In 1991, ABES opened its doors to the first Personal Care Aide certificate program (now known as: Health Care Aide program). Back then we dreamed of not only providing education, but a way for people to transform their lives. Since then, our passion has been centered around helping newcomers (and Calgarians) build a career that they are proud of and that changes their lives and that of their families.
Starting over in Canada can seem daunting; there are many aspects of settlement How does someone go about starting a career in healthcare? Is there financial support in place? How does someone know what schools are recognized? Will the investment pay off? The list of questions seems endless.
Is ABES real?
The question we hear the most is “Is ABES College real”? This question is the most important – because “real” isn’t just about a building or a credential. It’s about a community that offers real support, real connections, and real care to students.
This is why ABES College has been the choice for more than 12,000 Calgarians. With over 30 years of industry partnerships and countless practicum contracts across the province for all our programs, ABES College is the leading healthcare college in Alberta. Ultimately, we understand that when our students are successful, we are successful. In this post we break down exactly how ABES leads health care education in Calgary and provides students with superior career paths.
“When our students are successful, we are successful”.
What is an Accredited Private College?
In Alberta, private vocational colleges must be accredited and governed under the Private Vocational Training Act (PVTA) – a provincial framework put in place to protect students.
ABES College is accredited under PVTA. https://open.alberta.ca/publications/p24
This means that:
- ABES adheres to strict standards of program curriculum and learning outcomes
- Instructors must be qualified and must hold a high standard of teaching
- ABES provides student contracts, refund policies, and consumer protections according to PVTA requirements
- ABES undergoes compliance reviews by Alberta’s government on a regular basis
- Your diploma is recognized in Alberta by top employers such as Alberta Health Services, Alberta Precision Laboratories and other major employers across the province
- ABES College operates under a strict tuition policy which protects students from losing their investment to unethical practices
- The education you receive has been approved by Alberta’s government
- Healthcare employers recognize ABES College on resumes
Which Alberta Healthcare Employers Hire ABES Graduates?
Accreditation alone does not build successful careers. Industry partnerships are the link between graduation and employment; because real employers trust ABES graduates. For years, ABES has maintained strong partnerships with Alberta’s most respected healthcare and laboratory organizations:
- Alberta Health Services – The largest healthcare delivery organization in Canada, serving over 4 million Albertans https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/
- Alberta Precision Laboratories – Alberta’s primary provider of laboratory and diagnostic services https://www.albertaprecisionlabs.ca/
Partners actively participate in student-learning initiatives such as in-person introduction sessions from Alberta Health Services (focusing on what’s it’s like to work in AHS) and Alberta Precision Laboratories (presenting on employment tips). When a leading organization in healthcare invests in a college, it means they trust and believe in the quality of its graduates.
Our partners also offer practicum placements for all our certificate and diploma programs, which often turn into career placements.
During my internship, I got valuable feedback that boosted my confidence and helped me stand out. A huge thanks to Professor Jonas, whose guidance and support made learning easier, practical, and enjoyable. After finishing, I was hired at the same pharmacy where I trained, and later, when I moved back to Saskatchewan, my new pharmacy team was genuinely impressed with my knowledge and experience even though I had less than a year of work experience. I’m still working as a Pharmacy Assistant and loving it, and I’m planning to upgrade to Pharmacy Technician soon. I’m so thankful I learned as a PA first because now I have practical experience and ideas that will help me succeed in my next step.
What Makes ABES College a Different Healthcare College?
After 30 years, we understand that success depends on more than just a classroom. It depends on industry connections and opportunities.
Practicum placement is part of our programs (it is not optional) – our Placement Coordinator and faculty strategically place each student into a placement that starts immediately after completing the theory portion of a program. This is key for our learner’s success. ABES currently has over 150 practicum contracts in Calgary, surrounding cities and other provinces.
The Bottom Line
Choosing ABES College is one of the most important decisions you will make. We understand that investing in an education and in yourself can change your life. That change should be positive and transcend to your loved ones and community – that’s the 30-year ABES legacy you’d be stepping into.
If you are ready to take the first step, click below to schedule a discovery call with one of our Admissions Advisors.
https://abes.ca/apply-now/
