The University of Lethbridge is set to offer two new micro-credential programs. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

U of L announces micro-credential programs in health and business

Oct 20, 2022 | 10:21 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) is set to offer two new micro-credential courses.

In September 2022, the Government of Alberta announced a total of $8 million in funding to support the development of 69 micro-credential programs at 21 schools.

While it was known at the time that the U of L would be receiving $838,750, the details of the local post-secondary’s programs are just now being announced.

Beginning in spring 2023, the U of L will offer micro-credentials for Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Personal Financial Planner (PFP) in the Dhillon School of Business. Dates for when these programs are expected to begin have yet to be decided.

U of L Provost and Vice President of Academics Dr. Erasmus Okine says continuing education and non-traditional programming have long been a way for the school to connect further with the community and encourage lifelong learning.

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“Through micro-credentials, we can reach even more Albertans who are looking to upgrade their skills to enhance their careers or change course and meet the new demands of an ever-shifting job market,” says Okine.

For the PFP program, students will take nine short online courses, which will allow them to pursue a career in personal financial planning and work towards the Qualified Associate Financial Planner and the Certified Financial Planner designations offered by FP Canada.

Those who enroll in the TIC micro-credential program will take part in seven different learning series and will acquire a better understanding of the sources from which troubling behaviours occur and diseases spring in the wounded human soul.

Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicholaides says the expansion of micro-credential programs will support students, post-secondary institutions, employers, and industries to secure Alberta’s future.

“Micro-credentials empower Albertans to develop the job-ready skills they need to be successful and build new careers, while ensuring employers have access to the talent they need to grow their business,” says Nicholaides.

As part of last month’s funding announcement, Lethbridge College received $376,150, which will be used to create five new micro-credential courses. They are all set to launch over the next two years.

• Launching in 2022-23: Indigenous policing, trades math
• Launching 2023-34: Introduction to game design, character design and animation, level design and environment

READ MORE: Alberta post-secondaries to create new “micro-credential” programs