More students than ever before are pursuing their education at Red River College without ever having to set foot on campus.

Participation in the College's distance education courses hit an all-time high of more than 4,600 registrations in 2008/09. This marked a 15.3% increase over 2007/08, and follows several years of consistent growth.

College officials say increased awareness of distance education options, enhanced use of online learning technologies, and an expanded line-up of courses have driven the enrolment growth.

"The majority of our distance education students are employed full-time. Their primary reason for pursuing additional training is to obtain a certificate or diploma, and distance education gives them the flexibility to do that on their own schedule," explained Rae-Ann Thibeault, Dean of RRC's School of Continuing & Distance Education.

RRC currently offers 13 certificates, two post-graduate certificates and two diplomas entirely by distance education. Students can also combine distance and in-class learning to pursue several dozen more certificate options.