Welcome to CONTINUING EDUCATION Lifelong learning starts here.
Whatever your motivation, Continuing Education at Northwestern Polytechnic offers flexible learning designed to fit your life. With courses and programs tailored to individual goals and workplace needs, you’ll find opportunities to gain skills, boost confidence, and grow your potential - on your schedule. Our continuous intakes and variety of delivery options means there’s always something new to explore, advance, or achieve.
Check out our upcoming courses and register today!
INSIDE
DEFINITIONS / 4
PERSONAL INTEREST / 5
Introduction to Spanish
Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Drone) Micro-Credential
OFFICE AND BUSINESS / 6-7
Basic Bookkeeping Micro-Credential
Basic Bookkeeping – Levels 1 and 2
Quickbooks
Microsoft Office
Non-Profit Management Certificate
Management Essentials Certificate
Supervision Fundamentals Certificate
Blue Pin Customer Service Excellence Certificate
General Professional Development Courses
INDUSTRY AND DRIVER TRAINING / 8-9
Master Electrician Micro-Credential
Materials Handling and Warehousing Micro-Credential
Water and Wastewater Technician Certificate
Air Brakes (Q Endorsement)
Class 1 Core Learning Pathway
Class 1 Competence Building Program
Class 3 Driver Training
Class 3 To Class 1 Learning Pathway (Experience and Equivalency)
Equipment Operator Training
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES / 10-13
Rural Sexual Assault Care – Extended Micro-Credential
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Micro-Credential
Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider – C (BLS)
Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support Renewal (BLS)
Intermediate First Aid Level C CPR
N95 Mask-Fit Testing
Medical Office Administrator (MOA) Micro-Credential
Supportive Care Assistant Certificate
Crisis Response Management Certificate
Early Learning and Child Care Micro-Credential
Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Micro-Credential
Early Learning and Child Care
Indigenous Health in Canada
Infection Prevention and Control
Trauma, Addiction, and Mental Wellbeing
ANIMAL HEALTH / 14
Animal Care Aid Micro-Credential
Artificial Insemination for Cattle Micro-Credential
Production Animal Ultrasound Pregnancy Detection Micro-Credential
CUSTOM AND CORPORATE TRAINING / 15
DEFINITIONS
Flexible options. Focused outcomes.
Northwestern Polytechnic’s Continuing Education programs are designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
Whether you’re looking to promote yourself, get your ticket, follow your heart, or hone your skills, it starts by choosing the learning format that fits your goals.
Here’s how we define the different types of courses and credentials available through Continuing Education.
ON CAMPUS: Learn face-to-face with instructors at our Grande Prairie or Fairview campus.
CERTIFICATES: Stack a few courses together to earn a recognized credential.
CONTINUOUS INTAKE: Start when you’re ready. Jump in and move through at your own speed.
COURSES: Quick-hit learning to master a single skill or topic.
CUSTOM COURSES: Training built just for your team - on-site, online, or both.
IN PERSON: Set class times and live instruction - just show up ready to learn.
MICRO-CREDENTIALS: Short, targeted programs for job-ready skills and quick wins.
PACED: Online learning with weekly check-ins, deadlines, and instructor feedback.
SELF-STUDY: Your pace, your place. Log in anytime and work through the course.
WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL): Learn by doing. Combine study with real-world projects or placements.
PERSONAL INTEREST
INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 30 HOURS | FALL AND WINTER
Whether you’re dreaming of ordering tapas in Spain, chatting with your Spanish-speaking friends, or achieving total mastery over the language, this course is your first step toward fluency. Designed for beginners, this introductory course will teach you the fundamentals of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and explore Latin culture and history.
REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT (DRONE) MICRO-CREDENTIAL
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 7 HOURS PER COURSE | FALL AND WINTER
Navigate through three classes to prepare to operate drones between 250 grams and 25 kg, and to challenge Transport Canada’s drone pilot certification exams. The complete micro-credential consists of theory classes for the basic and advanced levels, and then a hands-on flight-review course and certification exam.
Whether you’re exploring a new passion or expanding your skill set just for fun, these courses are designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning.
OFFICE AND BUSINESS
Bookkeeping and Accounting
BASIC BOOKKEEPING MICRO-CREDENTIAL
IN PERSON | MINIMUM 195 HOURS
Are you interested in bookkeeping, financial management, and learning to use industry-standard online bookkeeping software? Complete Bookkeeping Levels 1 and 2, and QuickBooks, to earn the Basic Bookkeeping micro-credential. Prepares learners to write the Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation exam at the Apprentice level.
BASIC BOOKKEEPING – LEVELS 1 AND 2
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 42 HOURS PER LEVEL | FALL WINTER
An introduction to the fundamentals of bookkeeping. A cornerstone of financial management, good bookkeeping ensures that financial records are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with regulations. Proper bookkeeping helps business owners track cash flow, make informed decisions, and prepare for taxes or audits. Level 2 builds on concepts learned in Level 1 and offers hands-on activities like an office simulation where learners manage a company’s financial management over a fiscal year. Completing Levels 1 and 2 prepares learners to write the Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation exam at the Apprentice level.
Get workplace-ready with targeted training in bookkeeping, software, and leadership. Grow your confidence, capacity and career as you acquire valuable new skills.
QUICKBOOKS
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 42 HOURS
Get the skills you need to keep your books in order using industry-leading accounting software. This course covers all the key QuickBooks functions, including accounting, banking, managing company files, suppliers, customers, payroll, balance sheets, and more.
Microsoft Office Skills
MICROSOFT OFFICE EXCEL CORE
SELF-STUDY | 15 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
MICROSOFT OFFICE EXCEL ADVANCED
SELF-STUDY | 15 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
MICROSOFT OFFICE WORD CORE
SELF-STUDY | 15 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
MICROSOFT OFFICE WORD ADVANCED
SELF-STUDY | 15 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
Leadership and Management
NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE
SELF-STUDY | 55 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
In collaboration with online learning platform Mind Edge, this certificate educates learners on key current management issues for nonprofit organizations. Learners complete 11 self-paced courses covering topics including fundraising, board and volunteer development, budgeting, reading financial statements, leadership, marketing, and setting a strategic organizational direction.
MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS CERTIFICATE
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 42 HOURS + SELF-STUDY 3 HOURS | FALL WINTER
Designed for leaders in a range of industries, the Management Essentials Certificate program teaches the skills and competencies needed to be an effective team manager. With coursework covering financial management, human resources, leadership skills, and team building, this comprehensive certificate program will equip you with the skills you need to lead your team to success.
SUPERVISION FUNDAMENTALS CERTIFICATE
SELF-STUDY | 55 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
In collaboration with online learning platform Mind Edge, this certificate program covers the tools and skills that are essential to successful supervision
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Offered in-person on the Grande Prairie campus:
• Assertiveness and Self-Confidence
• Being a Team Player
• Change Management
• Communication Strategies
• Conflict Resolution
• Customer Service Excellence
• Developing Highly Effective Teams
• HR for the Non-HR Manager
• Key Skills for Workplace Success
• Leadership Skills for Supervisors
• Performance Management: Managing Employee Performance
• Successfully Managing Time and Stress
within a workplace setting. Learners complete eight self-paced courses covering topics including difficult conversations and people, workplace conflict, leadership and coaching, and effectively managing people.
BLUE PIN CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE CERTIFICATE
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 36 HOURS
Whether you’re a business owner looking to build skills among your team, or you want to succeed in a clientdriven environment, sharpen your customer service skills by completing this certificate. Learners complete six courses covering conflict resolution, managing customer service, skills for workplace success, assertiveness and confidence, being part of a team, and effective communication.
Sharpen your skills with short, practical courses. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, managing workplace change, or building high-performing teams, these courses will help you succeed.
Offered as flexible, self-study online options:
• Handling Difficult Conversations in the Workplace
• Handling Difficult Employee Behaviour
• Handling Workplace Conflict
• How to Coach
• How to Read a Financial Statement
• Indigenous Health in Canada
• Introduction to the Medical Office Administrator Role
• Introduction to Leadership
• Managing People
• Office Procedures
• Leading High-Performance Teams
• Managing Customer Service
• Skills You Need for Workplace Success
• Successfully Managing Change
• Team Building: Building High-Performance Teams
• Time Management
• The Effective Manager’s Toolbox
INDUSTRY AND DRIVER TRAINING
Specialized Training
Upskill or requalify for regulated or safety-sensitive work in warehousing, materials handling, and trades. Includes:
MASTER ELECTRICIAN MICRO-CREDENTIAL
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 75 HOURS
Stay current in your field by becoming a certified Master Electrician. This prep course equips Journeymen Electricians to take the Alberta Master Electrician Exam. Refresh your knowledge of theories and fundamentals, review current provincial codes and regulations, and learn from a certified Master. Journeymen Electricians with a minimum of three years of experience in the past five years are eligible to write the Alberta exam.
MATERIALS HANDLING AND WAREHOUSING
MICRO-CREDENTIAL
SELF-STUDY | 15 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
Are you ready to launch your career as a Materials Handling and Warehousing professional? This
Build in-demand skills and hands-on certifications in transportation, warehousing, and equipment operation. Whether you’re launching your career or advancing it, these programs get you job-ready, fast.
micro-credential will teach you the fundamentals of effective materials handling, storage, and distribution in warehouse environments. The program includes completion of self-study online courses about the fundamentals of materials handling and warehousing, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods), in-person Intermediate First Aid and Forklift Operator courses.
WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE
PACED | 360 HOURS | IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 546 HOURS + 600 WIL HOURS
Gain the skills to operate, maintain, and manage water and wastewater systems. Learn water distribution, treatment processes, wastewater collection, pipeline repair, and small system management. Complete all 11 courses as a yearlong certificate or take courses individually for continuing education credits while working in the industry. Training blends online learning, hands-on labs, and 600 hours of work-integrated experience, preparing you to apply for Alberta’s Level I Operator Certification and a career in this essential industry.
Professional Driver Training
Prepare for your Class 1 or 3 license or upgrade existing credentials with Alberta Transportation-recognized driver training. Includes:
AIR BRAKES (Q ENDORSEMENT)
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 8 HOURS
This classroom and practical training is a requirement to write the Air Brakes Q Endorsement knowledge test through an Alberta Registry. Can be taken as part of the Class 1 or Class 3 driver training programs or as a standalone course. Fees associated with the Alberta Transportation knowledge test are not included in course fees.
CLASS 1 CORE LEARNING PATHWAY
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 68 HOURS
After completing the Government of Alberta online entry program (40 hours), learners can proceed to the Core Learning Program for Class 1 through our certified driving school. The course includes 60-hours of intruck hands-on learning plus the 8-hour Air Brakes Q Endorsement course. Successful completion of this course allows learners to take the Class 1 Road Test through the Alberta Registry to be granted an Albertarestricted Class 1 licence.
CLASS 1 COMPETENCE BUILDING PROGRAM
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 17-25 HOURS
This course provides 17-25 hours of in-truck and handson lessons to prepare Class 1 drivers to travel outside of Alberta. Learners are required to have an Albertarestricted Class 1 licence.
CLASS 3 DRIVER TRAINING
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 29 HOURS
Whether you’re gearing up for a new career or want to drive large commercial vehicles for personal use, prepare to take your Class 3 road test with confidence! The Class 3 Driver Training package includes 21-hours of in-truck training, five online courses to increase your driving knowledge, and an in-person Air Brakes (Q Endorsement) class.
CLASS 3 TO CLASS 1 LEARNING PATHWAY (EXPERIENCE AND EQUIVALENCY)
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 48 HOURS
Are you a licenced Class 3 driver looking to increase your professional qualifications? Take part in the Class 3 to Class 1 Experience and Equivalency Learning Pathway Program. Drivers with a Class 2 or 3 driver’s licence, with at least two years of experience driving vehicles with three or more axles, are eligible to apply. Learners must apply through the Government of Alberta, and if successful, must provide a copy of their approval letter in order to register for the course.
Equipment Operator Training
Learn the basic principles of equipment operation, load handling, maintenance, and safety. Training includes a combination of theory, hands-on practice, and operator performance evaluation. The following courses are offered in-person at our Grande Prairie campus:
• Aerial/Genie Lift Operator
• Confined Space Awareness and Rescue
• Fall Protection
• Forklift Operator
• H2S Alive
• Wheeled Loader
Are you interested in equipment operator training for your workplace or group? We can deliver the following courses at your location using your equipment, on request.
• Aerial/Genie Lift Operator
• Confined Space Awareness and Rescue
• Electric Crane
• Fall Protection
• Forklift Operator
• H2S Alive
• Light Duty Crane
• Overhead Crane
• Powered Overhead Hoist/Hand Operated Hoist
• Service Truck Crane
• Skid Steer Operator
• Sliding Boom Lift Truck/Telehandler/Zoom Boom
• Vehicle Mounted Aerial Lift
• Wheeled Loader
For more information or to receive a custom quote, connect with us at CE@NWPolytech.ca or 780.539.2975. Let us know which course(s) you are interested in, about how many learners, and your location.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
For Healthcare Professionals
Advanced certifications and role-specific micro-credentials.
RURAL SEXUAL ASSAULT CARE – EXPANDED
MICRO-CREDENTIAL
SELF-STUDY, CONTINUOUS INTAKE | 12 HOURS
This micro-credential prepares rural medical professionals to provide care to survivors of recent sexual assault by addressing the physical, mental, and emotional dimensions of caring for a sexual assault survivor while acknowledging the challenges of providing care in a rural setting. Open to Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Midwives, Paramedics, and Physicians. Bursaries are available for qualifying learners. This micro-credential is supported by grant funding from the Government of Alberta.
SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINERMICRO-CREDENTIAL
PACED | 48 HOURS | FALL WINTER SPRING
This micro-credential is designed for Registered Nurses and addresses support, evaluation, and intervention with victims of recent sexual assault. Designed as a preparatory course providing a theoretical foundation to write the SANE-A (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner of Adults/Adolescents) exams from the International Association of Forensic Nurses. Bursaries are available for qualifying learners. This micro-credential is supported by grant funding from the Government of Alberta.
HEART AND STROKE BASIC LIFE SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER – C (BLS)
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 3.5 HOURS
The course covers single-rescuer and multi-rescuer basic life support techniques, emphasizing highquality CPR delivery and effective team dynamics across diverse environments, including prehospital and in-facility settings. BLS-C certification is a prerequisite for many healthcare training programs.
HEART AND STROKE BASIC LIFE SUPPORT RENEWAL (BLS)
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 2 HOURS AND 50 MINUTES
The BLS Renewal course is designed for experienced health care providers to refresh their skills. Enrolment is
restricted to individuals possessing a valid Heart and Stroke BLS certificate seeking credential renewal for an additional year.
INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
SELF-STUDY | 10 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
Intended for new healthcare professionals or those wishing to break into the field, this course offers an introductory overview of the basic terms and abbreviations frequently used in a healthcare setting. Medical jargon can seem dense and intimidating at first, but by the end of this course you will be comfortable using and applying a range of medical terms day-to-day.
INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS – GRANDE PRAIRIE AND FAIRVIEW | 16 HOURS | FALL AND WINTER
Be prepared for any emergency with Intermediate Standard First Aid Level C. This two-day, in-person course, delivered in partnership with St. John Ambulance, covers CPR for all ages, AED use, choking, mental health first aid, bleeding and burns, wound care, bone and joint injuries, and environmental emergencies. Meets Occupational Health & Safety standards. Certification is valid for three years.
N95 MASK-FIT TESTING
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS | 0.5 HOURS
N95 mask fit orientation and testing is a prerequisite for learners to attend clinical placements in health studies programs. Conducted using the most widely used mask models through Alberta Health Services. Valid for two years. Open to NWP Health Studies students only.
For Entry into Healthcare Careers
Career-launching credentials for those entering healthcare.
MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR (MOA)
MICRO-CREDENTIAL
PACED | 115 HOURS + 120 WIL HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
This micro-credential prepares learners to work in healthcare office settings like doctor’s offices, clinics, laboratories, and hospitals. You will learn about topics including specialized healthcare administration skills including medical terminology, electronic medical records, data entry, billing, and more. Includes 120-hours of self-placed WIL experience.
Get equipped to pursue a variety of rewarding and in-demand career options. Upskill with lifesaving tools or develop new professional competencies as you get ready to give back to your community.
SUPPORTIVE CARE ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE
IN PERSON | 16 HOURS + SELF-STUDY 18 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
This certificate provides learners with basic skills and knowledge for entry-level positions in long-term home care and group home settings, in a non-clinical role. Consists of an online food safety course, in-person Intermediate First Aid, and an online self-paced supportive care assistant course.
For Caregivers and Educators
Social services, early learning, and mental health training.
CRISIS RESPONSE MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE
IN PERSON, PACE CENTRE | 78.5 HOURS
Offered in collaboration with PACE Community Support, Sexual Assault & Trauma Centre, this certificate provides leading-edge training in best practices for crisis response. This certificate is of interest to professionals working in healthcare, law enforcement or social work. Learners attend seven core courses and 12 hours of electives in-person at PACE Centre, located in Grande Prairie.
EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE
MICRO-CREDENTIAL
IN PERSON | 61 HOURS + SELF STUDY 8 HOURS | FALL WINTER
Gain the skills you need to create engaging and memorable experiences for young children that build their confidence and nurture their development. This micro-credential includes an online food safety course, in-person Intermediate First Aid and an in-person learning online course that explores early childhood education concepts in art, music, numeracy, and literacy from a child-centred perspective. Upon completion, learners will be eligible to apply for their Level 1 Certification in Early Learning and Child Care through the Government of Alberta.
INDIGENOUS HEALTH AND WELLBEING
MICRO-CREDENTIAL
PACED | 135 HOURS + 45 WIL HOURS
This micro-credential explores Indigenous peoples’ cultural, historical, and social experiences in Canada. Learners will gain an understanding of the Indigenous relationship to colonialism and its impacts, and review topics including addiction theory and the cultural, legal, and historical social context related to substance abuse. This program is of interest to educators, social workers, Counsellors, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
For Community Resilience, Healing, and Crisis Support
Wellness education, trauma-informed care, and culturally grounded approaches to healing and community support
EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE
IN PERSON | 45 HOURS | FALL WINTER
Take part in a hands-on exploration of art, music, and story from a child-centred perspective. Offered in person on campus or instructor-led online. Upon completion, learners will be eligible to apply for their Level 1 Certification in Early Learning and Child Care through the Government of Alberta.
INDIGENOUS HEALTH IN CANADA
PACED | 45 HOURS | CONTINUOUS INTAKE
Designed for health workers and anyone else with an interest in Indigenous health, this course introduces you to historical and contemporary issues relevant to Indigenous health in Canada. Learners critically examine Indigenous-settler relations, focusing on how these dynamics influence healthcare delivery and wellbeing. You’ll also explore the role of traditional Indigenous healing practices and how they can complement and intersect with Western approaches.
TRAUMA, ADDICTION, AND MENTAL WELLBEING
PACED | 45 HOURS | FALL WINTER
Gain knowledge and tools you need to support others to overcome addiction. This course delves into the topic of addiction and its complex relationship with trauma and mental wellness. Drawing from social psychology, neurology, and therapeutics, the course takes a trauma-informed approach to understanding addiction. It offers evidence-based interventions and strategies for addressing addiction in clinical and community settings.
ANIMAL HEALTH
For Animal Health Professionals
Hands-on, industry-relevant training for those working with companion and production animals.
ANIMAL CARE AID MICRO-CREDENTIAL
SELF-STUDY, CONTINUOUS INTAKE | 123 HOURS + 40 WIL HOURS
Whether you’re already an animal care professional or looking to break into the field, this hands-on course equips learners on caring for furry (and scaly) friends. Gain practical skills to support veterinarians and other animal care professionals in the workplace. Consists of three self-paced online courses and 40-hour work-integrated learning experience.
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION FOR CATTLE
MICRO-CREDENTIAL
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS – FAIRVIEW | 24 HOURS | SPRING
An introduction to artificial insemination, covering key aspects of cattle reproductive science. You will learn about animal selection,
approaches, and gain hands-on practical skills to safely and confidently carry out the artificial insemination process. Learners must be 16+ years of age and have experience with cattle.
PRODUCTION ANIMAL ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY DETECTION MICRO-CREDENTIAL
IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS – FAIRVIEW | 16 HOURS + SELF STUDY 8 HOURS | FALL
Learn how to use technology to quickly and accurately detect pregnancy in bovines and other production animals. Recommended for practicing Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) who are ready to expand their skills, this micro-credential is taught by a registered veterinarian and involves interactive, hands-on learning. Learners are required to complete 100 - 200 supervised ultrasounds following the course completion. Experience with cattle is required. This program is supported by the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.
With course options that cover domestic pets to farm animals, we offer opportunities for animal health professionals to expand their skills across all areas of animal welfare.
CUSTOM AND CORPORATE TRAINING
For Teams, Businesses, and Organizations
Flexible, on-demand training built to meet workplace goals.
Whether you’re building leadership capacity, upgrading safety certifications, or upskilling staff in technology or administration, Continuing Education can help you meet your goals - on your schedule, and at your location.
• Training delivered on-site, online, or in a blended format
• Designed to fit your team’s learning goals and timelines
• Ideal for businesses, non-profits, and community organizations
We offer a wide range of custom training options, including:
• Microsoft Office and digital skills
• Equipment operator safety training
• Remotely piloted aircraft (drone) programs
• Pre-employment supports and career-readiness skills
• Leadership development, conflict resolution, and more
CORPORATE RATE ADVANTAGE
Choose us as your corporate training provider and you may qualify for a 15% discount on most courses.
Let’s build a training solution that fits.
Contact us today to customize a program that works for your organization.
