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.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council.
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
| Campus | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chetwynd | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Dawson Creek | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Fort Nelson | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Fort St John | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Tumbler Ridge | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Online | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-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
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,726.30 | $ 154.18 | $ 51.36 | $ 3,931.84 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 12,915.00 | $ 162.42 | $ 51.36 | $ 289.80* | $ 13,418.58 |
*Per four months
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.ca if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are outside of Canada
- ece-ea-chair@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student
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:
- English Requirement
- Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met one of the following:
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 80% of all courses must be completed at Northern Lights College |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 2.00 Grade Point Average (GPA); passing grade in all courses |
*Please note the following semester break down is based on a student beginning their program in the Fall semester. Students starting in other semesters should consult with the course catalogue in Borealis and with a Program Advisor when selecting courses.
Ten courses from the following:
- ECEC 201 – Building Professional Family Partnerships (3.0 credits)
- ECEC 203 – Current Perspectives on Practice (3.0 credits)
- ECED 203A – Development 3 Infants and Toddlers (3.0 credits)
- ECED 208 – Practicum – Infant and Toddlers (4.0 credits)
- ECED 210 – Practicum – Diverse Abilities (4.0 credits)
- EDAS 143 – Personal Care (3.0 credits)
- EDAS 240 – Language Development and Disorders (3.0 credits)
- EDAS 241 – Autism Spectrum Disorder (3.0 credits)
- EDAS 242 – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (3.0 credits)
- EDAS 243 – Supporting Children’s Mental Health (3.0 credits)
- EDAS 244 – High School Literacy and Numeracy (3.0 credits)
- EDUC 100 – Questions and Issues in Education (3.0 credits)
- EDUC 220 – Introduction to Educational Psychology (3.0 credits)
- EDUC 230 – Introduction to Educational Philosophies (3.0 credits)
- EDUC 240 – Social Issues in Education (3.0 credits)
- ENGL 100 – Academic Writing (3.0 credits)
- FNST 100 – Indigenous Peoples of Canada (3.0 credits)
- HDEC 102 – Health, Safety, and Nutrition (3.0 credits)
- HDEC 104 – Human Development II (3.0 credits)
- HIST 220 – History of Childhood in Canada: Indigenous and Settler Children, Then And Now (3.0 credits)
- MGMT 303 – Non-Profit Management (3.0 credits)
- PSYC 224 – Organizational Behavior (3.0 credits)
- WGST 100 – Women and Gender Studies (3.0 credits)
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