Skills training and programs
Get where you want to go in your career with professional development programs and courses.
Want to be workplace-ready quickly? Certificate programs get you started on a new career path in high-demand jobs in health care and human services. Specialized skill courses will enhance your skills in your health care profession. We also offer some of the prerequisites for health programs as individual courses.
Employers can purchase seats for their staff through the Sponsorship Form.
Certificate programs
These programs prepare you for employment immediately upon graduation. Expert instruction, hands-on learning and relevant course material make these programs among the best in BC. For certificate programs, you must apply to become a VIU student. Current VIU students can apply online through My Student Record.
Courses currently offered
Pre-requisite courses
Prerequisite for the Practical Nursing Diploma at VIU
An overview of the structure and function of the human body. This includes health promotion strategies. Topics include the disease transmission process and medical terminology related to normal human anatomy and physiology.
Pre-requisite for HHPN 100: Min. “C” in Anatomy and Physiology 12 or equivalent
Dates: January 7, 2025 - April 8, 2025
Delivery: Synchronous online
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: HHPN 100 S25W70
Application fee: $45.16
Tuition fee: $499.20
Dates: May 5 - August 8, 2025
Delivery: Synchronous online
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 -8:30pm
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: HHPN 100 I25W70
Application fee: $45.16
Tuition fee: $509.18 plus related student activity and student services fees (pending Senate approval).
Textbook: Approximately $120. You will receive an email advising which textbook is required one week before class starts.
How to apply for admission and register for the course
Applications for this course are open. Registration for the course opens May 9, 2024.
If you're a current VIU student, you can register for this course through your student record.
If you're not a current student you will need to apply to VIU. When you fill out your application, choose "unclassified studies", and choose Spring 2025 term. Once you are accepted, you can register for the course.
Prerequisite for these certificate programs
- Nursing Unit Assistant
- Medical Device Reprocessing Technician
- Medical Office Assistant Certificate
Learn about Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology
Cancellation Policy
Please note you must withdraw 2 weeks before the course starts to be eligible for a refund. Extenuating circumstances may be considered for partial refund if the request is made later. Note that we are unable to issue refunds after this deadline.
Sign up for Medical Terminology course
Get help paying for this course
StrongerBC future skills grant
If you’re a British Columbian over the age of 19, you likely qualify for the StrongerBC future skills grant. This course is eligible for the grant, which covers up to $3,500 in tuition, fees and course materials.
Prerequisite for the Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Certificate Program
Your success in a high volume, challenging workplace depends on your ability to effectively communicate. Gain a better understanding of your personal style and your impact on others. Discover how to minimize conflict and foster teamwork through clear communication and appreciation for other styles. Through small group discussions, paired activities and reflection, you’ll identify ways to improve your interpersonal communication skills. The course also has a section on job-search and employment skills.
Dates: March 25, 2025 - April 17, 2025
Delivery: Online (via Teams)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 pm - 9 pm
Instructor: Lynne Fugard
Course Code and Section: S25W70
Fee: $434 + GST
Registration will open September 2024
Cancellation Policy - please note that there is no refund for withdrawing from the course within 7 days of the start date. Please see our Professional Development and Training refund policy.
Sign up for Interpersonal Skills course
StrongerBC future skills grant
The StrongerBC future skills grant provides up to $3500 for eligible programs.
Counselling Skills Level I and Level II are pre-requisties for the Nanaimo Family Life Association Volunteer Counselling Training Program.
Specialized skills courses
Learn about this new role in health care: Introduction to End of Life Doula.
Learn to address everyday stress, chronic pain and illness more effectively with Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction
Early Childhood Education and Care Courses
When you complete these courses you will be eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Assistant certificate through ECEBC. You can also apply for the ECEBC Education Support Fund for bursaries to cover up to $500 per course. For these credit courses, you must apply to become a VIU student. Current VIU students can apply online through My Student Record.
In this course you’ll look at developmental theories explaining human growth from conception to early childhood. The course explores current developmental research. It also addresses the image of the child in society and the influence of family and culture on children's growth. The course emphasizes using this research in early childhood education. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None
Dates: May 6 - August 9, 2024
Delivery: online
Schedule: flexible – take classes when your schedule allows
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: ECEC 110 M24W70
Cost: $632.87 plus related student activity and student services fees
Apply to become a VIU student for this course. Current VIU students can apply online through My Student Record.
This course is an introduction to how the following promotes the wellness of young children:
- the principles and practices of health
- safety
- effective care routines
- nutrition
Topics include
- health promotion
- appropriate ways to respond to common childhood conditions
- appropriate ways to respond to child abuse
- the formation of effective partnerships with families
ECEC 130 was formerly called ECEC 121; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Dates: September 3 - December 6, 2024
Delivery: online
Schedule: flexible – take classes each week when your schedule allows
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: ECEC 130 F24W70
Cost: $632.87 plus related student activity and student services fees
Apply to become a VIU student for this course. Current VIU students can apply online through My Student Record.
Questions?
Email PDT.HHS@viu.ca.