Yellowknife (June 27/03) - Jasmine Reedyk dreamed of working in the medical field for most of her life, but she wasn't sure if nursing was for her.

So the Yellowknife native went South to Cranbrook, B.C. for a course in medical administration.

As part of her training, Reedyk spent six weeks interning at Stanton Hospital. She has since returned to Cranbrook.

"The course ... and internship were great," said Reedyk. "They taught me so much and it was really fun."

The course teaches students how to assist doctors and veterinarians, but it isn't offered in the NWT.

Now, a Yellowknife career college is on the verge of offering the same course that Reedyk took.

Academy of Learning partnered with Heartbeat Training International and hopes to have a curriculum in place by the fall.

"We've received lots of requests for health care-related diplomas," said Dave Connelly, a partner in the Academy.

"We looked at a lot of programs and this was the best."

The program is designed to teach students how to work as clerical assistants in hospitals, clinics, private practices and veterinary offices.

The typical program lasts about 50 weeks. Students learn through a variety of conventional and interactive methods.

"One of the strengths of our program is that students are exposed to a variety of stimuli, which helps the learning process," said Connelly.

The program is being reviewed by an independent panel of health care workers. Their task is to adapt it to Northern standards. Connelly hopes to have their recommendations in a few months.

He's optimistic the program will be well attended, given the need for health care professionals in the North.

"All you have to do is look in the classifieds and you can see that there's a demand for programs like these."