Get help paying for this program though the StrongerBC future skills grant!
4-month part-time blended online and in-person
Are you a health care assistant or other professional working with the elderly in care facilities? Do you love working with the elderly and creating happiness in their lives? In the Activity Assistant Certificate program, you develop the knowledge, skills and values you need to plan and implement activities for older adults.
See our Alumni Story about Telma Dos Santo's experience in the Activity Assistant Certificate program!
What does an activity assistant do?
An activity assistant helps to put together activities for older adults. They work on every aspect of the activity:
- assessment
- planning
- implementation
- evaluation
- documentation
Assessment
Activity assistants get to know the group or person they’re working with. They complete and update social histories and make sure they’re aware of the cultural needs of their clients.
Planning
Using the information they’ve gathered, they set goals for the activities, brainstorm ideas for activities and create a program plan. This often involves working with a team or with volunteers.
Implementation
When they run the activity, they are mindful of group dynamics, and they must manage the risks associated with the activity. They are trained in how to manage difficult situations.
Evaluation and documentation
After the activity is complete they evaluation the success of the program and document it.
Activity assistants can work in a variety of settings including:
- independent living
- assisted living
- long-term care
- adult day programs
What will I learn in the Activity Assistant program?
You learn to plan and run activities that promote the well-being of your clients. The program focuses on the five domains of health:
- social
- physical
- emotional
- cognitive
- spiritual
You learn evidence-based best-practices, then you apply what you learned, planning and running activities in the community. It can be a lot of fun.
Is it easy to find work as an activity assistant?
There is a growing demand for activity assistants in BC to meet the needs of an aging population. When you complete this program, you’ll be eligible for many roles in care homes and community including:
- recreation programmer
- activity aide
- activity worker
- program assistant
- recreational aide
- recreational worker
- wellness assistant
- life enrichment worker
Note that some employers, including Island Health, will require that you have a Class 4 Driver's Licence before they will hire you as an Activity Assistant.
What to expect from the program
You get classroom instruction and practicum experience. Topics include:
- framework for the activity assistant role
- activity for well-being
- programming ideas for clients with cognitive impairment
Courses are offered on a part-time basis. Some classes are online, and some are in-person. Theory classes are scheduled on weeknights and Saturdays.
There is one 40-hour practicum and one 90-hour practicum. The practicums are in-person and are scheduled based on the needs of the practicum site. You may need to be available part-time or full-time for your placement. We make an effort to hold practicum in your home community wherever possible.
The 2024 theory courses will be held online on Thursday evenings and in-person at the Nanaimo campus on Saturdays. You must have access to a computer with a working camera, audio and reliable internet service to complete this program.
The 40-hour practicum will be held between February 26 and March 22, 2024. The 90-hour practicum will be held between April 1 and April 26, 2024. Please ensure that you are available to attend the practicums in these time frames.
Program details
To learn more about this program, including admission requirements, fees, deadlines and course details, see the Activity Assistant calendar page.
Important Program Dates*
Schedule is subject to revision.
Description | Date |
---|---|
Admissions Open / Applications Accepted | April 1, 2024 |
Information Session | June 19, 2024 6:30-8:30pm Click here to join the meeting Please contact us at PDT.HHS@viu.ca with any specific questions, and we will be happy to respond. |
Application Deadline | November 15, 2024 |
Proof of Admission Requirements - Document Deadline | November 29, 2024 |
Registration Deadline & Non-Refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due | Within 3 weeks of admission offer |
Balance of Tuition Due | December 12, 2024 |
Last Day to Withdraw (no refunds will be issued after this date) | December 12, 2024 |
Program Start | January 9, 2025 |
Program End | April 17, 2025 |
*Dates are subject to change
**Applications must be submitted with all required documentation.
Get help paying for the program
Get help covering the cost of this program though the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant!
If you’re a member of the Hospital Employees Union (HEU) you may be eligible for funding toward the cost of tuition through the FBA Education Fund.
How to apply
Ready to join us at VIU? We can’t wait to get to know you. Applications for this program are currently open. You can apply online or with a paper application.
Questions?
Email: pdt.hhs@viu.ca