New transition program prepares students for health sciences

Rupertsland Institute has begun another free transition program in the hopes of getting more Métis students into the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

The Health Sciences Transition Program began in February and goes through until September. It is aimed at Métis ages 18-30, who are interested in a post-secondary health- related program at NAIT. Those that successfully complete the transition program can then be accepted into NAIT.

Even though some academic requirements are quite high for some of its programs, NAIT officials have promised to keep some spots available for those that complete the Métis transition program.

In order to be eligible for the transition program those interested must have at least a Grade 10 education. Those accepted into the program are assisted over the next several months to upgrade, if necessary, the pre-requisites required to enter a post-secondary health-related program.

Assistance is given to upgrade knowledge of classes including math, chemistry, biology, English or physics.
This transition program is run in partnership with Alberta Health Services and NAIT.

Earlier this school year Rupertsland Institute had recruited Métis for its Engineering Technology Transition Program, which is currently underway.

Those that successfully complete the program will be eligible to enter NAIT’s engineering program this coming September.

Christie Ladouceur, Rupertsland Institute’s manager of provincial programs, said engineering and health sciences transition programs were purposely chosen in part because of the “current labour market needs of Alberta.”

Since there are expected to be numerous job openings in these fields now and in the near future, Ladouceur said it only makes sense to try and steer some Métis towards these ventures.

“Traditionally they have been under-represented in these careers,” Ladouceur said.

This marks the second year that the Engineering Technology Transition Program has been offered. And it is the first time that the Health Science Transition Program has been made available.

The Engineering transition program will continue until mid-June. Grads of this program can then enrol in NAIT for September classes.

The transition programs not only assist with upgrading the proper pre-requisites for a post-secondary education. Ladouceur said they also provide various opportunities to receive some exposure in these fields.

For example, for those interested in the Health Science Transition Program, tours of health centres are included. There are also opportunities to take part in events with guest speakers from this field.

Those interested in the program can also receive the proper safety certifications and inoculations (if necessary) to tour various health facilities.

Rupertsland Institute is able to offer transition programs because of its ties with NAIT.

“We have a fantastic relationship with NAIT,” Ladouceur said.

This isn’t the first time the Edmonton school has supported First Nations.

“NAIT is always a huge advocate for supporting Aboriginal initiatives,” Ladouceur said.