Anyone seeking a career change, and who has a keen interest in helping others, should consider Grant MacEwan University’s Disability Management in the Workplace program, offered through a combination of print materials and online delivery through eCampusAlberta.

Disability management in the workplace is a growing field and people interested in this kind of career can find jobs in a wide range of areas and industries, including: government agencies, human resources, insurance companies, health care institutions, unions, worker compensation boards and the oil and gas sector.

“It’s very, very broad and can be a person’s entire scope of responsibility in their job description, or it can be one small part. There are so many options,” says Disability Management Program Chair, Gail Couch, RN, MN.

Disability management, which focuses on helping injured or ill workers return to work, makes up a key component of health and safety management. MacEwan’s program is designed to educate people who will form part of a team seeking to manage workers’ injuries and illnesses. Students learn a variety of skills that range from coordinating ‘return to work’ plans, to developing and implementing a disability management program in the workplace.

The program includes a field placement where students are paired up to work side by side with an industry professional, which enables them to put what they’ve learned in the program to practical use.

Students, most of whom are part-time, come not only from across Alberta but across Canada. Many are looking for a career change, although some are health care professionals, including occupational health nurses who want to enhance their skills.

The MacEwan program is one of a very few disability management programs in Canada and its online delivery format makes it unique.

“A lot of students have families and other responsibilities, so the online delivery is just excellent for these people. It’s so beneficial to have it offered on eCampusAlberta.”

Learn more about MacEwan's online Disability Management in the Workplace program.