Helping Canadians get back to work.

Centre for Distance Education

222 George St., Suite C, Sydney NS

Possible funding to those who qualify*

  • Nova Scotia Student Loan
  • Loans
  • Grants
  • Bursaries
  • Scholarships

Programs

Programs offered at each campus may vary, so be sure to check other campus offerings for the course you are most interested in.

Business, Accounting, Marketing Programs

  • Modern businesses rely on the bookkeeping and financial management support of skilled accounting professionals.

    A keen eye for detail, organizational skills and a solid background in accounting principles can make you highly attractive to employers.

    If you enjoy working with numbers and are ready to get into a rewarding professional career (without putting your whole life on hold), our online accounting  course could be an excellent option.

    Applicants to this program must have a high school diploma or GED.

    Become a Qualified Accounting Technician with Accounting Courses Online

    The Online Accounting Technician program from Centre for Distance Education (CD-ED) provides the technical skills, relevant experience and ongoing support it takes to pursue a rewarding accounting career, with the convenience and flexibility of online training.

    The program is led by knowledgeable accounting professionals with years of experience working in the field. As a student, you get the up-to-date skills modern employers look for through a blend of tutorials, step-by-step assignments and hands-on application. Areas covered include:

    • Business College Math
    • Microsoft Word Introductory
    • Microsoft Excel for Bookkeeping
    • Manual Accounting
    • Simply Accounting
    • Payroll
    • Accounting Practice
    • Career Skills & OHS
    • Keyboarding (Concurrent)

    Each subject is covered in a variety of ways to ensure you relate to the material, no matter your learning style. Learn your way, in the comfort of your own home.

    Graduates of this program feel confident and fully prepared to take on the challenges of a rewarding career in accounting.

  • The Centre for Distance Education offers a complete professional Health Information Management Diploma program designed to give you the skills, experience and certification it takes to launch a successful career, with the convenience and flexibility of online learning. Unlike other schools that have lengthy wait lists, our classes start monthly. That means you can start your career as soon as possible!

    Interested to start training as a HIM Specialist but don’t feel like you can commit to a full-time program? You’re in luck — the Centre for Distance Education (CD-ED) has launched a part-time option of the program so that you can get the training you need to pursue a fulfilling career as an HIM professional.

    Become a Designated CHIM Professional

    We are happy to announce that, thanks to Sandra Cotton, Program Coordinator and the rest of our Health Information Management team, CD-ED has successfully renewed its accreditation with the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA).

    Accreditation with CHIMA means that HIM Diploma students can be confident that their training meets the standards required by professionals in the industry. It also allows graduates to pursue national certification and receive the CHIM designation in their name. This designation is recognized by employers all across Canada and proves that you are qualified professional.

    Prepare for CHIM designation with flexible, online training from our Health Information Management Program.

  • 64 Week Online Medical Office Administration Program

    If you’re great with people, detail-oriented, and interested in learning medical-based terminology, transcription, and office procedures, online Medical Office Administration courses could be for you.

    The CD-ED Medical Office Administration Diploma Program provides the practical skills and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding healthcare office career, in the flexible and convenient CD-ED Distance Learning format.

    Applicants to this program must have a high school diploma or GED. If you do not have your high school diploma or GED, click here for more information on resources in your province.

    Career Opportunities

    In Canada, Medical Office Administration professionals are employed by hospitals, health clinics, medical and dental offices and in other offices throughout the public and private sectors, including:

    • Private Physician’s Practices
    • Optometrist & other Specialists’ Offices
    • Medical Clinics
    • Government Departments
    • Insurance companies
    • Federal Department of Health
    • Medical supply companies
    • Veterinary practices
    • Medical transcription facilities
    • Local public health departments
    • Hospital Departments
    • Nursing homes
    • Chiropractor Practices
    • Massage Therapy Offices
    • Medical Clinics
      And More!

    As a Medical Office Administrator, you’re the one who keeps the offices of doctors, chiropractors and other healthcare professionals running smoothly. Medical Office Administrators interact with patients, manage records and billing, oversee office procedures and contribute to the efficiency and overall patient experience in a medical setting.

    Focused Training Through Online Administration Courses

    This is career-focused education. You won’t spend time working through electives or irrelevant content designed to drag out the program and drive up costs. Your program is tailored around you and getting into a rewarding professional position, without spending a ton of time and money sitting in a classroom.

    Medical Office Administration graduates are skilled in:

    • Scheduling and confirming medical appointments
    • Receiving and communicating messages for medical staff and patients
    • Entering and formatting electronically based medical reports and correspondence
    • Preparing spreadsheets and documents for review
    • Interviewing patients in order to complete forms, documents and case histories
    • Completing insurance and other claim forms
    • Initiating and maintaining confidential medical files and records
    • Preparing draft agendas for meetings and taking, transcribing, and distributing minutes
    • Preparing financial statements and billing
    • Establishing and maintaining various internal office administrative support procedures
    • Ordering supplies and maintaining inventory

    The program is led by experienced medical administration professionals. As a student you benefit from firsthand industry knowledge of what employers expect and what it’s really like to work as a Medical Office Administrator.

    You’ll feel confident moving into a professional healthcare setting after completing this 64 week program.

  • NEW!  70-Week Online Medical Office Assistant Program in Canada

    If you’re interested in working with and helping others, and are looking to get into a steady professional career, you could be well-placed to succeed in a rewarding Medical Office Assistant position.

    As a Medical Office Assistant or Administrative Clerk, you’ll make an important contribution to the health and wellness of your community while working in a clean, comfortable office setting.

    Becoming a Qualified Medical Office Assistant

    As a successful graduate of the NEW Centre for Distance Education Medical Office Assistant program, you will be proficient in office practices and software, enabling you to manage a medical office, receive visitors, and build applications. Our program places a strong emphasis on learning medical terminology, office management and communications throughout the program.

    You’ll learn:

    • Medical terminology
    • Working with medical reports and documents
    • Medical transcription
    • Quickbooks accounting and payroll
    • Managing databases
    • Occupational health & safety
    • Professionalism and ethics
    • Business English and communications
    • Receiving visitors
      and more!

    With online learning, you’ll develop a personal attitude for success. Our training programs not only teach the technical skills for the career, but include time management practices that help you become a successful, organized professional.

    You will be able to communicate clearly, collaborate with others, and build workplace relationships.

  • 52-Week Online General Office Administration Program

    As a receptionist or office administrative assistant, your knowledge of office practices and software enables you to skillfully manage the administrative activities of any size business operation. The CD-ED General Office Administration Program Online provides the practical skills and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding office career, with the flexibility and convenience of CD-ED’s Distance Learning format.

    Office Administration Career Opportunities

    Successful Office Administration graduates are employed in a variety of professional positions, including:
    • Office Administrator & Manager
    • Receptionist
    • Executive Assistant
    • Administrative Assistant
    • Typist/Word Processing Specialist
    • Records Clerk
    • Office Assistant
    This program can also help you upgrade within your current office position by preparing you for Microsoft Office Specialist certification. Successful graduates of the CD-ED General Office Administration program have found work in large corporations, small businesses, insurance companies, real estate, government departments, and more.

    Focused Office Administration Course Online

    This is career-focused education. You won’t spend time working through irrelevant content designed to drag out the program and drive up costs. Your program is tailored around you and getting into a rewarding professional position, without spending a ton of time and money sitting in a classroom. General Office Administration diploma graduates are skilled in:
    • Microsoft Word
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Access
    • Business English & Communications
    • Filing
    • Administrative Procedures
    • Human Relations
    • Professionalism & Ethics
    • Occupational Health & Safety
    • Keyboarding
    The program is led by experienced administration professionals. As a student you benefit from firsthand industry knowledge of what employers expect and what it’s really like to work in office administration. You’ll feel confident moving into a professional office setting after completing this 52-week program.
  • 52 Week* Online Administrative Assistant Program

    Thinking about taking online Administrative Assistant courses? If you’re great with people and interested in the organization and running of an office as a receptionist, secretary, or administrative assistant, working as an Office Administrative Assistant could be for you. Your strong communication skills, keen organizational skills and solid understanding of administration principles will make you highly attractive to top employers. As an administrative assistant professional trained in office practices and software, you’ll work closely with both managers and staff to skillfully control the administrative activities of any size business operation. You’ll have the skills to run an office smoothly, receive visitors, basic accounting, payroll, create documentation, and write & file office correspondence. One of the great things about office administration is the variety in your work day. Office administration covers many areas in a typical office setting to stimulate your interest levels and keep the job exciting.

    Online Administrative Assistant Courses for Rewarding Career Opportunities

    We prepare you for Microsoft Certification with this program. As you complete each Microsoft Office-based module, we will provide you with a voucher for writing the official Microsoft certification test for that component. Successfully completing these tests mean that in addition to receiving your diploma, you will also be certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist. Successful graduates have found work as:
    • Administrative Assistant
    • Receptionist
    • Executive Assistant
    • Microsoft Office Specialist
    • Bookkeeper
    • Typist
    • Word Processing Specialist
    • Records Clerk
    • Office Assistant
    Others have become virtual assistants or used their skills as a stepping-stone to a job higher up on the office chain.

Healthcare, Wellness, Pharma Programs

  • 64 Week Dental Office Administration Program in Canada with CD-ED’s Online Administration Courses

    If you’re interested in a rewarding career in the dental field and enjoy working with and helping others, a career in Dental Office Administration could be right for you. As a Dental Office Administrator, you’ll make an important contribution to the health and wellness of your community while working in a clean, comfortable office setting.

    Becoming a Qualified Dental Office Administrator

    As a successful graduate of the CD-ED Dental Office Administration program, you will be proficient in dental office practices and software, enabling you to manage a dental office, receive visitors, and build applications. Our program places a strong emphasis on learning dental terminology, office management and communications throughout the training modules. Here are some of the topics covered in our online administration courses:
    • Essentials of Student Success
    • Microsoft Word
    • Microsoft Access
    • Business English & Communication
    • Keyboarding
    • Filing
    • Basic Bookkeeping
    • Quickbooks
    • Dental Terminology
    • Dental Office Administration
    • Professionalism & Ethics
    • Occupational Health & Safety
    • Practicum
    By taking online courses in Dental Office Administration, you’ll develop a personal attitude for success. Our training programs not only teach the technical skills for the career, but include time management practices that help you become a successful, organized professional.

Creative Arts, Interactive, Sound Programs

  • The CD-ED online Graphic Design program provides the practical skills and industry support it takes to pursue a creative and rewarding graphic design career, along with the flexibility and convenience of online Distance Learning.

    Career Opportunities After Taking Our Online Graphic Design Program

    Graduates of this program are fully prepared for a wide range of interesting design positions, including:

    • Graphic Designer
    • Cartoonist
    • Graphic Artist
    • Layout Designer
    • Illustrator
    • Logo Artist
    • Newspaper Layout Artist
    • Advertising Design Technician
    • Icon Designer

    Our online graphic design courses will allow you to seek work in dozens of disciplines and companies, including advertising, freelance graphic design, brand identity, publication design, multimedia production, television, publishing houses, print services, government, and much more.

    Online Graphic Design Courses Focused on Preparing You for a Career

    This is career-focused education. You won’t spend time working through electives or irrelevant content designed to drag out the program and drive up costs. Your program of online graphic design courses is tailored to your needs and getting you into a rewarding professional position, without spending a ton of time and money sitting in a classroom.

    Throughout the year you will design many types of projects, including

    • Magazines
    • Movie posters
    • Web pages
    • Advertisements
    • Illustrations
    • Children’s books
    • Album covers
    • Postcards
    • Newsletters
    • Annual reports
    • Travel brochures
    • Book covers
    • Calendars
    • Greeting cards
    • Infographics
    • Logos

    And more!

    You are given plenty of choices in projects, in terms of choosing which “client” you’d like to work with, and even using your own favored businesses and causes for inspiration!

Technology, Networking Programs

  • Take Online IT Courses to Start Your New Career in Just 70 Weeks

    IT Professionals with desktop and networking skills are versatile and valuable members of any IT support system. Take online IT courses with the Centre for Distance Education (CD-ED) to earn a diploma that also prepares you to earn four industry standard certifications, helping to make you in demand with employers from small businesses to large corporations. You’ll have the skills to troubleshoot desktop hardware and software issues as well as support the underlying network infrastructure. If you are detail-oriented, technical-minded and are interested in getting established in a professional IT career, you could be well-suited to succeed as a Desktop & Network Support Specialist.
      Easy to follow courses that are right to the point, guiding you through each activity. Allowing you to fit your study into a busy lifestyle if needed. With teachers eager to assist you along the way.  
    Shauna Pomeroy, IT Professional Graduate

    Becoming a Qualified Professional with Online IT Courses at CD-ED

    CD-ED offers an IT Professional diploma program that allows you to gain the fundamental skills you need to pursue a successful career. Graduates of this program enter the professional world with confidence after gaining hands-on training in the following seven areas:
      1. Discovering Computers This module teaches digital literacy.  Because technology changes, this module presents the knowledge students need to be digitally literate today, developing current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web and related technologies.
      2. Operating Systems Fundamentals This module teaches the student the fundamental technology concepts of Windows Operating Systems with a foundation for a career as well as the confidence they need to succeed in advanced studies. The student learns the key concepts of Understanding Operating System Configurations, Managing Applications, Managing Files and Folders, Managing Devices, and Understanding Operating System Maintenance. Successful candidates are prepared and supplied with a voucher for the MTA certificate as part of their tuition.
      3. Desktop Support This module teaches the student the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking. The student will cover the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features (e.g. network connectivity and email) for mobile operating systems. Completion of this module will prepare the student for the CompTIA A+ certification.
      4. IT Communications This module teaches the Soft skills needed in the information technology world. Real life skills of interacting with customers, working with professionals, using proper phone techniques, security in communication, workplace communication and practices, leadership in IT, and communication in the real world will be taught through scenario depicting typical workplace situations.
      5. Network Fundamentals This module teaches the student the fundamental technology concepts of networking with a foundation for a career, as well as the confidence they need to succeed in advanced studies. The student learns the key concepts of understanding Local Area Networking, defining networks with the OSI Model, understanding wired and wireless networks, understanding Internet protocol, implementing TCP/IP in the command line, working with networking services, understanding Wide Area Networks, and defining network infrastructures and network security. Successful candidates are prepared for the MTA certificate.
      6. Network Support This module covers network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security. Candidate job roles include network administrator, network technician, network installer, help desk technician and IT cable installer.  Completion of this module will prepare the student for the Network+ certification.
      7. Occupational Health & Safety The student will be given an introductory course in Occupational Health & Safety, covering the need for OHS in the workplace, workplace hazards and processes, and ergonomics specifically for the modern office.

    Get Sought-After Industry Certifications Like CompTIA A+

    In addition to getting a diploma from Canada’s leading distance education school, graduates of this challenging program also have the potential to earn the following certifications: MTA Configuring Windows Devices MTA Networking Fundamentals CompTIA A+ CompTIA Network+

Legal, Policing Programs

  • 70 Weeks Online Legal Office Administration Program

    Legal Office Administration Career Opportunities

    Successful Legal Office Administration program graduates are employed in a variety of interesting locations, including:
    • Law Offices
    • Court Systems
    • Insurance Companies
    • Real Estate
    • Government Departments
    • Healthcare & Social Assistance Organizations And More!
    As a Legal Office Administrator, sometimes called Legal Secretary, you’ll work closely with lawyers, prosecutors and public defenders and be directly involved in legal proceedings. You’ll provide administrative assistance and support to these professionals in legal environments. The Legal, practical and clerical knowledge of Legal Office Administrators helps to keep the justice system running smoothly.

    Focused Online Legal Office Administration Training

    This is career-focused education. You won’t spend time working through electives or irrelevant content designed to drag out the program and drive up costs. Your program is tailored around you and getting into a rewarding professional position, without spending a ton of time and money sitting in a classroom. Legal Office Administration graduates are skilled in:
    • Microsoft Word
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Business English & Communications
    • Practical Business Math
    • Filing
    • Canadian Law
    • Business Law
    • Legal Office Procedures
    • Legal Terminology & Transcription
    • Keyboarding
    The online courses in the Legal Office Administration program are entry level courses that equip students to be able to learn decision-making concepts, global issues, values and ethics, and social responsibility. The program is led by experienced legal office administration professionals. As a student, you benefit from firsthand industry knowledge of what employers expect and what it’s really like to work in legal office administration. You’ll feel confident moving into a professional legal setting after completing this 70-week program.

Sydney Campus

Online College Courses for Stress-Free Career Preparation

CD-ED has provided Canadians with top quality online learning and career support services for over 20 years, helping thousands of Canadians realize their career potential by removing barriers to their education.

Our online learning model offers freedom and flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You choose how and when to organize your schooling schedule, in a way that suits your needs.

There’s no better feeling than self-improvement. Invest in yourself, your career, your future. It’s your learning experience, take control of it.

Quality Career-Training

Our diploma programs are career focused and nationally recognized by employers across the country. If you feel stuck trying to balance your family, work and other responsibilities, or classroom learning simply doesn’t work for you – you’ve come to the right place.

Some of the many benefits of attending CD-ED are:

Classes start weekly – You don’t need to wait for traditional class start dates – we make it easy for you to integrate education to fit into your life. CD-ED works with your busy schedule by offering frequent and flexible start dates. No more waiting around to start your career, begin classes right away.

High satisfaction ratings – Be confident when signing up for CD-ED knowing that it offers excellent career-training education. Reputation matters and word of mouth speaks the loudest. Read reviews from our satisfied graduates here.

Accessible learning environment – Each student can find something to suit their learning needs because CD-ED offers various learning management systems designed for different learning styles. At CD-ED no one is left behind.

20 years of online training – You can rest assured knowing that CD-ED’s online training experts have over 20 years of experience and thousands of graduate successes who, just like you, needed convenience without affecting quality in their education.

Transfer Credits – If you have prior education or work experience that would demonstrate knowledge in an area of study, you may be eligible for transfer credits. Curriculum credits are assessed on a case by case basis. Speak to an admissions representative to learn more.

Come to CD-ED to join a rich and supportive community. We’ll give you the boost you need to get your career started today.


*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.