—From the desk of Tammie Clarke, Dean, School of Health and Human Services, Teaching and Learning Centre 

Across the post-secondary sector, institutions continue to navigate significant fiscal pressures, and Selkirk College is no exception. Despite these challenges, the School of Health and Human Services (HHS) has experienced an exciting period of growth, collaboration and innovation that reflects the growing demand for health care and human services education across the region. 

This year, we were pleased to welcome the Office Administration and Technology (OTEC) programs and instructors into HHS, strengthening opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. Administrative and technology professionals are essential to effective health care and community services, and this addition broadens the ways our programs connect and support workforce development. 

Our Pharmacy Technician (PTEC) Diploma Program has also continued to expand. We are proud to now partner with Northern Lights College alongside the College of New Caledonia and Vancouver Island University. This growing collaboration strengthens educational pathways, increases shared expertise, and helps address health care workforce needs across rural and regional communities in British Columbia. 

Beginning in fall 2026, we will welcome students into a new Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) micro-credential program designed to support practicing LPNs in developing the skills needed to transition into acute care settings. This fully online, self-paced, flexible pathway responds directly to evolving health care system needs while supporting career advancement for LPNs already working in the field. 

We are also excited to partner with the Okanagan Nation Alliance to deliver our Mental Health and Substance Use certificate Program to Sylix community members beginning in fall 2026. In addition, this program will be offered through a distributive learning model in partnership with North Island College and Northern Lights College, allowing students to complete coursework online while remaining in their home communities for practica and hands-on learning experiences. These partnerships expand access to education and help strengthen community-based health care supports across the province. 

We have secured funding to launch an Early Childhood Care and Education Inclusive Practice Advanced Certificate in 2026/27. It will help prepare educators to support increasingly diverse and inclusive learning environments for children and families. 

Another exciting milestone is the approval to deliver a Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Program, with development taking place in 2026/27 and the first intake planned for fall 2027 on the Trail Campus. This program will help address important health care workforce shortages while expanding training opportunities in our region. Keep an eye on the Selkirk.ca newsfeed for more details about this upcoming program. 

In addition to program growth, we are grateful to have received capital project funding that will enhance learning environments for students and instructors. This includes a dedicated Early Childhood Care and Education learning lab in the Lower Bonnington wing, as well as a third nursing lab in Castlegar. The new lab will allow the Practical Nursing and Health Care Assistant diploma programs to permanently call the Castlegar Campus home. 

We have also received one-time funding to support instructor development, helping faculty strengthen their capacity to support students with academic accommodations and guide learners through increasingly complex practice placements involving clients who are experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. 

These accomplishments are especially meaningful in today’s fiscal environment. They reflect the dedication of our instructors, students and leadership, the strength of our partnerships, and the continued confidence communities place in Selkirk College and the School of Health and Human Services. 

As we look ahead, we remain committed to responsive, high-quality education that prepares students to make meaningful contributions in health care and human services throughout our region. The momentum we are seeing today gives us great optimism for the future.