutritional needs and strict guidelines in safe food handling as set out in Alberta Long-Term Care Accommodation Standards.
Psychology for Health-Care Professionals^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} This course introduces the scientific study of behaviour and human development. You will learn terminology and theoretical concepts common to psychology. You will learn about the dominant theories in psychology today and the scientific process. You will also learn about human development across the lifespan; processes of the mind including consciousness, learning, and memory, cognition and intelligence, emotion and motivation; and social behaviour. The concepts of stress and health and psychological health and illness are introduced. Note: Students with credit in another introductory psychology course may not be eligible for credit in this course. Please check with the Program Chair.
Special Activities for Diverse Clients^{Distance, Online} A central feature of this course is the extensive section on meeting the care and comfort needs of clients with a diagnosis of dementia. Students also learn about care strategies for assisting other diverse client groups such as clients with a mental health diagnosis and clients with developmental delays and physical disabilities. Health care aides employed by home care agencies may have the opportunity to provide care for infants and children, and this course provides the information and skills needed to assist with these care assignments.
Sterile Products Lab Apply your previous knowledge in the preparation of sterile products, including parenteral medication. Develop competency in the skills required by pharmacy technicians for sterile products: basic aseptic techniques, accuracy, record keeping, and strict adherence to protocol.
Structure and Function of the Human Body - Health and Chronic Illness^{Distance, Online} In this course, you will study the 10 systems that make up the human body and discuss the milestones of growth and development across a lifetime. You will read about and discuss the most common of the chronic illnesses that you may encounter, and you will learn how to provide safe care based on best practices according the clients’ diagnoses, needs, and care plans. The information learned in this course will provide you with care strategies to support the client, the client’s family, and yourself through the process of a client’s dying and death.
Team Leadership and Professionalism^{Distance, Online} Gain valuable knowledge and skills needed to become an effective leader. This course focuses on team leadership, resource management, and professional development.
Therapeutic Cardiopulmonary and Preventative Care - Lab^Online Participate in hands-on lab sessions to practise theoretical concepts learned in THPR 2015.
Therapeutic Cardiopulmonary and Preventative Care - Theory^Online Explore the fundamental concepts and theory related to therapeutic positioning and postural drainage. Learn about the importance of infection control, proper limb-handling techniques, and chest physical therapy techniques. Learn to position clients properly to promote client safety and comfort and prevent complications.
Therapeutic Communication for Health-Care Professions^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} Explore the importance of communication skills in developing caring relationships with clients and working effectively within the health-care team. Learn to vary your communication techniques and methods in different situations. Explore various concepts and principles of therapeutic communication and consider their implications for professional practice. Transfer: AU
Therapeutic Exercise - Lab^Online Participate in hands-on lab sessions to practise theoretical concepts learned in THPR 2023.
Therapeutic Exercise - Theory^Online Learn the fundamental concepts and theory specifically related to therapeutic exercise including: active and resisted exercises, balance and flexibility exercises, cardiovascular exercise, and individual and group exercises.
Therapeutic Mobility - Lab^Online Participate in hands-on lab sessions to practise theoretical concepts learned in THPR 2019.
Therapeutic Mobility - Theory^Online Learn the fundamental concepts and theory related to therapeutic mobility, including proper lifting and transferring techniques, gait re-education, mobility aids, and wheelchair skills.
Therapeutic Modalities - Lab^Online Participate in hands-on lab sessions to practice theoretical concepts learned in THPR 2021.
Therapeutic Modalities - Theory^Online Explore the fundamental concepts and theory related to therapeutic modalities. Learn about the purpose of various therapeutic modalities in physical therapy treatment such as thermal therapy, cryotherapy, ultrasound therapy, and electrical therapy.
Therapeutic Range of Motion and Outcome Measures - Lab^Online Participate in hands-on lab sessions to practise theoretical concepts learned in THPR 2017.
Therapeutic Range of Motion and Outcome Measures -Theory^Online Study the fundamental concepts and theory related to functional outcome measures and joint mobility. Learn about active and passive joint range of motion, goniometry, manual muscle testing, muscle length testing, and other functional outcome measures.
Therapeutic Recreation Practicum II During this practicum opportunity, you will be introduced to a therapeutic recreation setting and the role of a therapeutic recreation certificate graduate in providing recreation therapy to clients. Throughout this experience, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of wellness through leisure, common client conditions, assisting clients, program session planning, and program implementation under the supervision of a recreation therapist. Professionalism and team communication skills are emphasized.
Therapeutic Recreation: Client Assessment^{Distance, Online} Explore the therapeutic recreation assessment process that determines the client intervention plan. Study principles and tools of measurement, the use of valid and reliable assessment tools, and the process of developing agency-specific measurements. Practise leading effective assessment interviews and conducting systematic client observation as a part of the assessment process.
Therapeutic Recreation: Practicum I^Distance During this practicum opportunity, you will be introduced to a therapeutic recreation setting and the role of a therapeutic recreation certificate graduate in providing recreation therapy to clients. Throughout this experience, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of wellness through leisure, common client conditions, assisting clients, program session planning, and program implementation under the supervision of a recreation therapist. Professionalism and team communication skills are emphasized.
Therapeutic Recreation: Program Design^{Distance, Online} Learn how a recreation therapist systematically designs accountable intervention programs to allow clients to meet specific outcomes. Gain valuable practice in designing a variety of functional intervention, leisure education, and recreation participation programs with measurable and meaningful outcomes for your clients.
Therapeutic Recreation: Program Evaluation and Documentation^{Distance, Online} Learn how therapeutic recreation programs and client responses are evaluated to ensure that quality service is provided. Study and practise documentation styles and guidelines for the therapeutic recreation professional in providing client and program-specific information to the health-care team.
Therapeutic Recreation: Program Planning and Implementation^{Distance, Online} Explore the stages of program development, focusing on the key role of recreation therapy personnel in selecting and planning activities that meet client goals. Review program design and basic factors of activity selection. Learn how groups function, and gain valuable information about the various aspects of successful program implementation. Learn how to promote participation in group programs for clients with various needs.
Wellness Through Leisure^{Full-time, Distance, Open Studies, Online} Further your understanding of the field of therapeutic recreation and learn about the models of care in the therapeutic recreation process that guide service delivery. Discuss the Leisure Ability Model as a framework to service, with a focus on promoting a client’s wellness through goal-oriented leisure activities.
Working Safely and Effectively as a Health Care Aide^{Distance, Online} Heath care aides work in a variety of employment settings providing care that is safe, ethical, respectful, and based on the needs of the client. This type of care is referred to as client-centred care. This course focuses on the roles and responsibilities of the health care aide in meeting the standards of client-centred care. To meet the goals of client-centred care, the health care aide must be familiar with the provincial legislation that guides safe, ethical, and personalized care. In addition, the HCA must know how to work effectively as part of the health-care team. Knowledge of the employer's policies and procedures and job descriptions is also essential. This course provides the firm foundation upon which the knowledge and skills learned in all other program courses are built.

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