Mental Health and Substance Use - Certificate

Program Details

Credential Received

Certificate in Mental Health and Substance Use

Overview

Program Summary

The Mental Health and Substance Use certificate program is a comprehensive program 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. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare students for diverse roles within the healthcare and social services sectors with a focus on the specific needs of clients experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate professionalism in practice consistent with the code of ethics and standards of practice of
their respective disciplines
2. Use effective interpersonal skills including active listening, collaboration, self-awareness and conflict
resolution within multi-faceted roles and contexts
3. Understand and respect cultural differences and multiple ways of knowing
4. Practice with an ethic of inclusivity
5. Establish and maintain wellness strategies to assure work/life balance both personally and professionally
6. Engage in critical thinking, problem solving and reflective practice

Program 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)

Additional Requirements

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.

Graduation and Promotion

1. 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.

Additional Program Policies