Currently, Douglas College is only accepting applications for the Mental Health and Substance Use Certificate via the BC Health Career Access program. For those interested in Health Care Assisting please visit the Ministry's Health Career Access Program website and submit your expression of interest.
Program
Mental Health and Substance Use Work
Faculty
Health Sciences
Department
Mental Health and Personal Support Work
Credits
32.00
Length of Program
Two semesters
Credential Type
Certificate
Learning Format
Full-time
Admission Type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall
Winter
Overview
Learn to provide safe, competent and ethical client-centred care to those with mental health and substance use challenges with the Certificate in Mental Health and Substance Use Work program. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you’ll practise in an in-person clinical setting, applying principles of recovery, equity, diversity and inclusion. Gain insight into personal care, daily living activity and medication assistance, trauma-informed practices, Indigenous Peoples care and the impact of colonization.
The focus of this program is learning to help people maximize their independence and full potential. As part of that, the skills and insights you gain will prepare you for leading and managing life skills and social groups on topics related to communication, mental health promotion and professionalism.
Paid education
As a government-funded project, the Certificate in Mental Health and Substance Use Work program offers you unique financial benefits. When you are accepted and enter the program, your education will be paid for and you will receive a weekly stipend for your efforts.
Job opportunities
Once you graduate you’ll be guaranteed paid work, as you will need to complete a 12-month return of service with your employer as a mental health and addictions worker or an equivalent role.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
I. Academic Admission Requirements
II. Non-Academic Admission Requirements
Following an offer of admission to the program:
- A Criminal Record Check (CRC) - Details will be provided at the time the applicant is offered admission to the program. All costs related to the CRC are the responsibility of the applicant.
-
Admission Interview – Applicants may be required to participate in an interview with the Program Coordinator for the purposes of providing additional information and/or academic advising.
Pre-Clinical Requirements for Clinical Practice:
- A current record of immunizations is required before clinical practice begins. All costs related to required immunizations and/or testing are the responsibility of the applicant
Note: We strongly recommend you attend an information session
Cost
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Program Requirements
Curriculum Framework
Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of at least 27.75 credits
- Minimum grades are required, as follows:
- C+ in all MHPS courses or equivalents
- Mastery in all clinical practice and preceptorship courses
- In good academic standing
- A minimum of 50% (16 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- Time limit to complete the program graduation requirements: 4 years. Any courses completed outside of that time limit will not be usable. Students may seek the permission of the Department/Program to complete a credential outside the approved time limits.
Course Requirements:
|
Course Number |
Course Description |
Credits |
|
Required Courses Semester 1 |
||
|
Foundations in Health |
4.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Mental Health |
3.00 |
|
|
Common Mental Health Disorders and Interventions |
3.00 |
|
|
Therapeutic Relationships in Mental Health |
4.00 |
|
|
Practicum Experience 1 |
2.00 |
|
|
Required Courses Semester 2 |
||
|
Recovery in Mental Health |
3.00 |
|
|
Medication Management |
1.50 |
|
|
Professional Practice |
1.50 |
|
|
Mental Health and Addictions |
3.00 |
|
|
Trauma Informed Practices |
3.00 |
|
|
Practicum Experience 2 |
4.00 |
|
|
Total Credits |
32.00 |
|
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
More Information
Currently, Douglas College is only accepting applications for the Mental Health and Substance Use Certificate via the BC Health Career Access program. For those interested in Health Care Assisting please visit the Ministry's Health Career Access Program website and submit your expression of interest.
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- Outreach Support Worker
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker
- Mental Health Worker
- Transition House Worker
- Community Mental Health Worker
- Parent Peer Support Worker
- Forensic Service Officer
- Federal Halfway House Residential Support Worker