Program Overview

Human Services Educational Assistant / Community Support Certificate

Overview

Prepare to support individuals with diverse abilities through hands-on practicums and build connections with employers for careers as educational assistants or community support workers in various settings.

Alternatively, you can pursue the Indigenous Focus certificate to enhance your skills in intercultural communication and gain insights into Canadian social and family issues, focusing on Indigenous populations. This will equip you to integrate Indigenous cultural content into your work.

With either stream of study, you can also transfer to NIC's Human Services diploma program.

This is an academic credit program offered through the Faculty of Health and Human Services.

Location

• Comox Valley

Length

• 1 year

Delivery

• In-person
• Full-time

Admission Requirements

• C+ in English 12 or equivalent or successful English assessment
• Signed Human Services Requisite Skills and Abilities document
• 300-word HSW Letter of Intent for coming into the program and career goals

Indigenous Priority Admissions

North Island College is dedicated to improving its ability to meet the educational needs of Indigenous students. NIC's Indigenization Plan, "Working Together" outlines our commitment to Indigenization, reconciliation and decolonization. To further advance these goals, North Island College has reserved seating and priority admissions in many of our program for students of Indigenous ancestry.

Applicants will be considered on a first-applied, first-qualified basis for all programs with the exception of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, where a selective admission process will be used.

To be considered for a priority admission seat, Indigenous students must:

• Self-identify as an Indigenous person
• Complete the Indigenous Priority Admission Request for a Reserved Seat form
• Meet NIC's general admission requirements, and/or specific program requirements

Before Classes Begin

Once accepted to the program but before classes begin, you will be required to:

• Attend a group information session
• Hold a Standard First Aid Certification with CPR Level C that is valid through to the end of the program
• The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) is mandatory for all staff and students who work in Health Authorities
• Submit a Criminal Record Check Permission form
• Complete a Personal Immunization form which will be sent to you by the admission's office when you have a seat in the program

Course Requirements

• ENG - 115 Essay Writing and Critical Analysis or ENG - 116 Essay Writing & Indigenous Perspectives
• HSW - 136 Holistic Health and Well-Being
• HSW - 152 Foundations of Human Service Practice
• HSW - 164 Foundations of Community Support
• HSW - 167 Support Strategies for Skill Development
• HSW - 190 The Educational Assistant in the Classroom
• SSW - 121 Interpersonal Communications
• PSY - 250 Human Development from Conception Through Childhood
• PSY - 251 Human Development from Adolescence Through Adulthood
• HSW - 170 Educational Assistant/Community Support Practice Experience I
• HSW - 174 Human Service Practice Exp II

Completion Requirements

• A letter grade of C (60%) or better in all classes
• A letter grade of P (Pass) in all practicum courses
• Students must receive a letter grade of C (60%) or better in all certificate courses (HSW, SSW, PSY 250 and PSY 251) to be promoted from one term to the next term

Practicum

Practicum opportunities are an important component of the program, allowing you to integrate theory with practical experience in the community. They are in various community-based settings, including group homes, women’s shelters, mental health centers and other organizations.

Careers

As a graduate, you could work as an education assistant, supporting classrooms in schools or other public sectors. As a community support worker, you could assist individuals with special needs through agencies or even start your own business to support those with developmental or physical disabilities.

Costs

Domestic

• Tuition: $3,780
• Lab: $30
• Student Union: $235
• Learner Resource: $200
• Health and Dental: $285
• Total: $4,530

International

• Tuition: $16,895
• Lab: $30
• Student Union: $235
• Learner Resource: $200
• Health and Dental: $285
• Student Services Fee: $1,045
• Total: $18,690

How to Apply

Apply for this program through EducationPlannerBC. After you’ve applied, you’ll receive an email from NIC with your next steps. Be sure to add @nic.bc.ca to your safe sender list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of volunteer hours are required for admission?

Start by identifying your interests, career goals, and strengths. Explore the programs offered by the college, including course details, career outcomes and admission requirements. You can also speak with an academic advisor for guidance.

Can I work while taking the program?

Yes, the program can be taken full-time or part-time, providing flexibility for work while studying.

What are the career prospects after completing the Human Services program?

Graduates can work in various settings, including school districts, group homes, employment agencies, and community organizations. There are also transfer opportunities to Bachelor’s degrees in social work, education, and child/youth programs.

What do I need to do before classes begin?

• Attend a mandatory group information session
• Hold a valid Standard First Aid Certification with CPR Level C
• Submit a Criminal Record Check Permission form
• Complete and submit a Personal Immunization form, validated by a public health nurse

Can I complete the program part-time?

Yes, the program can be completed part-time, with a limited number of seats available each year. Part-time students must complete the program within seven years.

What happens if I want to switch from full-time to part-time?

Students admitted full-time cannot switch to part-time once accepted. If a full-time student wishes to switch to part-time, they must reapply to the program as a part-time student.

What are the different areas of focus for this certificate?

You can choose a general certificate or one with an Indigenous focus, which helps you integrate Indigenous culture and curriculum through intercultural skills. Both prepare you for roles in schools, group homes, employment agencies and community organizations, with hands-on experience through practicums.