The staff are wonderful, dedicated individuals
Posted by Sprott Shaw in After working retail for six years and seeing no future or reliability in that particular job field, I decided to further my education and start my career by taking the Administrative Assistant program through Sprott-Shaw Community College. This would prove to be one of the best decisions I have made. The staff are wonderful, dedicated individuals and with their guidance I successfully completed my course with skills and knowledge I can now take with me and apply not only to my job, but my personal life as well. Along with great staff, the friendships I created in my classes also added to my experience.
I would recommend Sprott-Shaw for anyone looking to make a change for the better and a great place to start if you are looking for a rewarding career.
Melissa B.
Kamloops Campus
Mihaela Cretu speaks to New West Accounting & Payroll Class
Our New Westminster campus Accounting and Payroll class was grateful to Mihaela Cretu, a Sprott-Shaw Graduate who took time out of her busy work day to speak to the class. She is a certified Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) and Human Resources Professional (CHRP).
It was a rewarding experience for our Instructor and Students to hear about her payroll job and how her studies at Sprott-Shaw have helped on the job.
Mihaela also expressed how the Canada Payroll Association (CPA) plays a valuable resource to those working in the field. Each time a member has a question, they can ask and the CPA will provide the correct answer. Rewards of membership!
We are very proud of Mihaela’s accomplishments as a Sprott-Shaw Graduate!
There was never any pressure or hard sales tactics to enroll
I came to Sprott-Shaw as a mature student. I had not been to school in over 25 years, so I was concerned how well well I would adjust to a new regimen. I can’t say enough about the college. It’s been hard work every step, but my instructors have always demonstrated an ability to teach, foster my understanding and encourage my success. The administration staff helped me arrange everything I needed to get accepted. I believe that anyone who wants to go back to college should consider Sprott-Shaw. They will help you decide whether or not, it the right move. There was never any pressure or hard sales tactics to enroll. You’re not in a big institution, only known by a number. Instead, its a personal experience, and of course, you ultimately are the person who decides how well you do. I’m glad I made the decision to go back to school, I’m really glad I chose Sprott-Shaw!
Andy D.
Practical Nursing
Kelowna Campus
It was all worth it!
Over a year ago I entered a new phase in my life, and that phase was my decision to go back to school! I have been procrastinating about this huge step for the last ten years. I thought, my kids are older, I’m in a dead end job with no room for advancement, I wasn’t getting any younger, so really what was I waiting for? I bit the bullet and signed up for the Community Support Worker/Social Services Program. I am so glad I did!
My journey began last November and a year later I’m in a job that I love, with more prospects on the horizon. I feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride within myself today and for that I am very grateful. It was a long hard road of self discovery and acceptance for who I am. I truly feel that this was my time to discover that, and I don’t think I would have found out who “Patty really was” had I not made the decision to go back to school. So I decided to take my “leap of faith”! I haven’t regretted my decision for one minute.
Today I am a confident woman who is becoming comfortable in her own skin and for that I will be forever thankful. My teacher helped me see that, and aided me to recognize that I have a lot to contribute and just to go out there and grab it!
Thanks to everyone at Sprott-Shaw for believing in me and for helping me to see that with hard work and dedication you can have everything that you want in your life…I am so proud of who I am today, and that I could be a positive role model for my kids! It was all worth it!
Patty P.
Community Support Worker – Social Services
Nanaimo Campus
Anyone can accomplish what I have in the last year
For me, the thought of going back to school was terrifying. I dropped out of high school in grade 12 with less than average grades and never dreamed of getting a higher education. I honestly didn’t believe I could do it. But I took the leap of faith and decided to go back to school and get my CSW/SS diploma. It was far from easy. But with the support of amazing instructors, my classmates (many of whom are close friends now) and my own drive and determination, I came out a straight A student and hired out of both practicum placements. Now, I spend my days helping others in a way I have always dreamed.
Anyone can accomplish what I have in the last year. It all comes down to how much of your self you are willing to put into it. I gave it my all and now my options are limitless. I say, take the leap of faith, give it everything you’ve got and you won’t be disappointed.
Kate H.
Community Support Worker – Social Services
Nanaimo Campus
I believe strongly in the Practical Nursing diploma program at Sprott-Shaw
I chose the Practical Nursing program at Sprott-Shaw for many reasons. I had a previous background in advanced First Aid, and had been a Medical First Responder with Search and Rescue. Sprott-Shaw’s PN diploma program would ensure I wouldn’t go backwards in my training. As a Mother and a wife I already had a busy life and didn’t want to be in school for too long. Going back to school wasn’t going to be easy. Sprott-Shaw’s Nationally recognized Nursing program, class schedules and the close location to home made it easier to make the decision to further my Post-Secondary Education.
The Practical Nursing Program Instructors were amazing. They all brought years of experience into the class room as well as into the lab and clinical settings. They gave me the opportunity to increase my medical knowledge and advance my skills to a higher level. I was impressed with the combination of professionalism, team work, leadership, compassion and cultural diversity they instilled in us. I completed both my acute care clinical and full preceptor placement in a surgical unit and was hired as soon as I graduated.
Although I started in a Surgical unit [at a hospital in the Fraser Health Authority], I was able to work all over the hospital and now have the flexibility to work in many different units as a Licenced Practical Nurse.
I believe strongly in the Practical Nursing diploma program at Sprott-Shaw. I now have the privilege to teach as a Nursing Instructor at the same campus I graduated from.
Leisa C., LPN
Surrey Campus
I finished on a Friday and got hired the next Wednesday at a care facility
My name is Ashley W. and I took the Health Care Assistant program at Sprott-Shaw Community College Victoria Campus. During my program, I had an amazing time, all my teachers were excellent and gave me the instruction and knowledge that was needed for a great practicum. They were always there for me when I needed help with anything or even to just have a good laugh. I was able to make some new friends in my class and work with them along the way.
It was one of the best choices I have made in my life and everyone at the Victoria campus was willing to help me every step of the way. But the best part of my time here was finally finishing. I finished on the Friday and got hired the next Wednesday at a care facility. It was exactly where I wanted to work and the best feeling ever. I never thought I would become a Health Care Assistant and now that the day is here, I wouldn’t change anything.
Don’t hesitate. Go forward in life!
What a difference a one year commitment to go to school made in my life
My name is Pam M. I am a recent graduate of the Practical Nursing program at Sprott Shaw Community College, New Westminster campus. In 2008 I made the choice to return to college as a mature student with a wonderful family of six. After much careful thought I decided to pursue nursing. Nursing was always something that I had considered as a career and in 2008 I decided to pursue this goal. I researched several schools that offered the Practical Nursing program and ultimately decided to go with Sprott Shaw. The main reason I chose this school was because the times offered for the program were so much better than any other school I had researched. I was able to attend school for five hours a day with a few short breaks in that time rather than going seven or eight hours a day somewhere else with hour long lunch breaks plus coffee breaks etc. Ultimately because I had a family to care for, I just wanted to spend as little time in a classroom as possible. Perhaps anyone else considering this school will agree with the less breaks shorter day idea.
When I began the course I was quite pleased with my choice. The staff at the New Westminster campus are very knowledgeable as well as down to earth. The program was laid out well and materials were presented at a very fast pace but with some discipline it was still manageable. After one year of hard Work I was happy to graduate from the program and anxious to get working! My final practicum was on a floor at Peace Arch Hospital. I had always wanted to work there as I have a fondness for that area and the people there very friendly. I applied to the ER department there and was very fortunate to be hired as a casual there. I currently work there as well as two nursing homes. Between the three casual jobs I am able to pick and choose when I want to work and this is ideal for me and my family. I really love working in the ER and plan to pursue becoming an RN as well. Nursing is a wonderful career choice with great satisfaction in many ways. I am so glad that I chose to go back to school and I’m grateful for the instruction I received. What a difference a one year commitment to go to school made in my life.
Going back to school was one of the best choices I ever made
I took the Health Care Assistant program in 2011. I couldn’t be happier with the results. I was hired before I even finished the courses. The staff and our teacher was the best and most helpful I could have had. The smaller class sizes definately make it worth it. Going back to school was one of the best choices I ever made.
Taylor D.
HCA Program
Kamloops Campus
I have reached my goal, I am working as a nurse and I am loving it.
Twenty-two years ago I decided to go back to school. Yep, you heard me. I was seventeen with a grade 10 education and a baby on the way.
I always knew I wanted a career, but with an unplanned pregnancy my plans for college had to wait until the time was right. So, I committed to being a mom and I promised myself that once my child was an adult that I would reach my goal, go to college and have the career that I always wanted.
And so, here I am, a graduate of the Practical Nursing program. But getting here wasn’t easy. I went back to high school after I had my son and got my Dogwood diploma. About 6 years ago I started upgrading my high school sciences. It wasn’t easy – nothing really worth it ever is! I was divorced, a mom with two children, two jobs and a goal.
I know my children are proud of me. They saw me cry, when the stress of it all seemed to be too much, and encouraged me to keep going. And I believe that they learned a valuable lesson right along with me – don’t stop until your dreams come true. And since you are reading this I assume that you have a dream too.
Through the Practical Nurse program, I have discovered so many new friends, support systems and most of all a sense of pride in myself for keeping the promise I made over two decades ago. I have reached my goal, am working as a nurse and I am loving it.
Maya Angelou said this: ‘I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’ Good luck on your journey – it is worth it!
Li D.
Practical Nursing Program
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