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Innisfailians among Catholic students attending Health Care Aide program

High school students in their second year in the Health Care Aide program at Red Deer Polytechnic
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RDCRS students attending the Health Care Aide program at Red Deer Polytechnic

Twenty Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) students, including three Innisfail residents, have entered into their second year in the Health Care Aide (HCA) program at Red Deer Polytechnic, officials said Tuesday.

Ari Gibson, Megan McClure and Julia Recio joined their fellow students in attending their first lab of the year at the college's downtown campus last weekend. 

The hands-on lab experience is a critical component of the HCA program, providing students with the practical skills needed for success in the healthcare field, the division said in a Oct. 29 press release.

“The students are scheduled to begin their first practicum placements in the summer of 2025, where they will gain invaluable experience working directly with patients and healthcare professionals in clinical settings,” said Tracey Millar, career pathways coordinator for RDCRS, in a prepared statement.

The program is an essential pathway for students interested in health care, she said, offering them an opportunity to acquire specialized training and make a meaningful impact on patient care in their communities.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication to this demanding program,” said Millar. “This partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic gives them a head start in a rewarding career path, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed and serve others.” 

Upon completion of the program, the students will graduate in 2026, prepared to enter the workforce as certified health care aides.

Gibson, McClure and Recio attend École Secondaire Notre Dame High School in Red Deer.

More than 10,000 students attend RDCRS division schools, including in Innisfail and Olds.

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