Experiential Learning Showcase: MacKenzie Craig
Apr 1, 2025 | Experiential Learning
Canadore College is dedicated to providing hands-on, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for success in their careers. In this Experiential Learning Showcase we will meet MacKenzie Craig, a Respiratory Therapy student at Canadore College.
Before attending Canadore, MacKenzie worked as a primary care paramedic, so she knew she enjoyed working with patients. “I thrive in fast-paced environments, and I felt ready for a new challenge,” she shares. “I wanted to expand my knowledge and pursue further education, which led me to discover respiratory therapy. This career offered multiple avenues for growth while allowing me to continue with what I loved about emergency medical services.”
When asked why she chose Canadore College, Mackenzie points to Canadore’s smaller class sizes. “This allows for more opportunities to connect with my classmates, and it creates an environment where the faculty genuinely care. They put in a lot of extra effort to support each student and help them succeed.”
Throughout her time at Canadore, MacKenzie has had access to a variety of types of experiential learning. First, she was prepared through a combination of classroom learning and lab experience. “The labs provided a welcoming and comfortable environment where we could practice high-acuity skills,” MacKenzie shares. “The high-fidelity simulation mannequins enhanced our learning by allowing us to assess patients and see real-time changes, which encouraged critical thinking and mirrored real clinical situations. The lab equipment, such as ventilators and pulmonary function testing tools, matched what we would encounter in clinical settings.”
“Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in a two-day ’Coming Home’ program through the First Peoples Centre focused on cultural sensitivity. This experience continued to highlight the importance of delivering culturally safe care in the clinical setting.”
After the classroom and lab preparation, Respiratory Therapy students enter into clinical placements which allow them to engage in direct patient care in a supervised clinical setting. MacKenzie reflects fondly on her time with the Saskatchewan Health Authority: “My clinical placement was truly amazing because of the incredible mentors and staff I had the opportunity to work with. It was such a welcoming environment. They not only provided hands-on instruction but also took the time to explain complex concepts. Everyone, from respiratory therapists to nurses and physicians, were willing to share their expertise.”
MacKenzie’s clinical rotations included homecare, the emergency department, the ICU, pulmonary function testing, non-invasive cardiology, and the operating room. “I was exposed to a wide range of patient populations and both acute and chronic care situations. I participated in activities like grand rounds. I also had the opportunity to assist in high-risk deliveries which involved helping neonates take their first breath.”
When asked to expand on the value of experiential learning, MacKenzie shares, “I had the opportunity to apply everything I learned. Each rotation pushed me to grow while ensuring I was supported as I gained hands-on experience. Receiving ongoing feedback from preceptors and other healthcare professionals was helpful. It allowed me to learn from each clinician I worked with, ultimately building a comprehensive toolkit of assessments and skills to support my career.”
MacKenzie’s advice for other students is to always show up prepared. “Having a solid foundation of core knowledge makes it much easier to apply what you've learned and tackle challenging situations. When you're prepared, it’s not only rewarding but also incredibly enjoyable!”
She also enthusiastically offers encouragement to any students who are hesitating on taking the leap: “You can do it! I had been away from classroom learning for several years and had to go back and take some high school math and science classes to meet the requirements for the RT program. It was definitely challenging, but looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. It’s truly amazing to feel successful after putting my mind to it and working hard. If I can do it, so can you!”
“It’s truly amazing to feel successful after putting my mind to it and working hard. If I can do it, so can you!” |
Click here to learn more about Experiential Learning at Canadore.
If you are a Canadore student with an experiential learning experience you would like to have showcased, please contact the Manager of Experiential Learning at jeremie.carreau@canadorecollege.ca.
#Experiential Learning #Health, Human, Wellness #Student Experience