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Rural Health Professionals

Rural Education and Advanced Learning (REAL) Program

/Programs & Services/Continuing Professional Development/Rural Health Professionals/Rural Education and Advanced Learning (REAL) Program
Continuing Professional Development

Rural Education and Advanced Learning (REAL) Program

RhPAP’s REAL Program helps rural health professionals access continuing professional development, skills enrichment training and education opportunities that help them enhance the health care services in their communities.

This initiative is aimed at nurses, midwives, Nurse Practitioners, and allied health professionals working in rural Alberta in a PCN, out-of-scope/non-union position or independent/private practice.

REAL Program Funding

REAL Program funding may cover course/training/program fees, accommodations, mileage/travel expenses and course books/material costs. To promote rural workforce sustainability, a Return of Service Agreement may be required.

The program has been designed to be flexible. RhPAP recognizes that the health needs of rural communities vary between communities and that training opportunities need to be able to address these variances and the unique demands of rural practice. As such, REAL applicant funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

REAL Program Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the REAL Program applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Currently live and practice in a rural Alberta community located outside the Census Metropolitan Area boundaries of Calgary or Edmonton, with a population of fewer than 15,000 people, or fall within Alberta’s North Zone,
  • Work in rural Alberta in a PCN, out-of-scope/non-union position or independent/private practice, and have done so for at least six (6) consecutive months
  • Provide a Letter of Support from your employer (for non-union employees and those working out-of-scope) or a Letter of Recommendation from a professional reference (for those in private/independent practice)

Applicants must agree to the following Terms and Conditions:

  • Commit to a Return of Service Agreement when applicable
  • Agree to repay funds if course is not successfully completed or Return of Service Agreement is not fulfilled
  • Participate in the evaluation of the REAL Program, and provide feedback as requested. Please note that feedback may be used at RhPAP’s discretion for program marketing purposes
  • Any other Terms and Conditions that may apply. These other Terms and Conditions will be as agreed upon between you and the Director, Health Professions

PLEASE NOTE: This program is currently in the pilot phase. Eligibility and funding criteria, and terms and conditions may be subject to change. If you have questions, please email REAL@rhpap.ca

THIS APPLICATION CYCLE IS CLOSING SOON

DON’T MISS OUT APPLY NOW!

Application Process

1. Ensure you meet the REAL Program eligibility criteria

2.  Collect the following information and documents:

  • A description of the proposed course/training/program, and how this will benefit your practice, your rural health care team and your rural community
  • A list of objectives you wish to achieve, at least one of which should highlight the benefit to your community
  • The length of time you plan to devote to this training or proposed training dates
  • The cost of the course/training/program as well as any associated costs (books, materials, accommodations, mileage, etc.)
  • For employees, a Letter of Support from a manager or supervisor
  • For those in private/independent practice, a Letter of Recommendation from a professional reference. A professional reference is defined as a healthcare professional in your community (For example: physician, nurse, social worker, physiotherapist, pharmacist) who can speak to the benefit of your course/program/training request

3. Complete the REAL Program Application Form online

  • Please note: Once you initiate the application form, you will have an option to save and continue later. The link that you receive to the form will remain active for 30 days. After 30 days or once you have submitted your application, you will no longer be able to make changes to your application

Upon receipt of your application, the REAL Program Team will review your request. You may be contacted with follow up questions. Successful applicants will be contacted within four weeks regarding the next steps. You may contact REAL@rhpap.ca at any time if you have questions or if your application is time sensitive.

We look forward to supporting you as you help keep health care close to home!

Eligible courses/education opportunities* may include:

*Please note, the inclusion of a course or program on this list does not guarantee approval of your application as many factors, including community need, service sustainability, and available funding, will be considered. The courses on this list are intended to serve as examples only.

Mount Royal University

University of British Columbia

University of Alberta

University of Calgary

University of Athabasca

SAIT

Red Deer College

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