Established in 1973, Parkland College strives to be the college of choice for students in East Central Saskatchewan. With campuses located in Canora, Esterhazy, Fort Qu'Appelle, Melville, and Yorkton, Parkland College delivered over 600 program sessions in the 2010-11 year.
Today, Parkland College operates the largest off-campus university program in the province. Over 130 courses are offered from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. Students in Yorkton can complete several degree options at the undergraduate and master's levels from these institutions. Bachelor's degrees available at Parkland College include Social Work, Police Studies, Sociology, and Northern Studies. Graduate degrees are offered in Master of Education Administration, Master of Social Work (coming fall 2012), and Master of Nursing (coming January 2013).
The trades and industrial area is an example of the responsiveness and flexibility of Parkland College. For example, the College is currently offering the SIAST Multi-Mechanical Trades program in Yorkton. Students learn the skills necessary to assemble, repair, service, and maintain all types of heavy duty and automotive equipment through a combination of classroom instruction and hands on shop time. In just 26 weeks, this applied certificate program provides students with entry-level skills for employment in the following mechanical trades: Heavy Equipment, Truck & Transport, Agricultural Machinery, and Automotive Service. Applications are currently being accepted for the Multi-Mechanical Trades which begins on October 22, 2012.
For those interested in protection and emergency services, Parkland College in Melville offers the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 - Professional Fire Fighters Program. This 13-week program is offered in partnership with Lakeland College. Graduates are awarded with IFSAC and ProBoard certifications. There is also an opportunity to supplement this training with the Emergency Medical Response (EMR) Program or the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Program at Parkland College. The next intake of the Firefighter Program begins August 7, 2012 and applications are being accepted now.
To meet the growing demand for special care aides in the area, Parkland College is once again offering the one-year SIAST Continuing Care Assistant Program in Yorkton. Graduates typically find employment in home care settings, special care facilities (such as nursing homes), hospitals, and integrated facilities. Applications are currently being accepted for the full-time program in Yorkton which begins on September 4, 2012. Part-time courses are also available throughout the year.
Along with these diverse training options, many students are drawn to the unique learning environment at Parkland College where class sizes are typically smaller. Students flourish in a friendly and welcoming setting where their teachers know them by name. Instructors and counsellors are dedicated to their students and have a passion for lifelong learning.
The College also offers a very generous scholarship program for students. This year over $100,000 was awarded to 103 students attending one of the five campuses. The benefits are two-fold: students don't have to leave the community to further their education, and they don't incur the costs associated with living away from home.
To inquire further, call Parkland College toll-free at 1-866-783-6766, or visit www.parklandcollege.sk.ca. Additional information can be found at www.facebook.com/CollegeofChoice.
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