Discover the Healthtech Centre for Applied Learning and Innovation at Red Deer Polytechnic

How RDP's new Healthtech Centre expands training, innovation, and healthcare capacity in Alberta.

At Red Deer Polytechnic, health education is a major focus. Working alongside industry, RDP prepares skilled, in-demand graduates who are ready to support the healthcare system across Alberta and beyond.

The Healthtech Centre for Applied Learning and Innovation, or HCALI, will give RDP more space to expand its health programs, train future healthcare professionals, and respond to real healthcare needs in Alberta.

A major expansion for health education

The planned 118,000 sq. ft. healthtech centre will add 1,000 new program seats, bringing total annual enrolment in RDP's health programs to more than 2,500 students.

HCALI is designed to serve as a critical pipeline for healthcare professionals while also helping deliver primary care services and support solutions for rural and remote healthcare needs.

The centre will include virtual and immersive technology, simulation labs, flexible learning environments, and industry-focused innovation spaces. Through these spaces, HCALI will help:

• Train and retain the next generation of healthcare professionals
• Support the adoption of emerging health technologies
• Respond to the evolving needs of Alberta's diverse communities

Why the centre is needed

Alberta, like the rest of Canada, is facing critical shortages in healthcare professionals. An aging population, rising service demands, and workforce retirements are putting pressure on the healthcare system.

Meeting these challenges requires more than small changes. It requires expanded capacity, modern infrastructure, and new approaches to training.

HCALI responds to this need by expanding capacity for RDP's high-demand health programs, integrating advanced simulation and digital health technologies, supporting interdisciplinary training and applied research, strengthening partnerships, and helping students move more efficiently from education to employment.

Building capacity for the future of healthcare

RDP already has strong student demand for its health programs. Each year, it receives nearly 3,000 applications for 1,567 available health program seats.

With clear student and labour-market demand, RDP is positioned to expand its health programming by 1,000 additional seats. HCALI will provide the space needed to make that growth possible.

The centre will also be home to RDP's Rural and Remote Health and Wellness Centre of Excellence, a collaborative hub focused on workforce training, applied research, and innovative service models for rural and remote health environments.

Supporting rural and remote healthcare

Through the Centre of Excellence, RDP and Covenant are working together to strengthen rural health workforce recruitment and retention, expand access to care, develop new rural and remote care models, advance prevention and wellness, and use technology to reduce barriers created by distance and limited resources.

Centrally located in Red Deer, RDP is well positioned to connect urban and rural communities. This location helps support health solutions close to home for Alberta's rural residents.

Current health programs at Red Deer Polytechnic

Red Deer Polytechnic is a recognized leader in health education in Alberta, offering degree, diploma, and certificate programs designed to meet healthcare industry needs.

Students learn through hands-on simulation labs that reflect real work environments, as well as clinical and practicum placements across Alberta's healthcare system.