Excellence in Education 2015 by Glacier Specialty Publishing

E x c e l l e n c e

Education 2015

Edition

Introduction

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin Education is one of the most important aspects of life. It provides us with the basic skills to function in society, it provides us with the skills and training to embark in a career. It lifts people out of poverty and into security and prosperity. It creates better citizens and a better society. The institutions and organizations profiled here provide education in a wide variety of different fields, but they all have characteristics in common: their talent, skill, dedication and experience and commitment to excellence in every aspect of what they do. That’s why students come from literally all over the world to study here. Glacier Media, one of Canada’s leading information communications companies, is proud to celebrate these dedicated professionals and this vital sector of our economy and our society.

E x c e l l e n c e

Tim Shoults Vice-President, Content and Audience Development Glacier Media

Education 2

inside Kwantlen Polytechnic University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 University of Northern British Columbia . . . . . . 6 Langara College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 MTI Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Canadian Electrolysis College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Thompson Rivers University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Pacific Rim College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Saint Elizabeth Health Career College . . . . . . . 20 College of Massage Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Acsenda School of Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Sales Team: Laura Cunningham Kayla Cho Darlene Kawa Ben Ekren Stacey Venables

Kevin Dergez

Keshav Sharma

ellyn Schriber

Director of Special Projects

Manager, Specialty Publications

Newsmedia Features Manager BC

Editorial: Tracey Rayson, Writer/Editor

Design + Production: Jennifer Poohachoff

For enquiries regarding the next edition, contact: Keshav Sharma, Manager, Specialty Publications Glacier Media Group, ksharma@glaciermedia.ca

Photography: Kelly Funk

Excellence in Education 2015 (Edition 1) is being produced by, and is exclusive property of, Glacier Media Inc. Copyright: 2015

Kwantlen Polytechnic University With a career-focused programming model that integrates both theoretical and applied learning, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) gives graduates the skills to successfully meet the evolving needs of communities, industry, and regional and global markets. The connection with industry is essential to how KPU designs and delivers its programming. The emphasis on handson experiential learning also provides a rich experience for students, and ensures graduates are not only ready for work, but are ready to be engaged local and global citizens.

“There is a huge agricultural base to our region, in every part of our region, and we’re very pleased to be able to support that in many different ways. Beekeeping is the latest initiative in that.” With over 19,000 students enrolling annually across four campuses, KPU is uniquely positioned to offer its roster of over 124 quality programs. Students pursue a full range of applied credentials including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations, and apprenticeships in a variety of comprehensive career disciplines: academic and career advancement, liberal arts, design, business, health, science and horticulture, and trades and technology. KPU’s Sustainable Agriculture, Technical Apparel Design and Continuing & Professional Studies programming are particularly unique. “Continuing & Professional Studies (CPS) is a new department at KPU where we talk to industries, associations and professionals about the training needs in our region,” says

Dr. Alan Davis, KPU president. “It’s a way for KPU to continually be responsive to the needs of our region; we have a regional mandate and want to make sure we put that front and centre.” Western Canada’s first-ever commercial beekeeping program will launch at KPU in 2016, under the umbrella of the CPS department. The program addresses the bee deficiency in the province adversely affecting the agricultural industry. “There is a huge agricultural base to our region, in every part of our region, and we’re very pleased to be able to support that in many different ways. Beekeeping is the latest initiative in that,” says Davis.

Did you know?

Two defining features at KPU include built-in practicums (earn hands-on experience in your field, available in a range of programs), and small class sizes (maximum 35 students, which allows faculty to provide an individualized education).

Programs in Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture provide students with a skills-based education in a wide range of sustainable strategies. “The programs are unique and very much focused on more regional approaches to food production and sustainability,” reveals Davis. “I think that’s really a clear focus of the university and very much part of our excellence; we are very responsive and we provide opportunities where they don’t exist in any other place.” KPU’s Wilson School of Design is one of the foremost design schools in western Canada developed through extensive collaboration with KPU alumni and Vancouver-based companies such as lululemon and Mountain Equipment Co-op. The program connects research, education, and business to support, inspire, and create innovative approaches to apparel design.

12666 72nd Avenue Surrey, BC TEL 604.599.2000 WEB kpu.ca

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Perspectives “KPU’s technical apparel program made me feel like I could actually realize sustainability, creativity and productivity together in a way that you don’t see role-modeled very much. It took away a lot of limitations that I felt might exist.” — Eva Garcia Mockford, KPU Post-Baccalaureate in Technical Apparel Design, KPU Wilson School of Design student 5

University of Northern British Columbia Northern B.C.’s region is renowned for its magnificent landscape among a thriving range of natural resources and ecosystem diversity. Set in a sustainable and engaging environment with a main campus in Prince George, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a university both in the North, for the North, which cultivates an inspiring educational experience with undergraduate and graduate learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Regional campuses around Northern BC in Quesnel, Terrace and Fort St. John bring UNBC’s comprehensive academic and professional programming to smaller communities. UNBC is one of just six research-intensive BC universities with both faculty and students shouldering leadingedge research. There’s a vibrant sense of community at UNBC; it’s not just a university — it’s a lifestyle. To gain an authentic feel beyond brochures and course calendars, you are invited to explore life at UNBC as an insider for a day with a customized visit. The Student for a Day program is designed to familiarize prospective students with a genuine understanding of the university’s academics, cultural, and social life on campus and in the community at large. The program includes a personalized campus tour, meeting with a student recruitment officer, lunch in the dining hall, and the opportunity to sit in on a class. “We strongly encourage students to let us know if there’s anything in particular they would like to check out on campus, for example, the Bioenergy Plant, a particular lab, the Access Resource or Academic

Success Centre,” says Megan Khan, student recruitment officer. “In the past we’ve had students meet with professors, talk to various clubs leaders, meet with our varsity team coaches, and much more.”

UNBC has among the smallest class sizes of any university in western Canada with a 9:1 student to instructor ratio. Students within BC are eligible for reimbursement up to $500 for travel and accommodation. Outside of BC throughout Canada and the United States, students are eligible to receive up to $1,000. “A lot of our programing, for instance, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Engineering, Nursing, Social Work, Commerce, Environmental Planning and First Nations Studies, reflect specific job opportunities that Northern BC has to offer,” reveals Khan. “Eighty-one percent of UNBC grads are working in fields related to their programs.” As a small university (approximately 3,500 students), UNBC has among the smallest class sizes of any university in western Canada with a 9:1 student to instructor ratio. “The size of our campus and institution combined with what we have to offer is a really unique package,” states Khan. “Our small class sizes give students the ability to connect with professors and colleagues, fellow students and friends.”

Did you know?

UNBC became Canada’s Green University™ in 2007. Voted #1 in Canada by students for environmental commitment in 2011 and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers in 2012, 2013 and 2014. UNBC was ranked #2 by Maclean’s magazine for primarily undergraduate universities.

3333 University Way, Prince George, BC TEL 250.960.6306 WEB unbc4u.unbc.ca

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Perspectives “The kindness of everyone we encountered made me feel more comfortable going to a university away from home. That feeling, combined with the program selection and residences, made it easy for me to choose UNBC as my university.” — Hannah Scoular, incoming International Business student, September 2015 photos by James Doyle

Langara College Continuing Studies Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” This also reflects the philosophy behind Langara College Continuing Studies’ programs and courses. Langara provides many flexible pathways to life-long learning for adult learners to upgrade their skills and knowledge in pursuit of personal or professional goals. Whether you wish to pursue your passion, upgrade your credentials for increased success and opportunity in a new or current career, or to develop a more holistic approach to personal well-being, Langara offers more than 800 courses and over 40 certificate programs.

“Our instructors work in the industry, bringing a practical perspective and real-world knowledge to the classroom.” “We have many diverse offerings that meet today’s demands in the workforce,” says Phuoi-Linh To, program manager, Continuing Studies. “Our instructors work in the industry, bringing a practical perspective and real-world knowledge to the classroom.” Langara’s instructors are experts in their chosen fields and they draw on real-world experiences and up-to-date knowledge. Langara has a strong focus on applied learning and fosters this approach within the community. “Often an instructor comes to us with their expertise and that’s how we start developing new programs; there is a lot of collaboration in the process,” reveals To.

You can carve out your educational path to success and career readiness from a broad range of offerings, including: Accounting & Finance, Creative & Applied Arts, Business, Computer Technology, Engineering, Educational Travel Tours, Health & Human Services, Languages, ESL, and Sustainable Communities. With the addition of Langara Continuing Studies at Vancouver School Board, Langara has expanded its range of courses even further. Students can now choose to concentrate on personal, organizational, or community development with applied programs in cooking, jewellery, floristry, woodworking, sewing and fitness, just to name a few.

Did you know?

Various programs have set up accreditation agreements and allow transfer to professional associations (PMP, CPA, RMT, etc.); additionally, specific universities and other institutions credit particular programs.

A flexible and affordable approach allows students to choose full-time or part-time course hours with some programs offering in-class and/or online study, but always with a strong student-centred focus. “Langara provides maximum accessibility to the learners,” says To. “For example, we have certificates that are entirely online, including the Professional Sales and Advanced Project Management programs. Often people have work and family commitments so they need more flexibility. In some instances programs are available both online and in-class.”

100 West 49th Avenue Vancouver, BC TEL 604.323.5511 WEB langara.ca/cs

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Langara also offers Custom Training, which focuses on providing a customized delivery option for organizations, maximizing training and staff participation opportunities by bringing the classroom to businesses.

Perspectives “The Photography Certificate program changed my life, and I attribute it to Langara. You can learn a lot online, especially in photography, but that face-to-face connection with classmates and instructors was invaluable. Both were a wealth of knowledge and gave me hands-on learning and experiences that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.” — Former student Kristy Ryan is the owner of Blush Wedding Photography 9

MTI Community College Recognized as a premier training institution in B.C., MTI Community College is an accredited private post-secondary school geared towards exceeding industry standards with a sharp focus on supporting students through a well-rounded practical applied approach. Offering certificate and diploma programs in high-demand faculties including Child, Family & Community Studies, Health Care, Hospitality & Tourism, and Business, MTI is committed to deliver quality training of workforce skills, which prepare adults for success in meaningful career opportunities.

With a hands-on teaching approach, MTI employs top-notch instructors who have a breadth of experience and are real-world practitioners with existing professional networks, consultancies or active businesses. Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) is a leading program at MTI (delivered at all six campuses), and is recognized for students who quickly secure employment upon graduation.

MTI is dedicated in supporting student growth and development based on the founding principles of maximizing potential, training for the future, and individualizing success, which speaks to the culture students “We continue to maintain high student enrollment numbers for ECCE and most are introduced into when they attend MTI. importantly, actual student success rates,” It’s an integrated engagement with a one-onone connection between students and faculty, reveals Matter. “We have a great relationship in networking with day care and preschool a defining benchmark that sets MTI apart centres from Vancouver to Chilliwack. As from other institutions. a result, we’ve kept our curriculum current MTI provides assistance beyond with the industry demands, which enables us to provide our students with training that the classroom such as financial is current and competitive in today’s job budgeting, flexible schedules, and market.”

the ability to begin training when the timing is right for the student.

“One of the most important things for MTI is being able to measure our own success by “We maximize student’s potential by providing the success of our students, success of our students, which means employment after training that not only focuses on the skills graduation.,” explains Matter. needed for a specific career, but also on the life skills needed to give students the greatest MTI recognizes that many students have chance of success upon graduation,” says responsibilities and challenges outside of Dylan Matter, vice president of operations. school. By individualizing the success of each student, MTI provides assistance beyond the MTI keeps class sizes to a manageable classroom such as financial budgeting, flexible number; a smaller class size affords a more schedules, and the ability to begin training personal approach, which also allows for significant student-instructor interaction. when the timing is right for the student.

Did you know?

In most program areas, well over 90% of MTI graduates find employment within 90 days. In some programs, such as the Early Childhood Care & Education Certificate program, the employment rate at present is almost 100%.

541 Seymour Street Vancouver, BC Five additional campuses and four faculties are located throughout Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley.

TEL 604.682.6020 WEB mticc.com

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Perspectives “I feel I made the right choice to study Early Childhood Care and Education at MTI Community College. MTI has a beautiful environment, wonderful teachers and staff and I found a position right after my practicum in the ECCE field. I can continue to work with children and I really appreciate that MTI gave me this chance. MTI is a wonderful institution where students can gain the skills needed to begin their careers immediately after graduation.” — Wen Hua (Sophie) Dai, Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate program graduate, 2014 11

Canadian Electrolysis College Electrolysis is the reigning technology when it comes to permanent and safe hair removal. For individuals looking to be freed from waxing, shaving, tweezing, threading and laser, electrolysis is the only solution. As the demand for permanent hair removal increases, specialized, professional training is essential for aspiring electrologists looking for a foothold in a promising career in the beauty and aesthetics industry. Vancouver’s Canadian Electrolysis College offers state-of-the-art electrolysis equipment and comprehensive instruction with a 500-hour intensive training program in Electrolysis, Thermolysis, and Blend. “We are the only institution in Western Canada that specializes in electrolysis and has a 500-hour program,” says Athena Martins, director of Canadian Electrolysis College. “The number of hours allows for a real focus on practical experience. The program is divided into 140 theory and 360 practical hours, producing confident graduates who are fully ready to commence their new careers.” The full-time, 13-week curriculum includes: anatomy and physiology, skin and hair, clinical pathology, electrolysis, practice and procedure, and professional technique and etiquette. “We are a small institution and enroll a maximum six students per program,” adds Martins. “It allows for a lot of one-on-one time, which is something that sets us apart. Industry experts often sit in as guest teachers and work with students on treatments, sharing tips and tricks. “It’s a great learning

Did you know?

experience to have exposure to different perspectives,” states Martins. “It helps build community within the industry.”

Students are always looking to practice their skills on people; therefore, the general public can book treatments at the college for a substantially lower cost.

“We are the only institution in Western Canada that specializes in electrolysis and has a 500hour program” Established in 1986, Canadian Electrolysis College has produced 274 graduates to date. Graduates receive a diploma and are able to apply for membership in their provincial and federal associations. Canadian Electrolysis College is registered with The Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) and accredited with the Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations, which sets a minimum standard for electrolysis training and the profession in Canada. Electrologists have a specific set of personal characteristics, which attribute to their success in the industry. They are known to be sensitive, patient and detail oriented with good communication skills and a desire to help people.

Suite 265-1651 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC TEL 604.255.0299 WEB canadianelectrolysiscollege.ca

“The quality of the graduates that we’ve turned out is a real testament to the program,” says Martins. “Many of our grads are still working in the industry; the attrition rate is quite low.”

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Course intakes begin at the beginning of each month with ongoing enrollment throughout the year.

Perspectives “The satisfaction of helping clients eliminate problematic hair is rewarding; we make a huge difference in their lives. My goal is to produce highly-skilled electrologists, promote professionalism and maintain the college as a resource for existing electrologists.” — Athena Martins has 20 years electrolysis experience and is passionate about the career opportunities available to those completing the program, including starting an electrolysis practice, working in a laser centre or spa facility 13

Students find diverse paths to learning at TRU “We want our graduates out in the world adept at managing complexity, tolerating ambiguity, making connections, asking critical questions— and when we give students opportunities to learn in different spaces, they have a chance to develop those abilities throughout their learning career here and beyond.” — Tracy Penny Light, Executive Director of CSELI It’s a given: life is messy, plans change, and adaptability is as important as being prepared. At Thompson Rivers University, students are empowered to build on their backgrounds and perspectives, to create their own unique paths to learning. To expand their horizons and to prepare to make change in the world. By pursuing a wide range of hands-on experiences that go beyond the bricks and mortar of a campus, students can apply their learning in ways that develop problem-solving and communication skills, support their career goals, and fit their lifestyles. The routes to learning include co-op, undergraduate research, study abroad and ePortfolios to name a few. Supporting the diverse pathways of learners as they approach their education and as they move through it is at the heart of TRU’s approach. The hub of that approach is the Centre for Student Engagement and Learning Innovation (CSELI). “Anytime we can give students opportunities to participate in different learning experiences, and help them to clearly articulate what it is they learned and how it connects or transfers to other contexts, we foster the development of the kind of skills and abilities we want our 21st century graduates to have,” says Tracy Penny Light, executive director of CSELI. “We want our graduates out in the world adept at managing complexity, tolerating ambiguity, making connections, asking critical questions—and when we give students opportunities to learn in different spaces, they have a chance to develop those abilities throughout their learning career here and beyond.”

Showcase learning Bachelor of Education student Ashley Nordin recounts her learning path to a teaching career—from math courses and practicum experiences to WolfPack athletics curling and volunteering—in an online ePortfolio, which she can share with potential employers and new education students. About putting her ePortfolio together Nordin says, “I think the athlete in me is always reflecting, always trying to get better.” She applied the same logic to evaluate the classroom management strategies she learned. “I critically looked at what works, and then by allowing other people to see that portfolio page, they can see strategies to take into their own classrooms.”

Blend work, study and family Business Administration student Katherine Ancheta sees the direct benefit of being involved. During a co-op term as the web and events assistant at TRU’s Wellness Centre she learned how to promote health and wellness services on campus. The experience prompted her to add marketing to her program as a minor. In addition to classes, work and volunteering on campus, Ancheta is a single mom. “I was balancing a lot of different things,” she says. Completing some of her courses through Open Learning was one way she found more time at home with her toddler.

Explore Kenna Sim travelled to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine for an anthropology field school in the first year of her sociology major. She followed that with two semesters abroad in Poland in third year.

(Right) Tracy Penny Light and Ashley Nordin in TRU’s Horticulture Gardens.

“In Poland I was taking master’s courses in international relations,” she says—learning which inspired a new direction for grad study. She obtained TRU’s unique Global Competency credential this past year, and is working with a sociology professor to complete an undergraduate research project on interculturalization this fall. Penny Light is excited to help Sim relay her experiences in study abroad, a co-op at Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, and her undergraduate research into an ePortfolio that will help her showcase herself to prospective graduate schools. “At TRU we are committed to allowing students to develop their own learning pathways—we want them to learn where they’re at. We celebrate that, we value it,” says Penny Light. “We’re still small enough that students can access all of these opportunities pretty easily. Regardless of where you’re at in your learning career, you can be empowered through learning in these different contexts. That’s what really sets us apart.”

900 McGill Road Kamloops, BC TEL 250.828.5000 WEB tru.ca Connect with us:

Pacific Rim CollegE Pacific Rim College is a leader in complementary and integrative medical education and is a dedicated participant in the movement toward a more sustainable world. Inspired by extensive personal work with accessible health-care models in Asia, Todd Howard founded the school in 2006. It was established in an effort to integrate medicines of the world, thereby preserving indigenous practices and increasing the global availability of sustainable health care. Today the college has attracted to its beautiful Market Square campus in downtown Victoria students from more than 30 countries, with the majority coming from Canada. “Pacific Rim College is unique locally and globally,” says Howard. “Many of our program offerings are the first of their kind anywhere in the world and others are the most comprehensive in Canada and beyond.” Providing extensive classroom and clinical learning, Pacific Rim College offers diploma and certificate programs in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Western Herbal Medicine, Holistic Nutrition, Doula Training and Natural Health. “We are unique in that our school offers multiple medical disciplines,” reveals Academic Dean James Christian. “Our vision at the onset was to have a college that integrates indigenous medical practices from around the world, thus affording students numerous study options.”

diploma programs are structured with university-style registration with tuition being credit-based rather than semesterbased. Thus students can tailor their education experience and tuition by choosing their own semester course loads.

“We want to ensure intimate knowledge of our natural world gets passed on from generation to generation.” Acclaimed for their environmental stewardship, Pacific Rim College operates under strict ethical guidelines and is extremely cognizant about their eco footprint. “We teach sustainable medicines,” says Howard, “and we do so as conscientiously as we can.” The college has pioneered a new initiative in which they plant a tree for each graduate, their electrical consumption is offset by clean energy, and they are a green certified business with the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification.

“Through teaching indigenous medicine we are committed to preserving ancient The college features small class sizes, typically practices,” says Howard. “We want to ensure admitting 16 to 22 students into each intimate knowledge of our natural world gets program, and an international instructional passed on from generation to generation.” faculty. A significant distinction is that

Did you know?

The general public can receive natural health treatments at the Student Clinic by advanced level students under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or by a licensed practitioner with student observers. Over half of the 7,500 annual treatments are free.

229-560 Johnson Street Victoria, BC TEL 250.483.2119 WEB pacificrimcollege.com

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Perspectives “My proudest achievement is having studied at Pacific Rim College. PRC attracts the most passionate teachers, students, and healers. I feel honoured to have learned from amazing teachers about the human body, ancient traditions and herbal folklore, and modern scientific research. I am forever grateful for the amazing community of people I am apart of because of PRC.” — Lauren Truscott, Alumnus, Herbal Practitioner at Body Blueprint Fitness, Wellness, & Education

Saint Elizabeth Health Career College The growing and aging population in BC and throughout Canada is creating an increased demand for health-care professionals. Graduates of the Health Care Assistant (HCA) Diploma program at Saint Elizabeth Health Career College are notably prepared for successful careers in the health-care industry. With 107 years of experience, Saint Elizabeth is one of the largest health-care providers in Canada. Building on its pioneering vision, the Saint Elizabeth Health Career College is a national network of not-for-profit professional schools including campuses in Vancouver and Victoria. “As a not-for-profit organization, we’re here to make a positive impact — not only on health and wellness, but on communities, too,” says Natasha Lyons, senior administrator for Saint Elizabeth Health Career College in BC. “We are always looking for new ways to support people and make health care better.” As front-line care providers, HCAs are integral to the health-care system and provide person-centred care with professional excellence and compassion. HCAs work in a variety of settings including acute care hospitals, home and community care, assisted living centres, complex care facilities, specialized palliative care services and rehab centres. Widely acclaimed for innovative practices, Saint Elizabeth Health Career College is at the forefront of delivering excellence in health-care education in areas such as ESL language training, online learning, clinical practice, research and technology. “We currently offer an HCA and HCA-ESL Diploma program as well as a specialized English for Health Care course,” explains Lyons. “Our programs include hands-on interactive learning, small group teaching and practicum training. All graduates are

eligible for registration with the BC Care Aid Registry.” Accredited by PCTIA (Private Career Training Institutions Agency) of BC since 2007, the colleges are state-of-the-art facilities including classrooms with advanced technologies that support different adult learning styles.

Did you know?

All-inclusive tuition includes textbooks, two uniforms and a tablet for all full-time/full-length career training programs.

“...we’re here to make a positive impact — not only on health and wellness, but on communities, too.” For individuals seeking a self-paced online learning opportunity, enrollment is ongoing for the Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice Program, an introduction to the role of the HCA within BC’s health-care system. The program is comprised of 14 learning modules to be completed within six months. Students are provided 24/7 online accessibility of the complete curriculum and support from a specialized distance education instructor who is a registered nurse. In-person support is also available at the computer labs at their Vancouver and Victoria campuses. “All graduates of our diploma programs are guaranteed an employment interview with Saint Elizabeth Health Care,” notes Lyons. “With an exceptional employment rate, our graduates are working for a variety of private and public health-care agencies throughout BC and Canada.”

100-200 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC 101-3939 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC toll free 1.855.447.3422 WEB saintelizabeth.com/career-college

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“We welcome anyone who is passionate about people and a career in health care to get in touch with us to learn more about working in this exciting and growing industry.”

Perspectives Saint Elizabeth has achieved the prestigious ‘Canada Order of Excellence’ award in the category of Excellence, Innovation and Wellness. The organization employs 8,000 people and visits 18,000 clients daily in communities across the country. 21

Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy & West Coast College of Massage Therapy Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (CCMH), along with their sister school, West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT), has long been the leading choice among prospective massage therapists looking to earn massage therapy career training in the most state-of-the-art facilities with the most highly credentialed instructors.

“With five campuses across Canada, we are the only massage therapy specialty college of its kind with a national footprint.” “With five campuses across Canada, we are the only massage therapy specialty college of its kind with a national footprint,” says Brian Goldstein, president, CCMH & WCCMT. “It’s one of the important advantages,” he believes, “because we can leverage the knowledge and expertise of our people across all of our campuses in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia.” A rapidly growing industry, massage therapy’s popularity is largely in response to people’s growing interest in health and wellness and a regiment to staying healthy. “Both CCMH and WCCMT are active participants in advocating for an increasing role for massage therapy in our society,” says Goldstein. “We know for instance that people do not want to manage pain simply through taking prescription medication — they’re looking for a natural alternative and massage therapy plays very well into this.” Venues for massage therapy have been expanding and Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are working within multi-disciplinary clinics with other health care professionals all

under one roof — an important trend for the demand of RMTs. To become a RMT in BC, students must graduate five terms/semesters before taking the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC) registration exam, which is offered twice a year. “As well, we are the only massage therapy college to offer a mock board exam that students can use to study,” says Nadia Baran, director of operations, WCCMT. “It gives them the opportunity to practice their knowledge and simulates a board exam testing experience.” “Once grads receive their diploma and successfully write the CMTBC registration exams, they register with the CMTBC to become RMTs,” reveals Baran. “They are required to accumulate 24 continuing education credits per cycle and must complete approved continuing education activities that supports their professional competency and constantly upgrade their skills and knowledge.” WCCMT has graduated more RMTs than any other institute; additionally, there are more RMTs practicing in BC today with WCCMT diplomas than any other school. “We have a large alumni network and as such RMTs in the community understand the quality of education at WCCMT,” says Baran. A central part of the educational experience at WCCMT involves clinical practicum training in their professional intern clinic. “Students also provide treatment for special patient populations including MS, prenatal, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s and fibromyalgia,” says Baran. “It gives them an opportunity to treat a wide variety of patients presenting with diverse massage therapy pathologies and conditions.”

Did you know? The WCCMT/CCMH family of schools brings together 68 years of proven success in massage therapy education. WCCMT was established in 1983 as the founding college of massage therapy education and training in BC.

613 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC TEL 604.520.1844 ext. 232 WEB collegeofmassage.com

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Perspectives “WCCMT is one of my best decisions ever; the hands-on nature of the program makes learning very accessible. WCCMT provides exciting, fun and educational outreach programs dependent on skill level. My eyes have been opened to new things and I felt extremely welcomed from the first day and have made friends to last a lifetime.” — Rosemary Forst, Harry Goldstein Award winner and 2015 WCCMT valedictorian

Acsenda School of Management

Acsenda School of Management is an international management and leadership school, specializing in teaching students from around the world. With a dedicated academic governance model designed to support a strong undergraduate academic culture, the Acsenda campus in downtown Vancouver is recognized as an institution committed to teaching excellence and to the delivery of quality-assured programs that prepare graduates to work in selected sectors of the global labour market.

“We are in the business and cultural hub of one of the most multicultural cities in Canada, an ideal location for the diverse range of students in our programs,” says Dr. Lindsay Redpath, president and vice chancellor of Acsenda. With 190 students (and growing), smaller class sizes allow faculty to work with the strengths and needs of individual students. A faculty member, dedicated to promoting student and alumni engagement, also assists students in preparing for job searches after graduation. “The diversity of students here is amazing,” says, Lindsay. “We have a balanced population of students from 24 different countries and that allows faculty members to promote international thinking and crosscultural perspectives.”

library and learning resources are underway. Five concentrations are available within the BBA at Acsenda: International Business Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Accounting and General Management. A Bachelor of Hospitality Management program is due to open in the spring of 2016.

“We have a balanced population of students from 24 different countries and that allows faculty members to promote international thinking and cross-cultural perspectives.” “Each concentration is tied to a particular career path,” explains Lindsay. “For example, our accounting courses meet the requirements of CGA designation courses. International Business Management students can receive transfer credit towards the Certified International Trade Professional Designation (CITP).” Acsenda’s flexibility allows students to finish a degree quicker than they could in a conventional university. “Those who may not want to complete a full degree or are looking to add a specialization to their credentials may take one of our diploma programs, or a certificate in management,” reveals Lindsay.

Students receive an education that focuses on learning to do business internationally as well as learning to work in different social and cultural environments. Acsenda has been “Acsenda is ideal for those who wish to study offering a four-year Bachelor of Business business and management with students Administration (BBA) degree since 2004. from all over the world, who may want to work while they earn their degree, or those Technology is an integral part of Acsenda. looking for extra support as they transition Not only is blended and online learning coming into the fold, but also plans to expand into post-secondary studies,” she adds.

Did you know? Although Acsenda receives no public funding, tuition fees are on par with public universities. To be successful, Acsenda has to be entrepreneurial, business minded and student-centred.

9th Floor-1090 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC TEL 604.430.5111 WEB Acsenda.com

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Perspectives “Once I completed my BBA at Acsenda, I was offered a full-time position with a rapidly growing accounting company, and within five months I was promoted and responsible for supervising three team members. This could not have happened without the applied knowledge I obtained from my instructors who were always extremely supportive and encouraging.” — Alina Khusniyarova, Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting Concentration, Class of 2014

Photography

TEL

250.320.4055

email kfunk@telus.net WEB

kellyfunkphotography.com

For the last 15 years Kelly has lived in Kamloops, B.C. And has been lucky enough to narrow his professional photography areas to: Commercial; which promotes businesses both large and small in the Kamloops and Thompson Okanagan regions of British Columbia and beyond, Canadian tourism; which has him involved in the photography and promotion of destinations and activities in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, as well as Western Canada, and Kamloops and area imagery; which targets his beautiful city and what it encompasses, and being the assistant photo editor and columnist for Outdoor Photography Canada magazine, Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only outdoor photography publication.

E x c e l l e n c e

Education

E x c e l l e n c e

Education 2015

Edition