SAIT & NAIT Sick Note for Missed Class, Shop Time, or Apprenticeship Absence

SAIT and NAIT have strict attendance policies — especially for trades and apprenticeship programs. Here's how to get proper medical documentation without losing your spot.

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 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.

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


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.

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.

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


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

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


NAIT Programs with Strict Attendance

  • Registered Apprenticeship Programs (all trades)

  • Nursing and Allied Health

  • Instrumentation Engineering Technology

  • Power Engineering

  • Heavy Equipment Technician

  • Millwright


Cost Comparison

| Option | Cost | Time | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAIT Health Services | Free (limited) | 1-3 day wait for appointment | Weekdays only |
| NAIT Student Health | Free (limited) | 1-5 day wait | Weekdays only |
| Walk-in clinic | $20-$30 | 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.

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Medically reviewed by a Licensed Alberta Physician, CPSA-Registered
Last reviewed: July 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.

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.

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.

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 licensed physician, including virtual care providers.

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.