Laurentian Online offers the largest selection of bilingual undergraduate distance education programs in Canada. It offers more than 25 degree program options and nearly 400 courses in an online format.
Among the many offerings in health care, the online psychology programs are among the most popular, according to the unit’s Director Bettina Brockerhoff-Macdonald. “Psychology programs are popular because of the career paths they offer. They can lead to a career as a psychologist or psychiatrist, just as it can lead to teaching, law, management, sociology, and so much more. It is a great foundational degree.” Like many programs at Laurentian, both on campus and online, the psychology program is offered in both English and French.
Yet another program that sees a high demand is the Gerontology program. Ever since the crisis in long-term care during the pandemic, there has been accrued interest and surging enrolment. Once again, it is a foundational program for individuals looking to work in health care administration or in occupations and situations to provide care for our aging population.
The Service Social program, offered in French, and the Indigenous Social Work program are other programs that tend to reach enrolment capacity early, as they are accredited degrees.
With increased awareness on issues of diversity, equity, and human rights, which touch every industry segment, the University’s aptly named Equity, Diversity, and Human Rights program has a huge appeal. “The program focuses on cultural perspectives and navigates students through sensitivity training and awareness of bias and discrimination, which is often underlying in human interactions,” states Brockerhoff-Macdonald. “It is a program that has an essential fit in a wide variety of occupations including health care.”
“Students who enrol in our programs are mature students who may be interested in a career switch. For example, someone who works in Early Childhood Education might want to complete a degree in psychology to enter Teachers’ College to become a teacher,” states Brockerhoff-Macdonald.
“Our online programs are developed in very close collaboration with the academic departments and faculties on campus. They have the advantage of not requiring students to be on campus, nor are they set on specific lecture times. They allow students to incorporate studies in their busy lifestyle, including caring for children at home or aging parents for that matter. They enable students to focus on their current jobs while realizing their ambitions for the future.”
Micro-credential and non-credit programs
Laurentian Online also offers several non-credit courses aimed at enhancing skills and advancing careers. The Accelerated Critical Care program targets students currently licensed to practice in the health care field to hone their skills through stackable micro-credential curses in:
- Respiratory care
- Cardiac care
- Palliative care
- Critical care
According to Christina Sckopke, Manager for Micro-credential and Non-Credit Programming, “If someone were to take all those courses, they would acquire the Accelerated Critical Care credential. Students aren’t required to complete all the courses. They can focus on specific health care skills. You may have a nurse who works in critical care but is looking to enhance their skills in respiratory care.” With these micro-credential offerings, students in health care can shop for additional skills that they would like to master to advance their career.
The Critical Care program can be completed in two semesters, or 12 weeks. Most other micro-credential courses are delivered over a period of six weeks. Sckopke says, “The courses vary between 50 to 60 hours of study, depending on which course you’re taking, which makes it feasible for busy health care workers.” Sckopke adds, “Nurses with 2 to 3 years experience are registering for the Critical Care micro-credential to progress in more acute settings such as the Intensive Care Unit.”
Other popular micro-credential programs which have seen accrued interest since the pandemic include:
- The Registered Behavior Technician program which allows students studying for a degree in Psychology to get extra qualifications in Behavior Therapy.
- The End-of-Life Doula program is open to individuals who would like to support dying individuals and their families as they face end-of-life issues.
Because of staffing stresses, more hospitals and health care facilities are turning to outside partners to help train their staff. Laurentian University has worked with HSN to develop and support their health care workforce needs. Sckopke says, “We can custom tailor programs to various sectors. The Critical Care program was grant-funded in co-operation with Health Sciences North.”
Program registration
Online degree courses are filled for the September start date. However, another semester is just around the corner and begins in January 2024, so start planning your next career phase.
The micro-credential and non-credit programs do have a few spaces available for various programs. The next registration deadline is September 6th with a start date of September 20th, and additional start-ups offered throughout the year.
Start planning your future today. Visit them online for and life enhancing opportunities that are both accessible and flexible to your lifestyle.