A new program option in the mental healthcare field is now available for northern learners, thanks to another partnership between Northern Lights College and Selkirk College.
The Mental Health and Substance Use certificate program has eight seats available for students in the Peace Region who want to get their education without leaving the north.
This partnership is the second between these two colleges to help meet the growing needs in the healthcare field. The program is tailored to rural areas, with an emphasis on hands-on skills, cultural safety, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Graduates will be prepared to go straight into frontline roles or continue their education in health and human services.
The six-month program is delivered by Selkirk College, with the northern students attending lectures online before doing an in-person practicum in their home community.
“Access matters, especially in the North,” said Nicole Dahlen, Dean, Health Sciences and Human Services for Northern Lights College. “This partnership gives students an opportunity to develop the skills needed to support people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges while remaining connected to their families, workplaces and communities. It also strengthens our local workforce by preparing graduates to serve the communities they already call home.”
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to learner success and community well-being,” said Tammie Clark, Dean, School of Health and Human Services at Selkirk College. “Through collaboration, we can achieve more together than we can alone, creating lasting benefits for students, employers, and communities throughout BC.”
To learn more about the Mental Health and Substance Use program, visit nlc.bc.ca/mental-health-and-substance-use-certificate