Top Colleges In Edmonton

Exploring the possibility of advancing your career with industry-relevant training in Edmonton, Alberta? Selecting the right college will be a pivotal aspect of your professional journey.

Edmonton’s booming population growth and rapidly expanding job market make it an exciting place to level up professional skills and competencies. But with so many post-secondary options available, finding the program that’s the best fit for your learning style and professional goals can feel daunting.

In this post, we’ve covered some of the compelling reasons why Edmontonians choose to enroll in private career colleges as well as key elements to look for when assessing or comparing the merits of specific institutions or programs. We’ve also provided an overview of several top private colleges in Edmonton and highlighted the many benefits that set Robertson College apart.

Why Choose A Private Career College In Edmonton?

What is a private career college in Edmonton? It’s a post-secondary institution that’s privately owned and doesn’t receive any government funding. Private career colleges (PCCs) exist all across Canada and offer job-focused training programs that can typically be completed within a relatively short time frame. Though they don’t receive government funding, they’re still subject to regulation and PCCs in Edmonton must have their programs approved by the Province of Alberta.

Private career colleges offer many benefits to prospective students, including:

• Small class sizes
• Frequent enrollment intakes

• Flexible learning options
• Quick timeline for program completion
• Industry-aligned curriculum
• Hands-on and real-world training opportunities
• Personalized career support

Let’s take a closer look:

Diploma Programs Designed For Employment

Private career colleges offer streamlined training with a strong vocational focus. Students gain industry-relevant knowledge, practical skills, and on-the-job experience that prepares them to enter their chosen field immediately after graduating.

Shorter Program Lengths And Flexible Learning Options

Programs at private career colleges usually take no longer than 1 to 2 years to complete, and sometimes significantly less. Many institutions and programs also offer flexible options, such as online or hybrid learning, to accommodate the diverse learning styles and needs of their student population.

Ideal For Career Changes And Adult Learners

Having the opportunity to complete coursework on a flexible schedule can be a game-changer for those juggling a busy lifestyle and multiple responsibilities. For adult learners considering a career transition or moms considering a return to school, a compressed and industry-informed program often makes the most sense.

What Makes A College “Top-Ranked” For Career Training?

The city of Edmonton is home to numerous colleges and career training institutions, many of them offering a similar selection of programs, at least on the surface. As a prospective student, taking the time to dig a little deeper and understand what truly differentiates top-quality colleges from the rest is vital.

While the college and program you ultimately choose will depend mainly on your personal needs and preferences, paying attention to the following key factors can help steer you toward a top-ranked program and launch you into a top-ranked career:

Industry-Aligned Curriculum

An industry-aligned curriculum provides students with relevant, on-the-job knowledge and skills that are current, in-demand, and aligned with the competencies that employers in a given industry are actually seeking. From the latest technology to inclusive workplace practices, this type of curriculum is developed in consultation with industry partners and built around real-world topics and projects that give graduates a competitive edge when it comes time to enter the job market.

Consider the following:

• What industry partnerships does the college maintain, and how often does it update its curriculum?
• Who are the program instructors? Are they experienced industry experts?
• Are there opportunities for quality hands-on learning, practicum experiences, and on-the-job training?

Strong Graduate Employment Rates

One of the most important metrics to consider when deciding between college programs is how many recent graduates are currently employed. Simply put, a college that has strong graduate employment rates is successfully preparing its students to excel in their chosen fields.

Support Services

From career counselling and academic advising to childcare and mental health services, the support available on a college campus can have a tremendous impact on student success and well-being. Consider the supports that are most significant to you and choose a college where you believe your needs will be comprehensively met and you’ll truly find a sense of community.

Flexibility: Online, In-Class, Or Hybrid Options

College students are navigating the reality of busy schedules and numerous responsibilities. A program that offers flexible learning options to meet the needs of diverse learners can make all the difference.

Most top-ranked colleges today offer online, in-person, or hybrid learning options. If the college you’re considering doesn’t offer the program you’re looking for in your preferred learning format, consider exploring other institutions that may.

Robertson College – A Leader In Career-Ready Education

Robertson College is a private vocational institution (PVI) that offers many industry-accredited programs. Our programs are accredited to meet current industry standards in the province of Alberta, as needed and are tailored to reflect the demands of Edmonton’s ever-evolving job marketplace.

At Robertson College, we’re dedicated to equipping students with industry-recognized training that will enable them to find meaningful work, navigate a successful career, and make a positive impact on their communities. Here are some of the ways we set ourselves apart as a leader in career-ready education:

Programs Offered In Edmonton

We understand that students in Edmonton are seeking career-ready training across a broad spectrum of industries. It’s why we offer more than 35 industry-aligned diploma and certificate programs grouped into four schools—Health, Business, Technology, and Community Services:

• Robertson College School of Health
  • Programs include Health Care Aide Alberta, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and many more.
• Robertson College School of Business
  • Programs include Accounting Technician, e-Commerce Professional, Human Resources Professional, Legal Assistant, and many more.
• Robertson College School of Technology
  • Programs include Computer Support Technician, Data Analyst, Software Tester, Full Stack Web Developer, and many more.
• Robertson College School of Community Services
  • Programs include Early Childhood Educator, Educational Assistant, Community Support Worker, Recreation Coordinator, and many more.

In addition to our diploma programs, we also offer an extensive array of online micro-courses that help students from all walks of life build essential competencies in a flexible, bite-sized format. Contact one of our Student Advisors today to learn more!

Real-World Training And Practicum Opportunities

At Robertson College, equipping students with the practical knowledge and skills they’ll need to launch their professional journeys is our number one priority. That’s why:

• Our instructors are experienced industry experts.
• Our programs are industry-recognized and accredited.
• Industry partners regularly review our curriculum to ensure its relevance over time.
• Real-world learning is prioritized through practical skill development and on-the-job practicum experiences.

Our Workforce Team works closely with students to match them with practicum placements that align with their interests and professional goals. On-the-job experience in a real-world setting is invaluable in helping Robertson students to build industry connections and differentiate themselves in competitive niches.

Flexible Learning Formats

At Robertson College, providing flexible programs for all learning styles is a hallmark of our institution. We believe that students should be able to access top-quality career training in the format that best aligns with their lifestyle and learning preferences. Learn online and complete your work on your own time, immerse yourself in on-campus learning surrounded by a cohort of engaged peers, or experience the best of both options through a hybrid learning model. The choice is yours.

Student Support And Career Services

Robertson students have access to an extensive array of student support and career services both before and after graduation:

• Workforce Team – Comprehensive career support for students and graduates preparing to enter the workforce—resumé writing, job research, networking opportunities with industry partners, and much more.
• Brightspace – Robertson College’s online learning management system is accessible 24/7, allowing students to access course materials, submit assignments, and communicate with instructors at their own pace.
• The Junction – Our new on-campus co-working space where students can engage with like-minded peer groups.
• Other Services – Financial aid services, mental health services, academic advising services, inclusion services and much more.

Other Top Private Colleges In Edmonton

Edmonton is renowned for its diverse array of post-secondary education institutions, including universities, technical institutes, and public and private colleges. Joining Robertson College as top-tier private colleges are:

CDI College

CDI College is a career-oriented private college with multiple locations across Canada and an excellent reputation for industry-aligned programming. It provides hands-on training to students in a wide variety of fields, including business, technology, healthcare, and more.

Reeves College

Reeves College is an Alberta-based private college that specializes in training students for careers in business, art and design, legal disciplines, healthcare, and more. Most of its programs can be completed within 2 years or less.

Academy Of Learning Career College

Academy of Learning Career College (AOLCC) is Canada’s largest career college network. Offering students a selection of more than 30 different diploma programs, it uses an integrated learning model that ensures students can access personalized instruction tailored to their unique learning styles.

Herzing College

Herzing College is a Canadian private college that is known for helping students gain job-ready skills. It offers a wide selection of professional training programs and internship opportunities in fields including business, design, healthcare, education, legal studies, media, trades, and more.

How To Choose The Right College For You

Narrowing down your options and preparing to make a final decision about which college to enroll in? Here are a few actionable tips to help you feel certain that you’re making the right choice:

Define Your Career Goals

Where do you hope your career path will lead, and what certifications will help you achieve your goals? Learn about the broad reputation of each college you are considering, as well as whether or not it has a reputation for excellence within your chosen industry.

Compare Program Content And Length

While two or more colleges may offer programs with similar titles, those programs may vary significantly in terms of their length and curriculum content. Be sure to do your research in order to gain an in-depth understanding of which program will truly be the best fit for you.

Ask About Graduate Outcomes And Industry Partnerships

What industry connections a college maintains and how successful its graduates are at finding employment are both strong indicators of how well it’s preparing its students for success. Don’t be afraid to request this type of critical data if it’s not readily available.

Visit Campuses Or Book An Info Session

Nothing will give you a better sense of what a college has to offer than visiting the campus in person. To familiarize yourself with Robertson College’s thriving Edmonton campus, book a campus tour today!

Final Thoughts: Finding The Right Fit For Your Future

Choosing the right college is a major decision that can impact the trajectory of your career well into the future. Now that you know what to look for in a top-ranked private college, it’s time to start exploring your options.

Ready to learn more about Robertson College and kickstart your career in Edmonton? Contact one of our knowledgeable and supportive Student Advisors today!