Northern Lakes College

Founded in 1970 as Alberta Vocational College, Northern Lakes College (NLC) serves the needs of rural communities throughout north-central Alberta. NLC provides opportunities to students who want flexible learning options, allowing them to balance work, school and family. Programs and services are available through supported distance learning, a flexible learning option for students who wish (or need) to obtain a certificate or diploma without moving away from home. 

The school offers foundational programming including literacy and numeracy and career preparations programs, as well as post-secondary certificates and diplomas in a range of health sciences, human service, business, administrative and technology studies, resource technology and journeyman certificates in a number of trades. There are also various upskilling and reskilling options and the college collaborates with university partners to provide degree-completion opportunities. Dual-credit programming allows high school students to experience college programs while earning both high school and post-secondary credits. Mobile training labs allow the college to offer students practical trade-related experiences in their home communities. NLC’s continuing education and corporate training department provides a variety of professional accreditation and certificate programs. 

NLC has residences at its Grouard, Slave Lake and Stony Point (Wabasca) campuses. 

Quick facts

School size:
Mid-sized

Tuition:
Diploma $3,000-$7,700
Certificate $1,500-$7,800

Residence offerings:
Yes

Popular programs

Diploma in Practical Nursing
Diploma in Early Learning and Child Care
Diploma in Social Work

Cool options

Integrated Fire and EMS (Primary Care Paramedic): This certificate program combines firefighter training with the college’s primary care paramedic program.

University Studies and the Community-Based Bachelor of Education: This collaborative program with the University of Calgary allows students to earn their bachelor of education degree while studying in their home community. Asset and Maintenance Management Training: This program boosts the credentials of operations and maintenance managers in asset-intensive industries.

Health Care Aide Employed Student Tutored Education Program (eSTEP): Non-certified health-care aides receive certification and additional work experience in a clinical setting.