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Beginning in January 2027

RDP expands Health Care Aide program to Camrose

Apr 27, 2026 | 11:13 AM

Red Deer Polytechnic announced they’re expanding its Health Care Aide (HCA) program to rural communities in the region.

Beginning in January 2027, RDP will welcome students into a new cohort for its HCA program in Camrose.

The institution says the expansion means that local students can complete the one-year certificate in Camrose, without having to relocate to Red Deer.

“Our Health Care Aide Certificate is a high-demand program. By expanding to more community sites through Campus Alberta Central, we can educate more healthcare workers who support rural and remote communities,” says Heather Dirks, Dean, School of Health and Wellness at Red Deer Polytechnic. “At RDP, we are pleased to help address the rural and remote healthcare workforce shortage that we are experiencing in Alberta.”

As a result, RDP will accept a total of 16 students for the program in Camrose that will begin in the new year. Those hoping to apply can do so on RDP’s website.

The students will complete the certificate by taking online courses and completing labs at the training space in The Bethany Group’s Heritage Building.

The program is set to run from January through August 2027.

The rural healthcare programming in central Alberta will be provided through Campus Alberta Central (CAC), a joint venture between Olds College and RDP.

The Bethany Group has donated space for the healthcare training lab, and CAC is funding lab equipment costs, including hospital beds, manikins, and healthcare supplies.

RDP added that the HCA program is intended to be offered in Camrose every two years.

“Campus Alberta Central and Red Deer Polytechnic are pleased to partner with the Bethany Group to expand healthcare education in Camrose through this new Health Care Aide program,” comments Cody McCarroll, Executive Director, Campus Alberta Central. “Bringing post-secondary education to rural learners makes higher education more accessible and affordable while helping to improve healthcare provision across the region. Thank you to The Bethany Group for generously donating space to host these valuable programs.”

The expansion to Camrose, RDP says, will address critical labour shortages in rural healthcare, and by providing education and training in rural communities, students don’t have to move and leave their families.

“The need for trained professionals stretches across the continuing care system as well as the greater healthcare system,” adds Carla Beck, CEO. “The Bethany Group is proud to partner with Red Deer Polytechnic and Campus Alberta Central to contribute to meeting the workforce needs while keeping the learners in our rural communities. I appreciate the opportunity to support RDP, CAC and the learners on this system initiative.”