Continuing Education in Health Sciences
The College of Health Sciences is introducing its first continuing education course: the Team Based Collaborative Care Certificate Program. Designed for health professionals and students in the final year of their graduate program, this course combines flexible online learning with immersive simulation experiences. This initiative marks the beginning of an expanded focus on professional development opportunities that align with the evolving needs of the health workforce.
Team-Based Collaborative Care Certificate
The Team-Based Collaborative Care (TBCC) Certificate is a non-credit micro-credential designed to enhance teamwork, communication, and interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. Delivered through a hybrid model of self-paced online learning and hands-on simulation, this program equips healthcare professionals with the skills to build high-functioning teams, navigate real-world scenarios, and improve patient outcomes. Participants gain practical experience in safe, immersive settings, fostering confidence and competency in delivering patient-centered care. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just entering the field, this certificate empowers you to contribute effectively in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
4 Courses (1 Mandatory + 3 Electives)
Approx. 40 Hours Total
Self-Paced + In-Person Simulation
Hybrid Delivery Format
Online & In-person Simulation Training
Earn a Recognized Micro-Credential
Digital Certificate from U of A
Realistic Healthcare Simulations
In-person Practice with Expert Guidance
Courses
Foundations of Team-Based Collaborative Care
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to team-based collaborative care, ideal for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of collaborative practices in diverse settings. Participants will explore key topics, including the rationale for team-based care, an overview of the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC) competency framework for advancing collaboration, and essential skills for effective teamwork. The course also introduces simulation-based learning as a valuable tool for preparing professionals for real-world challenges.
Holistic Patient-Centred Care: Partnering with Caregivers
This course introduces the foundational principles of caregiver-centered care. Learners will revisit the core competencies of team-based collaborative care and examine how a well-coordinated team of healthcare professionals can collaborate with patients and caregivers to develop effective care plans. The course culminates with an in-person simulation training experience, where learners can apply these foundational concepts in a hands-on, practical setting.
Meet the Content Experts
Patricia Manns
Associate Dean Education, College of Health Sciences
Dr. Manns is the Associate Dean Education in the College of Health Sciences. She works with representatives across the College of Health Sciences to develop and deliver interprofessional education for more than 1000 University of Alberta students each year. Dr. Manns leads the development and delivery of the Team-Based Collaborative Care certificate which extends the educational offerings that support interprofessional team-based care to working health professionals. She trained and worked as a physical therapist before joining the University of Alberta in 2003.
Joelle Fawcett-Arsenault
Simulation Coordinator, College of Health Sciences
Joelle Fawcett-Arsenault, PHEc, is dedicated to supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals through simulation experiences. Combining her personal and professional experience, Joelle is forging a new path in health sciences education primarily focused on the psycho-social aspects of healthcare; by supporting and guiding healthcare staff to improve their resilience, wellness and interpersonal capacities, patient and family experience also improves. Joelle's current research explores engaging and partnering with "experience experts" - patients and families - to co-design and co-facilitate simulation experiences. She seeks to create safe, trauma-informed spaces and programming where knowledge is co-constructed, learning is collaborative, and deep experiences and reflective practice develop self-awareness that promotes lifelong learning and wellness.
Simulation
The TBCC Certificate Program goes beyond traditional learning. Our simulation experiences place you in realistic, high-stakes scenarios that reflect the complexity and emotion of real clinical conversations. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, making complex decisions, or supporting someone in distress, these simulations provide a powerful, hands-on opportunity to grow.
These are not just role-plays - they're immersive learning experiences designed to challenge your communication, self-awareness, and professional judgment in a safe, supportive space.