Mental Health and Substance Use - Certificate
Overview
This comprehensive program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundations necessary for working in the multidisciplinary field of mental health and substance use support.
It integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare students for diverse roles within the health care and social services sectors, with a focus on the specific needs of clients experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
Health Care Access Program
Learn more about the fully funded Health Career Access Program (HCAP) with a guaranteed work placement offered by Interior Health. Access more information through the Province of BC.
To express your interest to Interior Health, please email your résumé.
You can also reach out to Jocelyn Schroeder for program details.
If seats are not filled by HCAP funded students, we will open seats for non-funded individuals. Add your name to our interest list.
Blended Online and In-Person Training
During the first 14 weeks of the program, students complete six online theory courses that are delivered in a blended format (asynchronous and synchronous), followed by an in-person practicum over 5-6 weeks in your home community and place of hire.
We offer flexible study options to help you make it work. Contact us for further details.
Program Summary
Module 1
Courses, Seven Weeks Online
- ADD 384 Addictions Theory and Practice
- HSER 257 Mental Health Issues: Practical Responses
- HSER 258 Fundamentals of Change I
Module 2
Courses, Seven Weeks Online
- SSW 157 Group Skills
- HSER 255 Professional Foundations for Human Services
- HSER 259 Fundamentals of Change II
Module 3
Practicum, Six Weeks in Person
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate professionalism in practice consistent with the code of ethics and standards of practice of their respective disciplines
- Use effective interpersonal skills, including active listening, collaboration, self-awareness and conflict resolution within multi-faceted roles and contexts
- Understand and respect cultural differences and multiple ways of knowing
- Practice with an ethic of inclusivity
- Establish and maintain wellness strategies to assure work/life balance both personally and professionally
- Engage in critical thinking, problem solving and reflective practice
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
BC High school graduate or equivalent; or
Academic mature student category: 19 years or older at the start of the student’s first academic term
1. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
English Studies 12 or equivalent*, with a minimum of 60% or higher
2. SPECIFIC ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE WHO ARE SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS
As English is the language of study in BC, those students who are Second Language Learners must
meet one of the English language proficiency assessments outlined in Policy 8611 at an appropriate
level to be accepted into this program.
3. PRE-PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS
a) Applicants must be able to demonstrate compliance with Public Health Officer's orders with respect
to applicable vaccine requirements (must have completed before practicum if the practice area
requires it).
b) Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check (must be completed before starting practicum)
A current criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice must be completed within 90 days of practicum start date. Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit acceptance in field placement; acceptance into field placement is a requirement for program promotion.
- In order to progress to the next module, the following requirements must be met.
a) Completion of all courses in the module with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.00 and a grade of a “C” or better in all module courses.
2. Promotion to practicum will be determined by the following criteria:
a) A grade of "C" or better in all required courses as defined in Part II, C, Graduation Requirements.
b) Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit a student's acceptance in field placement agencies. Ability to be accepted into field placement is a requirement for admission and promotion.
Find Out More
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