ABES College is a private career college in Calgary that trains adult learners for health care and social services work. This guide covers the programs on offer and how admission runs, from picking a program through to finalizing your enrollment.
It also sets out the funding routes students use to pay for training and how repayment works afterwards, then what campus life, student support and graduation day look like once you are in a program.
Whether you’re new to Canada, returning to education, or seeking a career change, ABES College is here to assist you every step of the way.
About ABES College
Established in 1991, ABES College is a licensed private vocational school specializing in health care and social services programs. Our mission is to provide adult learners with the training and support needed to enter the workforce in areas that have the highest demand.
We collaborate with industry partners like Alberta Health Services and Calgary Laboratory Services to ensure our programs meet current industry standards and give our students the best chance of success.
Programs Offered
ABES College offers a variety of programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in health care and social services. Each program includes practical training components to provide real-world experience.
Here is a list of each program and its duration:
- Health Care Aide: 32-week program with 320 hours of practicum.
- Addiction and Disability Community Support Worker Diploma: 27-week program with 8 weeks of full-time practicum.
- Dental Office Administration Diploma: 26-week program, available online or in-class, with 4 weeks of practicum.
- Medical Laboratory Assistant: 19-week program with 5 weeks of full-time practicum.
- Unit Clerk + Medical Office Assistant Diploma: 27-week program, available online or in-class, with 6 weeks of full-time practicum.
- Medical Device Reprocessing Technician: 40-week program with 8 weeks of full-time practicum.
- Pharmacy Assistant Diploma: 26-week program with 6 weeks of full-time practicum.
- Practical Nursing Diploma: 80-week program with 765 hours of full-time practicum.
Admissions Process
Applying to ABES College is straightforward but involves several steps:
- Choose Your Program: Determine which program aligns with your career goals.
- Apply Online: Complete the application form on our Apply Now page.
- Discovery Session: An admissions advisor will contact you to schedule a session to discuss your goals and answer questions.
- Submit Documents: Provide necessary documents, such as transcripts and identification.
- Financial Consultation: Meet with a financial aid officer to explore funding options.
- Enrollment: Once accepted, complete the enrollment process and prepare for classes.
Choose your program
Explore the diverse range of programs we offer, including Health Care Aide, Practical Nursing, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, and more. Each program is designed to provide hands-on training and practical skills that align with industry demands. Additionally, we offer direct-experience practicums in local facilities, so you’re ready for any job.
Visit our Programs Page to find the one that best fits your career aspirations.
Submit your application
Once you’ve selected a program, complete our online application form available on the Apply Now page. The form will ask for basic personal information and your program of interest. After submission, our admissions team will reach out to you to discuss the next steps.
Attend a discovery session
An admissions advisor will contact you to schedule a Discovery Session. This is a personalized meeting where we learn about your goals, answer any questions, and provide detailed information about your chosen program. It’s an excellent opportunity to ensure that ABES College is the right fit for you. It’s also not a common service in most schools!
Provide your documents
To proceed with your application, you’ll need to submit certain documents, such as transcripts, identification, and any other program-specific requirements. Our admissions team will guide you through this process to ensure all paperwork is completed accurately.
Finalize your enrollment
After completing the necessary steps and securing your financial plan, you’ll finalize your enrollment. This includes signing your enrollment agreement and preparing for the start of your classes. Our team will provide you with all the information you need to begin your studies.
You’re Admitted! What’s Next?
Congratulations, you’re officially part of the ABES College family! Now, it’s time to prepare for the most exciting part of the journey ahead. First, you’ll receive an acceptance package detailing important dates, required documents, and orientation information. Carefully review this package, as it will guide your next steps, including attending orientation, setting up your student account, and exploring your program schedule. During orientation, you’ll meet instructors and classmates, get familiar with campus facilities, and receive essential tips for academic success.
Financial Assistance Options
We understand that financing education can be challenging. ABES College and different levels of government offer various financial aid options.
- Government Student Loans: Eligible students can apply for loans through Student Aid Alberta.
- Scholarships and Bursaries: Explore opportunities based on merit or financial need.
- ABES Student Grant: Pre-qualify for up to $1,000 in grants.
- Personal Payment Plans: Flexible payment options to suit your budget.
- Bank or Credit Union Financing: Student lines of credit may be available.
- Band Funding: Available for eligible Indigenous students.
- ABES Friend Referral Program: Refer your friends to ABES College and earn incentives. It’s an easy way to help fund your journey and help others succeed.
You should consider the financial aspect of your education as soon as possible. That way, you can plan, save and budget for the expenses ahead of time.
Learn more about these options in our detailed article on Financial Assistance Options for ABES Students.
Repayment Options
After graduation, managing loan repayment is crucial. Options include:
- Pre-Authorized Payment Plans: Automatic withdrawals from your bank account.
- Online or Telephone Banking: Make payments through your bank’s online system.
- Personal Cheques: Submit post-dated cheques for scheduled payments.
- Repayment Assistance: Programs available through Student Aid Alberta to help manage payments.
For more information, visit our page on Repayment Options.
Campus Experience
Our campus is conveniently located near Calgary’s inner city, offering easy access via public transportation. The environment is friendly, clean, and inclusive, ensuring you feel welcome and safe. Regular campus visits for instruction and hands-on training are integral parts of your program.
A day in the life at ABES College
Expect a balanced schedule combining classroom instruction with hands-on practical training. You’ll typically attend classes with small, supportive groups, allowing direct interaction with your instructors and peers.
Between lectures, labs, or practicum sessions, there are breaks to study, socialize, or meet with advisors. Every day is structured to reflect real-world working environments, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared for your career after graduation.
Student Support Services
ABES College offers a wide range of student support services designed to help you succeed academically, professionally, and personally. From day one, you’ll have access to personalized academic advising, one-on-one tutoring sessions, and workshops aimed at strengthening study and career skills. Our dedicated career services team will assist you with résumé writing, job interview preparation, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Additionally, ABES provides mental health resources, confidential counselling, and guidance on managing work-life balance. Small class sizes mean personalized attention, ensuring no student feels overlooked.
Below is a quick tour of every service waiting for you on campus and online.
Personal academic advising
From your first discovery meeting to graduation, dedicated Admissions Advisors and Program Coordinators help you pick courses, set study goals and solve timetable issues fast. Small class sizes mean instructors learn your name and notice if you need extra guidance.
One-to-one tutoring and skill workshops
Struggling with lab math or medical terminology? Book free tutoring sessions or drop into weekly workshops on note-taking, time management and exam prep. These sessions use step-by-step breakdowns and real program examples so all students can follow along easily.
Career services and practicum placement
Career planning at ABES starts with provincial data and local employment connections. Our Career Services team reviews your résumé, runs mock interviews and connects you with industry partners like Alberta Health Services for practicum experience that often leads to job offers.
On-site funding centre and financial aid coaching
Money shouldn’t block your dreams. Our funding team works with our Funding Centre and Student Finance Officers, who fill out loan, grant and scholarship paperwork with you. Flexible in-house payment plans are also available.
Wellness and mental health resources
Balancing study, work, and family is tough. Confidential counselling referrals and stress-management tips ensure you stay healthy inside and outside the classroom. Instructors keep doors open so you can talk through issues early.
Flexible scheduling and online options
Evening, weekend and hybrid classes let you keep a part-time job or handle family duties while studying. Many programs offer online theory plus in-person labs, cutting commute time without sacrificing practical skills. With a mix of online and hands-on offerings, ABES manages to serve a diverse range of student needs.
Graduation Day: Celebrating Your Achievement
Graduation day at ABES College is a memorable event, marking the proud conclusion of your educational journey and the exciting start of your career. It’s an opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments alongside classmates, instructors, and loved ones who’ve supported you along the way.
Our graduation ceremony is thoughtfully planned to honour each student’s hard work, complete with caps, gowns, and a formal presentation of diplomas. Family and friends are invited to join this special occasion to capture photographs and memories that last a lifetime.
Career Outcomes
Now that you’re ready for the real world, ABES programs provide practical experience and industry connections, giving students a unique advantage when it comes to finding and applying for jobs.
Related reading
- Financial assistance options for ABES College students
- Career colleges compared with universities in Alberta
- Choosing a health care career in Calgary
Talk to an advisor about starting at ABES College
An admissions advisor can walk you through the health care and community service programs at ABES College in Calgary. An ABES College advisor can go through entrance requirements, upcoming intakes and funding options with you.
