June 15, 2016 – Students enrolled in the Chinook School Division can now enrol in up to four courses that will be recognized as credit towards both high school graduation and a Saskatchewan Polytechnic Continuing Care Assistant certificate.

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Chinook School Division to introduce Continuing Care Assistant dual credit courses. Dual credit courses enable students to get a head start on their post-secondary education while living at home,” says Scott Matthies, director, Workforce Planning and Staff Development at Cypress Health Region. “It also allows our health region to start the next generation of our workforce on the right track directly from high school. Dual credit courses are a win-win for everyone involved.”

Starting in September of the 2016-17 school year, Chinook School Division students can receive high school and Saskatchewan Polytechnic credit for completing the Body Systems, Human Growth and Development, Personal Competence, and Interpersonal Communication Skills courses. All four courses will be available through distance education options with Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Students can continue their Continuing Care Assistant studies at Saskatchewan Polytechnic or at a regional college offering the program.

"This is a great option for students to go above and beyond regular high school curriculum" says Scott Moe, Advanced Education minister. "Continuing Care Assistants make sure our long-term care residents are being provided the best quality of care with a level of compassion that is unmatched. This is the type of out-of-the-box programming our students need."

“Dual credit courses allow students interested in becoming a Continuing Care Assistant to either fast-track their career plans or explore the field as a career path before finalizing their post-secondary plans,” says Dr. Anne Neufeld, Saskatchewan Polytechnic provost and vice-president, Academic. “Both scenarios contribute to a more efficient use of students’ time and will give employers earlier access to grads. We look forward to exploring dual credit opportunities in other areas of study.”

“The Chinook School Division is pleased to offer our students Continuing Care Assistant dual credit courses,” says Kyle McIntyre, Chinook School Division deputy director. “The courses encourage additional career exploration and enhance the students’ connection to the labour market. This opportunity will boost student engagement and improve the transition from high school to post-secondary.”

Continuing Care Assistant dual credit courses are available province-wide to all grade 11 and 12 students. The dual credit initiative aims to provide alternative credit options for high school completion by partnering with school boards, teachers, training institutions, business, and industry across Saskatchewan. For more information about enrolling in dual credit courses please visit saskpolytech.ca or contact Recognition of Prior Learning at RPLOffice@saskpolytech.ca or 306-765-1652.

The Chinook School Division is a public school division that serves approximately 6,000 students in 62 schools, with 1,100 collegial and student-centered teachers and support staff. The school divisions is a vibrant and progressive school division located within Saskatchewan's great southwest. With the common goal of “Learning For All”, Chinook strives to meet the learning needs of every student.

The Cypress Health Region delivers high quality health services to approximately 45,000 residents and employs over 1,700 staff.  The Cypress Health Region is located in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan and is one of 12 regional health authorities that exist within the province.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.