Columbia College is a non-profit Calgary institution serving adult learners with career-focused programs since 1986.
Columbia College is a non-profit institution located at 802 Manning Rd NE, Calgary, Alberta, in the heart of Southern Alberta. Since 1986, it has supported adult learners in pursuing their career goals and personal growth. Its mission is to build an academically superior educational institution focused on active and collaborative student learning.
Columbia College has served adult learners since 1986. Its founder, Dr. J.T. (Tom) Snell, dropped out of high school out of frustration with his education. The Columbia Learning Society has been active since September 2002.
The Practical Nurse Diploma Program follows a Mastery Learning Model, which the college says is the only one it has found in Canada. The model sets a mastery criterion of at least 75% understanding of the material. Classes are kept small, with a maximum of 36 students and an average of fewer than 20. Columbia identified 157 behaviours deemed essential by employers, such as teamwork, communication, and ethics. Course presenters are called facilitators rather than professors, instructors, or lecturers.
Columbia offers in-person study at its Calgary Campus, with traditional learning options. Facilities listed include the Columbia College Dental Clinic, Learning Services Office, Tutoring Services, Bookstore, Administration Office (Bldg. 802), and Childcare Centre.
Admission routes include a standard application with a selection process for domestic professional programs and an international student application with the Columbia College Entry Assessment. Students uncertain about transcript eligibility may take the ACCUPLACER Admissions Assessment Test. Transfer credit and prior learning assessment (PLAR) are also available.
Columbia College is one of 19 Canadian institutions recognized by the Secretary of State (Government of Canada) for exemplary adult educational programs and innovative practices. Its programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). Over 3700 adults and children have used Columbia Learning Society bursaries to attend classes, workshops, or tutoring sessions.