OVERVIEW

This program is open to individuals interested in a career in Indigenous Health and Wellness and Addictions.

The Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions Certificate was developed in partnership with the Hey Way-Noqu’ Healing Circle for Addictions Society (HHCAS). The program provides core skills required for Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions Counsellor certification and includes Indigenous-specific content. The NVIT courses are University Transfer course credits, which are transferable and ladderable to related fields. This program will assist individuals who are current and/or prospective Wellness Workers, Alcohol and Drug Counsellors, and Addiction Workers that may need to obtain upgrading for certification. This program will provide continuing credit hours, up-grade, and professional development to meet job requirements and post-secondary credits for an incomplete plan.

The program will be delivered over one academic year at the Burnaby Campus and in Community (under contract). Each course will consist of a minimum of 45 student/instructor contact hours that include assignments and examinations.

The Diploma will ladder into the Advance Diploma upon successful completion of 33 credits. The Advanced Diploma will be awarded upon successful completion of 30 credits.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

There are three (3) ways to enter the IHWA program. 

1. Mature Student status (19 years of age)

• • • Letter of intent;
    • Personal suitability interview;
    • Letters of support from communities and/or employers are encouraged;
    • Students must be addictions free for a minimum of 1 year.

2. Grade 12 graduate

• • • C+ minimum in English 12/English 12 First Peoples or ENGL 060; or equivalent;
    • Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11 or MATH 055 or equivalent;
    • Personal suitability interview;
    • Students must be addictions free for a minimum of 1 year.

3. Permissions from the Dean or Program Coordinator

• • • Personal suitability interview;
    • Students must be addictions free for a minimum of 1 year.

Additional Requirement for Practicum Placement

• Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Record Check Clearance for Vulnerable Sector (RCMP Checks will not be accepted).

To be admitted into the diploma program, students must have Foundations of Math 11 or MATH 057 or equivalent to meet the prerequisite for STAT 203. Students are encouraged to speak to the Program Coordinator for upgrading opportunities.

NVIT is committed to ensuring education is accessible to all people. Students who do not meet program requirements should contact the Department Coordinator or an NVIT Academic Planner regarding upgrading opportunities.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

CAREER PATHWAYS

Graduates of this program may find employment in the growing field of Indigenous Health and Wellness and Addiction Counselling. Their work will be mainly with adults and include working with children, youth, and families. Employment may be in agencies such as health centres and rehabilitation facilities, treatment centres, or First Nations agencies.