NorQuest College

New diploma to help newcomers adjust

A new diploma program at NorQuest – Settlement Studies – has been designed to help towards the cultural, social and economic adjustment for new people to the area.

The program was created by Romanian-born and Canadian-raised NorQuest graduate, Alexandru Caldarau. He teaches the Community Support Worker program at the college, where along with his community experience, he was inspired to initiate the diploma.

With classes first starting in 2019, the program was informed by Caladaru’s work with community members, immigrant services agencies and internal stakeholders. It aims to address areas of immigration and education that are lacking in research and work. The program will benefit both graduates and immigrants to Canada, and hopes to help them develop their trust and confidence in a new country.

At NorQuest, students benefit from small classes, experienced and passionate faculty, and a supportive learning environment. Programs are relevant to the professional world, where many incorporate invaluable work experience opportunities so students are prepared for the competitive graduate job market. Students will also receive a hands-on Canadian experience (applied research, community service learning, co-op, field placement, practicum, observation, work experience and volunteering).

Work-integrated learning and practical experience

There are plenty of chances for students to engage in work-integrated learning (WIL) at NorQuest. WIL helps students connect their academic experiences with the real world through applied research, community service learning, volunteering, observation and many other methods. More than 20 programs offer WIL.

The college has some of the largest programs in Canada for health care aide and practical nursing. Those studying the subject areas will have the chance to use what they’ve learned in the classroom in Edmonton’s Interdisciplinary Simulation Centre. Here, students can practice treatments in simulated clinical environments. There is also ‘Stan in a Van’, a mobile simulation unit where regional and off-campus students can practice using the technology.

Research

Research at NorQuest has a focus on community and social innovation in areas such as health and business. The Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership is nationally recognized for its applied research, customized training solutions and educational resource development.

There are three main faculties at NorQuest College that offer unique, work-force relevant programs that cover a large variety of subject areas:

• Faculty of Skills & Foundational Learning
• Faculty of Health & Community Studies
• Faculty of Business, Environment & Technology

NorQuest College offers workforce-relevant programs to meet the increasing demands of our economy, endorsed by business and community leaders.

Students can study the following:

One-year certificate programmes

• Accounting Technician
• Administrative Professional
• Addictions Recovery Practitioner- post diploma certificate
• Community Support Worker
• Early Learning and Child Care
• Health Care Leadership- post diploma certificate
• Mental Health Recovery Practitioner- post diploma certificate
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Health Care Aide
• Teaching English as Additional Language Professional- post baccalaureate certificate

Two-year diploma programmes

• Business Administration
• Disability Studies
• Early Learning and Child Care
• Environmental Protection Technology
• Pharmacy Technician
• Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant
• Practical Nurse
• Settlement Studies
• Social Work
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Justice

There are also programmes in:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) Intensive
• Academic upgrading
• NorQuest Bridging program- coming soon
• Study and co-op work permit and more

New students to NorQuest College whose native language is not English must have a good level of English language proficiency (ELP) to be eligible for admission. To meet the entry requirements, students can complete one of the following:

1. NorQuest College ESL Intensive coursework
2. An ELP test and achieve an acceptable score – depending on the program, students will usually need an IELTS Academic score of 5–6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 40–84, or an accepted equivalent
3. High school in Canada
4. A post-secondary degree or diploma programme in Canada that was taught in English
5. A minimum of three consecutive years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education in an ELP-recognized country or institution that was taught in English.

Students will also have to meet the specific academic entry requirements for their chosen program.

Students will have more than books and classrooms to enhance their overall experience at NorQuest College. From personal support to social events, the campus environment is a welcoming and inclusive one. Campus facilities include:

• Bookstore
• Printers
• Childcare centre
• Food services, such as Pizza 73 and Subway
• Textbook buyback program.

NorQuest Learner Centre

Students will be able to find a range of learning support services and resources in this central hub, such as a library, computer facilities, information services, disability support and academic tutoring and coaching.

Student Activity Centre

Based on the Downtown Campus, the Student Activity Centre is where all student activities and events are organised and hosted throughout the year. This includes the Week of Welcome events, most Students’ Association events, employee events and Student Club activities.

Accommodation

There is no on-campus accommodation at NorQuest, but there is a range of options available to international students. The MacEwan University student residence is close by to the downtown campus which offers housing for students from other institutions in Alberta, with single, two-bed or four-bed suites on offer. There are also rental options in Edmonton, ranging from CAD 400 – 1,500 for a one- or two-bedroom apartment.

NorQuest College has a large number of scholarships, bursaries and awards to help students with their finances alongside reaching their academic goals.

These awards are designed to recognize academic excellence, outstanding achievement, financial hardship, leadership, community service involvement and contribution to campus life. They are available for students who are enrolled in a credit program – including international students.

Awards are processed through the third-party management system AcademicWorks. Students who complete a general application through the system will be automatically considered for several of the awards based on their application answers. Additionally, students who complete the recommended opportunities applications will also be considered for award-specific applications.