Why SAIT and NAIT Attendance Matters More
Unlike traditional universities where you might miss a lecture without consequence, SAIT and NAIT have mandatory attendance policies, especially in:
- Trades programs (welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry)
- Apprenticeship technical training
- Lab and shop sessions
- Clinical placements (nursing, medical lab)
- Practical assessments
Missing too many hours without documentation can result in program withdrawal, loss of your apprenticeship seat, or having to repeat an entire block. The stakes are incredibly high for students enrolled in these rigorous programs. A single unexcused absence can jeopardize months of hard work and financial investment. It is crucial to understand that these institutions prioritize hands-on experience, and missing a lab or shop session means missing out on essential practical skills that cannot be easily made up through independent study. Therefore, having proper documentation for any absence is not just a formality, it is a vital step in protecting your academic and professional future.
The Attendance Problem
SAIT's policy is clear: unexcused absences beyond the allowed threshold can result in academic consequences including withdrawal from the program. NAIT has similar rules. These policies are designed to ensure that graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. When you miss a class, you are not only falling behind in your coursework but also demonstrating a lack of commitment to your education and future career.
For apprenticeship students, it's even more critical. Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) system requires you to complete a set number of technical training hours. Missing days without documentation can mean:
- Repeating the entire training block (8-12 weeks)
- Losing your spot to the next intake (could be 6-12 months away)
- Your employer being notified of your absence
- Potential impact on your journeyman timeline
The consequences of unexcused absences extend beyond the classroom. Employers expect their apprentices to be reliable and dedicated, and a record of poor attendance can negatively impact your reputation and future job prospects. Furthermore, repeating a training block can be financially devastating, as it means delaying your entry into the workforce and potentially incurring additional tuition fees.
What Documentation Do SAIT and NAIT Accept?
Both polytechnics accept medical notes from any licensed Alberta physician. The note must include:
- Your full name (matching your student record)
- The specific date(s) you were unable to attend
- A statement confirming medical inability to attend classes/shop
- The physician's name, signature, and CPSA registration number
- Clinic contact information for verification
MedLetter notes include all of these elements. Our team of licensed physicians understands the specific requirements of SAIT and NAIT, ensuring that your documentation is accurate, complete, and readily accepted by your institution. We take the guesswork out of the process, providing you with peace of mind during a stressful time.
Same-Day Documentation for Trades Students
Here's the problem trades students face: you're sick on Monday, your shop session is at 7 AM, and by the time walk-in clinics open at 9 AM, you've already missed your class. Then you wait 3 hours at the clinic. By then, you've missed the entire day. This scenario is all too common and can lead to unnecessary stress and academic penalties.
MedLetter solves this:
- Submit your request anytime (even at 6 AM before your class starts)
- Receive documentation same day
- No walk-in clinic visit needed
- No 3-hour clinic wait
With MedLetter, you can obtain the necessary documentation quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than worrying about the consequences of your absence. Our streamlined process ensures that you receive your sick note promptly, minimizing the disruption to your studies and protecting your academic standing.
Apprenticeship-Specific Considerations
If you're in an apprenticeship program:
1. Notify your instructor immediately, don't wait until you return
2. Get documentation for every missed day, even one day matters in compressed training blocks
3. Keep copies, your employer may also request documentation
4. Check your program's specific policy, some programs have stricter thresholds than others
Apprenticeship programs are intensive and demanding, requiring a high level of commitment and dedication. Missing even a single day can have a significant impact on your progress, making it essential to obtain proper documentation for any absence. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your absences are properly recorded and that your apprenticeship remains on track.
SAIT Programs with Strict Attendance
- Aviation (Transport Canada requirements)
- Nursing and Health Sciences (clinical hours)
- Welding and Fabrication (shop hours)
- Electrical and Power Engineering
- Culinary Arts (kitchen hours)
- Emergency Medical Technician
These programs are known for their rigorous curriculum and demanding schedules. Students enrolled in these programs must adhere to strict attendance policies to ensure that they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their respective fields. Missing a class without proper documentation can have serious consequences, including program withdrawal or delayed graduation.
NAIT Programs with Strict Attendance
- Registered Apprenticeship Programs (all trades)
- Nursing and Allied Health
- Instrumentation Engineering Technology
- Power Engineering
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Millwright
Similar to SAIT, NAIT's programs require a high level of commitment and dedication. Students must attend all classes and practical sessions to ensure that they meet the program's requirements and are prepared for their future careers. Unexcused absences can lead to academic penalties and jeopardize your chances of success.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAIT Health Services | Free (limited) | 1-5 day wait for appointment | Weekdays only |
| NAIT Student Health | Free (limited) | 1-5 day wait | Weekdays only |
| Walk-in clinic | $20-$50 | 2-4 hour wait | Daytime hours |
| MedLetter | $49 | Same day delivery | 24/7 |
When your program seat is worth thousands of dollars and months of time, $49 for same-day documentation is a straightforward decision. The cost of a MedLetter sick note is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and academic protection it provides. Don't risk your future by relying on unreliable or time-consuming alternatives. Choose MedLetter for fast, convenient, and reliable documentation.
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Medically reviewed by a Licensed Alberta Physician, CPSA-Registered
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sick Note Calgary (SAIT) & Edmonton (NAIT): Apprenticeship Absences
SAIT in Calgary and NAIT in Edmonton have strict attendance policies for apprenticeship programs. Missing shop time or lab hours without documentation can result in course failure. A sick note Calgary SAIT students or Edmonton NAIT students can get same-day ensures your apprenticeship progress is protected. Whether you are studying in Calgary or Edmonton, MedLetter provides the documentation you need to safeguard your academic and professional future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note for a missed exam without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes. Licensed physicians can assess your symptoms through a virtual consultation and issue a valid sick note for exam deferral purposes. Most Alberta universities accept notes from virtual care providers. This convenient option allows you to obtain the necessary documentation without the hassle of visiting a clinic in person.
How quickly do I need to get a sick note for an exam deferral?
Most Alberta universities require documentation within 2-5 business days of the missed exam. Online services provide same-day notes to meet tight deadlines. It is crucial to act quickly and obtain your sick note as soon as possible to ensure that your deferral request is processed promptly.
Will my university accept an online sick note for an exam deferral?
Yes. All major Alberta universities (U of C, U of A, MRU, SAIT, NAIT, MacEwan) accept sick notes from any New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time., including virtual care providers. You can trust that your MedLetter sick note will be recognized and accepted by your institution.
What if I was sick but did not see a doctor on the exam day?
A physician can still assess your reported symptoms and provide documentation. Getting a note as close to the illness date as possible strengthens your deferral application. Even if you were unable to see a doctor on the day of your exam, MedLetter can provide the documentation you need to support your deferral request.
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Related Resources:
- New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
- Online Sick Note Alberta
- Doctor’s Note Alberta
Don't risk your apprenticeship or program standing.
NAIT's Largest Courses (Where Deferrals Are Most Common)
These high-enrollment courses see the most exam deferral and assignment extension requests each semester:
Need a sick note in Canada? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Serving all provinces.
- MATH 1505 — 500+ students
- COMM 1500 — 600+ students
- PHYS 1501 — 400+ students
- CHEM 1501 — 300+ students
MedLetter provides same-day sick notes for $49 — accepted by NAIT for exam deferrals, assignment extensions, missed labs, and late essays.
Need a Sick Note After Hours?
It's 10 PM and you just realized you need a doctor's note for tomorrow morning. Walk-in clinics are closed. Your family doctor's office doesn't open until 9 AM — by then you're already late for work. MedLetter accepts requests 24/7, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Submit at midnight, receive your note before your shift starts. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..
New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
SAIT's Largest Courses (Where Deferrals Are Most Common)
These high-enrollment courses see the most exam deferral and assignment extension requests:
- MATH 230 — 500+ students
- COMM 241 — 600+ students
- PHYS 231 — 400+ students
- CHEM 230 — 300+ students
MedLetter provides same-day sick notes for $49 — accepted by SAIT for exam deferrals, assignment extensions, and missed labs.
Does your university require a specific Verification of Illness form? No problem — upload your school's form during checkout and our physician will fill it out and return it signed. +$10 add-on fee, same-day delivery.
Find your school: View all 52 Canadian universities and colleges with exam deferral guides.