Red Deer Polytechnic to increase access to several programs

Red Deer Polytechnic to increase access to several programs

Published 3:28 pm Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Red Deer Polytechnic will grow 11 of its programs over the next three years by adding more than 1,000 seats as part of the province’s third round of Targeted Enrolment Expansion.

It’s part of the government’s effort to create more than 8,000 new post-secondary spaces for students by committing $148.4 million over three years to expand high-demand degree, diploma and certificate programs in areas like health care, education, engineering, technology, early learning and skilled trades.

RDP, one of 21 post-secondary institutions to receive third-round funding, is anticipating $4.5 million to add seats to the following programs:

• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Transition Program
• Practical Nursing Diploma
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma
• Primary Care Paramedic Diploma
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology Diploma
• Early Learning and Childcare Diploma
• Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Certificate
• Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
• Trade Teaching Certificate

Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall said when students succeed, Alberta succeeds.

“This nearly $150-million commitment will create more spaces in the programs students want and employers need. This funding will help build the skilled workforce that drives economic growth and keeps Alberta competitive for years to come,” said McDougall, in a statement.

The new seats will include almost 1,000 in nursing, more than 150 in paramedicine, more than 750 in engineering, along with almost 1,000 additional seats in education programs, including bachelor of education programs, after-degree programs and seats under the new expedited teaching certificate pathway.

“Alberta School Boards Association welcomes this investment in expanding education programs. These new spaces will address kindergarten to Grade 12 enrolment pressures by helping public, Catholic and Francophone school boards recruit qualified educators to ensure students continue to have access to high-quality learning opportunities now and into the future,” said Alberta School Boards Association president Shali Baziuk.

Targeted Enrolment Expansion spaces are intended to create more post-secondary opportunities for domestic students in Alberta.

Nearly $313 million was provided in the first two rounds of enrolment expansion, which will add more than 15,000 funded spaces at Alberta post secondaries.

During the first round, RDP received $6,636,600 for 991 new seats for 2022-26, and $1,328,200 to add 180 seats in the second round for 2023-2026.

As of 2025, total enrolment at RDP had reached about 10,500 students, including credit, non-credit and skilled trades. Enrolment for 2026 is not yet available.