Canadian Armed Forces members will receive credit at Medicine Hat College

By LAUREN THOMSON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 12, 2021.

lthomson@medicinehatnews.com

Current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces are now eligible to receive post-secondary credit at Medicine Hat College for the training and experience they’ve acquired during their service, thanks to a memorandum signed by MHC and National Advanced Placement & Prior Learning (N-APPL).

A press release that went out to media Wednesday outlines details of the new program, saying MHC’s business administration diploma is the first to adopt the new program.

The release states there are “plans to expand to other MHC programs in existence as alignment and opportunity presents itself. Miranda Davies, business administration co-ordinator and instructor, says the symmetry that exists between skills taught in both the armed forces and the business program makes the partnership a great fit for both the college and prospective students.”

Davies goes on to explain why life and training in the military transmit well to the business program.

“The life experience and training our service members gain in the military absolutely transfers into business knowledge. We looked at their experience and the courses they take as part of their training and found obvious evidence of communication, management, writing, and conflict resolution learning – all of which are the skills taught in the leadership courses that business students are required to take to earn their diploma.”

The release states that depending on military standing, students enrolled in the program will be assigned prior learning credit for up to 25 credits. They can enter their second year of business administration, but will be required to complete a few first-year courses, including accounting and economics.

“We are proud to work alongside N-APPL to provide local educational pathways to those who are currently or have formerly served our country. We recognize that the skills and experience they attain provides great value in the world of business, and we are eager to support these students through their post-secondary journey,” adds Davies.

The program is now accepting applications for fall 2021 and winter 2022 semesters. Those interested in applying or learning more can contact Amanda Nielsen at anielsen@mhc.ab.ca.

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