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 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.
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: January 23 - April 23, 2024
Delivery: Synchronous online
Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Instructor: Sabrina Levac
Course Code and Section: HHPN 001 S24W70
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 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.
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: June 4 - June 27, 2024; subject to change
Delivery: Online (via Zoom)
Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00pm
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: HHIP 001 I24W70
Fee: $426 + GST
Registration will open on January 2nd, 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.
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 comprehensive theory and practical instruction/supervision in advanced foot care for nurses with active registration. Topics range from structure and function of the foot, abnormal conditions, clients with diabetes, infection prevention and control, and operating a foot care business. The 14-hour clinical portion of the course will enable students to apply what they have learned in the theory component and practice on feet under the supervision of an experienced foot care nurse.
- 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. Proof of registration will be required on the first day of class.
Note that this course has recently been enhanced. The new delivery, which takes place over 4 weekends, will include a two day clinical skills component at the end of the course.
This program qualifies for the StrongerBC future skills grant, which provides funding of up to $3500 per person for short-term skills training. Apply for the grant before signing up for the course.
Course Code and Section: HHFC 023 F23N71
Dates: November 18 - December 10, 2023
Delivery: In-person at the Nanaimo Campus
Schedule: 8 Sessions - Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 5pm
Instructor: Cheryl Southorn
Tuition Fee: $1,300
Text Book: Approximately $200
Clinical Skills equipment and supplies: Approximately $500 (to be ordered after first day of class).
Equipment and supplies list: Ingrown nippers, curved nippers, straight nippers, diamond files (fine, medium and coarse), callus file, N95 masks, rotary tool.
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.
Additional Information
Please see VIU's Financial Aid and Awards website for information on how to apply for this uniquely accessible funding opportunity.
***If you intend to use the Future Skills Grant to fund your participation in this course, please do not register for the course using the link below. lnstead, follow the directions noted on VIU's Financial Aid and Awards website. If you will not be utilizing the grant, then please proceed with the online registration process using the link below.
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: TBA
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: TBA
Delivery: online
Schedule: flexible – take classes each week when your schedule allows
Instructor: TBA
Course Code and Section: ECEC 130 F24W70
Cost: TBA
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.