Health Sciences and Human Services

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.

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.

Pre-requisite for HHPN 100: Min. “C” in Anatomy and Physiology 12 or equivalent

Dates: January 5 - April 10, 2026
Delivery: Asynchronous online
Schedule: Self-paced asynchronous
Instructor: Shelley Trimblett
Course Code and Section: HHPN 100 S26W70

Application fee: $46.06
Tuition fee: $509.18 plus related student activity and student services fees (pending Senate approval).

Textbook: Approximately $160. 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.

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 download an application form and submit the completed form via email to registration@viu.ca. Be sure to fill out all required sections before submitting. Incomplete forms may cause delays in processing. 

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

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: February 24 - March 19, 2026 (tentative)
Delivery: Online (via Teams)
Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 6pm - 9pm (tentative)
Instructor: TBA
Course code and Section: S26W70
Fee: TBA

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

Counselling Skills Level I and Level II are pre-requisties for the Nanaimo Family Life Association Volunteer Counselling Training Program.

Learn about counselling skills courses

Specialized skills courses

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 5 - August 8, 2025
Delivery: online
Schedule: flexible – take classes when your schedule allows
Instructor:  Kate Boyd
Course Code and Section: ECEC 110 I25W70
Cost: $645.53 plus related student activity and student services fees (pending Senate approval)

Apply to become a VIU student for this course. Current VIU students can apply online through My Student Record.

Apply to VIU

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 2 - December 5, 2025
Delivery: online
Schedule: flexible – take classes each week when your schedule allows
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: ECEC 130 F25W70
Cost:  $645.53 plus related student activity and student services fees (pending Senate approval)

Apply to become a VIU student for this course. Current VIU students can apply online through My Student Record.

Apply to VIU

Questions? 

Email pdt.hhs@viu.ca.