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Human Services Professional Development Advanced Certificate


Location(s): Chetwynd, ​Dawson Creek, ​Fort Nelson, ​Fort St. John, ​Tumbler Ridge, and Online

The Advanced Certificate in Human Services Professional Development provides individuals with an opportunity to engage in increased education and career growth. Based on their interests and professional goals, students may choose among a wide variety of courses, all of which are available online. Part-time or full-time study is an option. In consultation with an applicable regulatory body, courses may also be used to meet provincial regulatory requirements.


Career Prospects

Ongoing professional development may diversify career opportunities while also meeting certification requirements. For example, Northern Lights College Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care graduates may complete an additional practicum course (ECED 208 or ECED 210) as ongoing professional development in order to enhance BC ECE Registry certification.


Details

Intakes

CampusStartingType
ChetwyndFallFull-TimePart-Time
WinterFull-TimePart-Time
SpringFull-TimePart-Time
Dawson CreekFallFull-TimePart-Time
WinterFull-TimePart-Time
SpringFull-TimePart-Time
Fort NelsonFallFull-TimePart-Time
WinterFull-TimePart-Time
SpringFull-TimePart-Time
Fort St JohnFallFull-TimePart-Time
WinterFull-TimePart-Time
SpringFull-TimePart-Time
Tumbler RidgeFallFull-TimePart-Time
WinterFull-TimePart-Time
SpringFull-TimePart-Time
OnlineFallFull-TimePart-Time
WinterFull-TimePart-Time
SpringFull-Time Part-Time

Length

30 credits (450 hours), minimum.
This is a one year program taken over two to three semesters with minimum of 15 credits per semester. Part-time studies will take longer over a maximum of five academic years.


Estimated Program Fees

Program fee type: Academic
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.

Domestic Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees (includes GST)
Total
Year 1$ 3,653.03$ 152.76$ 0.00$ 3,805.79

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees (includes GST)
International
Medical Insurance
Total
Year 1$ 11,580.00$ 149.76$ 0.00$ 828.00$ 12,557.76

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Admission Requirements

Credential-based Admission

  • Official transcript from an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution demonstrating completion of a certificate, diploma, or degree in a human services, education, or health care field.

Experience-based Admission

Complete all of:

  1. English Requirement
    1. Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met one of the following:
      • English Studies 12 with a C grade or higher
      • English First Peoples 12 with a C grade or higher
      • ENGL 050 with a C grade or higher
      • ENGL 099 with a C grade or higher
      • Any university-level English course with a C grade or higher
      • NLC Writing Assessment for appropriate course placement
    2. Students who received their secondary education in a language other than Standard Written English:
      • Minimum IELTs Academic scores of 6.0 overall, with no band less than 6.0.
  2. Comprehensive letter1

1 The comprehensive letter must state the applicant’s experience, interest, and goals. Information on experience must show a minimum of three years in human services, education, and/or health care settings (e.g., K-12, early care and learning, community services, Indigenous services, and/or residential care). Such experience may include working with a child who has diverse abilities and who has been involved in a variety of supportive care models.


Post-Admission Requirements

A clearance letter from the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General, for a Schedule “B” Criminal Record Check (CRC),WORKS WITH Children or WORKS WITH Children and Vulnerable Adults must be received prior to registration.  

Students who have completed a valid Schedule B CRC for another organization may share their results with Northern Lights College by completing the Sharing Form.

Note that CRCs must be renewed if they expire before the program is completed.

For information and regulations, see Criminal Records Checks.


Important Notes

  1. The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
  2. Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.

Program Requirements

Residency Requirement80% of all courses must be completed at Northern Lights College
Minimum Grade Requirements2.00 Grade Point Average (GPA); passing grade in all courses

Ten courses from the following:

Notes

  • As approved by a program Chair, students may receive credit for a maximum of two relevant undergraduate courses that do not appear in the list above, including courses transferred from other institutions. Each course must comprise a minimum of three credits.
  • Students wishing to transfer courses to other post-secondary institutions or to apply courses to regulatory requirements should contact the appropriate external advisor in addition to consulting an NLC program Chair.

Credential

Advanced Certificate in Human Services Professional Development