News Archives: New Health Care Micro-credential has Broad Reach
Monday, March 20th, 2023
Grande Prairie, Alberta - Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), today announced that it has been chosen to deliver a new micro-credential for rural medical professionals across the country.
Funded by the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Culture, the online course focuses on registered nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives and physicians who practice in rural and remote Canadian communities.
“Survivors deserve support. By making this course available and accessible to health-care providers we are helping ensure individuals who have been assaulted get the help they need, where and when they need it,” says Tanya Fir, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women,
“Alberta’s government has committed $290,000.00 over the next two years to ensure healthcare providers in rural communities have access to the training and resources they need to support survivors.”
The Rural Sexual Assault Care Expanded (RSAC-E) Micro-credential prepares rural medical professionals to provide comprehensive, trauma informed care to survivors of recent sexual assault. The nine-module program focuses on the role and responsibility of health care professionals in assessment, intervention, evidence collection, and court testimony.
“Our institution has had tremendous success this past year, adding new health care training pathways and micro-credential options that align with community needs,” says Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP Provost and VP Academic. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to work closely with rural health care providers and to deliver this one-of-a-kind training.”
The Rural Sexual Assault Care Expanded (RSAC-E) Micro-credential will launch on April 3, 2023, with intakes every two weeks thereafter. NWP is hoping to attract at least a dozen online learners for each cohort. Health care professionals in Alberta will have the added benefit of qualifying for a bursary to cover the cost of the program.
“Micro-credentials are a great option for professionals looking to upskill or pivot in their careers,” says Michelle Wallace, Associate Dean, Continuing Education. “These short-term, flexible learning programs are integral in developing specialized skills and boosting workforce capacity. The RSAC-E program is one of over 15 micro-credential programs that will be offered by NWP Continuing Education in the coming year.”
For more information about this initiative or other NWP micro-credentials, please visit: NWP.me/Care
