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. We also offer some of the prerequisites for health programs as individual courses.
Employers can purchase seats for their staff through the company seat plan.
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.
Full-time programs
Part-time programs
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.
Prerequisite: none
Textbook: Language of Medicine
Dates: May 8 - August 13, 2023
Delivery: Online
Schedule: Asynchronous online
Instructor: Nathan Jeffrey
Course Code and Section: HHPN 001 I23W70
Fee: $415
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.
Prerequisite for these certificate programs:
- Hospital Unit Coordinator
- Medical Device Reprocessing Technician
- Medical Office Assistant Certificate
Learn about Medical Terminology and Anatomy & 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.
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: May 24 - June 19, 2023
Delivery: Online (via Zoom)
Schedule: 8 Sessions - Monday and Wednesday, 6 - 9 pm
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: HHIP 001 I23W70
Fee: $418 + GST
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.
Counselling Skills Level I and Level II are pre-requisties for the Nanaimo Family Life Association Volunteer Counselling Training Program.
Specialized skills courses
This course offers theory and practical instruction in non-invasive foot care, emphasizing the healthy foot. The course also focuses on specific conditions and foot care needs. Topics include:
- use of equipment
- terminology
- infection control
- holistic approach to foot care
- overview of foot care within the scope of nursing practice
- introduction to private practice foot care
Prerequisite: open to Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses.
Course Code and Section: HHFC 023 I23N70
Dates: April 29 - May 14, 2023
Delivery: In-person at the Nanaimo Campus
Schedule: 6 Sessions - Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 5pm
Instructor: Shannon Taylor
Fee: $945
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.
Learn about this new role in health care on the Introduction to End of Life Doula page.
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 1 - August 4, 2023
Delivery: online
Schedule: flexible – take classes when your schedule allows
Instructor: Toni Lachance
Course Code and Section: ECEC 110 M23W70
Cost: $620.45 (approx.)
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 5 - December 8, 2023
Delivery: online
Schedule: flexible – take classes each week when your schedule allows
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: ECEC 130 F23W70
Cost: $620.45 (approx.)
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.