Applications are being accepted until June 17.
Rural Education and Advanced Learning (REAL) Program
Applications are open until June 17.
Current & upcoming REAL Application Cycles:
- Spring: May 6 – June 17
- Fall: September 9 – October 21
- Winter 2027: January 6 – February 17, 2027
RhPAP’s REAL Program helps rural health professionals access continuing professional development and education opportunities that help them enhance the healthcare services they offer in their communities.
This initiative is aimed at nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals working in rural Alberta in one of the following contexts:
- a primary care network
- an out-of-scope or non-union position
- in independent or private practice
- as a clinical nurse educator, clinical resource nurse, clinical nurse specialist, or hospital department lead
These contexts have been prioritized for funding as they were perceived to have the most challenges accessing training or the most opportunity to share training with colleagues.
Each application cycle, applicants may apply for funding for a course, a semester of courses, or similar training opportunities. Funding is intended to support registration and course material costs. The level of funding for eligible applications will depend on the number of eligible applications received during the application cycle. The philosophy of the program is to support as many eligible applicants as possible, so the larger the number of eligible applications received in the cycle, the less funding individual applicants will receive.
If you have questions, please email REAL@rhpap.ca.
Melanie Snider is a nurse practitioner (NP) in Brooks.
Stephen Brinks is a physiotherapist in Drayton Valley.
Registered Nurse (RN) Krystin Minns is a certified diabetes educator in Athabasca.
Jamie Knight is a social worker in Wainwright.