Community Mental Health Worker Certificate at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

Community mental health workers (CMHW) advocate for and support people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges. It’s a rewarding and well-paid health care job. The VIU CMHW certificate sets you up with skills that will also transfer to many other health care roles, so you have options to grow your career.

Faculty: Health Sciences | Duration: 8 months | Study mode: full-time | Intake: There is only one intake of this program - each Fall. | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Introduction to Practice, Introduction to Mental Health: Theory and Practice, Developing Therapeutic Relationships, Mental Health and Addictions, Approaches to Support, Care of Self and Others, Mental Health Assessment and Interventions, Practicum.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General admission requirements apply; English 12, with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent; Notes on Admission; Proof of successful completion of the following must be received well in advance of the practicum experience and preferably before the program starts.Current Standard First Aid with Level “C” CPR; A completed Immunization Requirements Form; Foodsafe Level 1 certificate; Criminal Record Check: Practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by email regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.; Applicants with previous experience in...

Domestic applicants: CAD 9,048 for the whole programme. Tuition; Fees. Tuition only; excludes student, activity, health plan and other mandatory fees. Source

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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