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The Human Services diploma has a wide focus which allows you to pursue courses in community support, education assistance, social services or behaviour interventionism. A variety of employment options exist in human service agencies depending on the courses chosen and final practicum focus. The program provides opportunities to enhance the knowledge and skills you developed in your certificate program and can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis. The program runs from early September until late June and includes human services (HSW) and social services (SSW) courses.
NIC’s human services department and its programs are part of a provincial network that ensures not only high- quality instruction and programming, but also transferability throughout the province. The program has links with Vancouver Island University, Camosun College and the University of Victoria through a Vancouver Island Collaborative Agreement, which fosters collaboration related to post-secondary education and training needs throughout the region. The human services department at NIC also works closely with community agencies to ensure that course content is current, relevant, and valued by employers in the field.
During the diploma program, you can choose from a variety of university transfer courses, including but not limited to criminology, sociology, psychology, women’s studies, First Nations studies and equity and social justice.
Practice Experience
Practicum opportunities are an important component of the program, allowing you to integrate theory with practical experience in the community. You will connect with industry leaders and receive mentorship and guidance as you work directly with vulnerable populations. This could include local community organizations or international opportunities, depending on availability.
Weekly seminars provide additional learning and connections of theory with practice. You will be placed in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, agencies that support families or individuals who are struggling with financial or family challenges, violence, addiction or mental health. This allows you to learn exactly what the job entails and what skills are required. If you are interested in education and community support or behaviour interventionism you will be provided with practice placements relative to those fields.
This is a holistic approach to learning, and many students report that gaining related work experience while pursuing their education is helpful in obtaining employment afterwards.
To Be Successful
- All diploma students are required to complete a Human Services Diploma Education Plan Checklist, which includes a list of all of required courses and their chosen electives, and a timeframe for completion of the diploma program. Consult with an educational advisor or human services instructor to have questions answered and/or to make changes to the plan. You are responsible for ensuring their plan is designed to meet their educational goals. A copy of the plan will be kept on file with the department.
- If you are planning to continue on to a university degree program, consult with an educational advisor to ensure your elective choices are university transferable.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a current criminal record search and updated First Aid prior to going into HSW 250.
- Strong essay writing and good computer skills are important as you are expected to submit well-written, word-processed assignments and access online resources.
- Review the Human Services Requisite Skills and Abilities document to determine if you are able to meet the standards outlined. If you have concerns about meeting program expectations, human services faculty members and college counsellors are available for guidance.
- You must receive a C or better in all classes in order to be promoted to the next term.
Career Opportunities
The Human Services diploma prepares you for employment in human services agencies that require two years of education and training.
If you wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree, the Human Services diploma may provide you with transfer credit toward education, social work or child and youth care programs in the province. If you are planning to continue on to a university degree program, speak with an educational advisor to ensure your elective choices are transferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of volunteer hours do I need to qualify for the program?
You are required to complete 20 volunteer hours in a human service agency, in direct contact with clients, prior to entering program. You must have a supervisor verify the number of hours completed and confirm acceptable performance.
- Will I have to go to class-related activities in the evenings or on weekends?
There are some classes in the evening, although most are scheduled during the day. You may be required to work evenings or weekends for your practicum placement.
- Can I work while taking the program?
The diploma program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing more opportunity to work alongside your studies.
- What kinds of assignments will we do?
You will write several research papers, take part in group projects, complete video assignments, write tests and participate in a number of other classroom activities. There are many essays, research papers and written assignments; therefore, strong writing and computer skills are important.
- How much homework can I expect?
You should expect to spend at least one hour on homework for every hour of class.
- What kinds of practicums are available?
Practicums are available in group homes, women’s shelters, drug and alcohol recovery centers, the school district, mental health drop-in centres, First Nations community organizations, preventative family based programs, employment agencies and a variety of other human service or community based agencies.
- Do I need a car?
It is an asset to have a vehicle. If you do not, you will need to find alternate transportation to practicum placements or accept practicum placements which are located close to public transit or within walking distance.
- Can classes be transferred?
At this point, some classes transfer to other universities and colleges. However, if you plan to pursue a degree after the program, some bridging classes may be necessary. For more information, meet with an educational advisor.
- Can I use this qualification in other provinces or countries?
You should check with the province or country in which you want to work. Graduates have used their qualifications to work in other jurisdictions; however, it is important to confirm transferability with agencies ahead of time.
- What if I have a lot of experience in human services already?
If you have worked or volunteered extensively in the human services field, you may be able to receive credit for your work. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) options exist for courses and practicums, but you still have to pay a fee and carry out some work to demonstrate your knowledge and/or skill level in the course for which you are trying to receive credit. For more information on PLAR, visit Assessment Services.
Transfer Credit & Credit For Prior Learning
Students with previous course work from another accredited institution may apply to transfer course credits to North Island College. For more information contact an Educational Advisor.
Your previous life, work, or study experience, unassociated with formal education, may qualify for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Your knowledge and skills will be evaluated to determine if you meet the objectives for selected courses up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the program. To qualify for PLAR, you must apply to the program, meet all the program requirements, and complete the PLAR before entering the program or one term before the scheduled course(s). The fee for each PLAR course is 75 per cent of the regular course fee. Refer to NIC policy #4-10: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. For information about which courses qualify for PLAR please contact the program department chair.
When you meet some learning objectives in a course(s) the assessment process may result in an exemption from some portion of the course(s). You will be required to register in the course and pay full tuition but your workload would be reduced. Note that eligibility for this process will be granted on an individual basis by the department.
You must apply one semester in advance of the course start date. For more information please contact the program department chair.
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