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Jan 28, 2026
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2022-2023 Academic Calendar [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Human Services Professional Development Advanced Certificate
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 Return to: Programs by Area of Study
Program Description
The Advanced Certificate in Human Services Professional Development provides individuals with an opportunity to engage in increased education and career growth. Based on their interests and professional goals, students may choose among a wide variety of courses, all of which are available online. Part-time or full-time study is an option. In consultation with an applicable regulatory body, courses may also be used to meet provincial regulatory requirements.
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Career Prospects
Ongoing professional development may diversify career opportunities while also meeting certification requirements. For example, Northern Lights College Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care graduates may complete an additional practicum course (ECED 208 or ECED 210 ) as ongoing professional development in order to enhance BC ECE Registry certification. Location:
The Advanced Certificate in Human Services Professional Development is typically completed through online study that may involve asynchronous and/or synchronous learning activities. Face-to-face course offerings may be available within the Northern Lights College region or other provincial regions depending on student enrollment or project funding. Note that some courses may require regular access to working with children in an early care and learning environment or in a K-12 school setting. Length:
Depending on course selection and availability, full-time students may complete all courses (minimum 450 hours) within an academic year. Part-time students have the option of extending course completion (minimum 450 hours) over a maximum of five academic years. Start:
September, January, May, July Admission Requirements
- Credential-Based Admission (all four items below are required):
- Completion of a Northern Lights College Application Form and payment of the related fee.
- Copy of government-issued picture identification such as a BC drivers’ license with current, full, legal name.
- Ministry of Justice Schedule B Criminal Record Check (works with “children”; or works with “children and vulnerable adults”).
- Official transcript from an accredited post-secondary institution demonstrating completion of a certificate, diploma, or degree in a human services, education, or health care field.
OR - Experience-Based Admission (all seven items below are required):
- Completion of a Northern Lights College Application Form and payment of the related fee.
- Copy of government-issued picture identification such as a BC drivers’ license with current, full, legal name.
- Ministry of Justice Schedule B Criminal Record Check (works with “children”; or works with “children and vulnerable adults”).
- Official transcript with minimum “C” in English Studies 12, English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, ENGL 050 , ENGL 099 , or an equivalent course; or minimum “C” in any university-level English course; or completion of the NLC Writing Assessment with 100-level course placement.
- Minimum 19 years of age.
- Comprehensive letter stating experience, interest, and goals. Information on experience must show a minimum of three years in human services, education, and/or health care settings (e.g., K-12, early care and learning, community services, Indigenous services, and/or residential care). Such experience may include working with a child who has diverse abilities and who has been involved in a variety of supportive care models.
- Two letters of reference that address professional experience (form letter provided).
Post-Admission Note: All students must provide current assurance of good health from a physician prior to enrolling in ECED 208 or ECED 210 . Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Please see NLC’s Criminal Record Check procedures for instructions on how to complete a CRC.
- Northern Lights College has agreements with Le Collège Éducacentre for delivery of the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate in Education Assistant, and Diploma in Education Assistant to French- speaking students.
- Minimum computer requirements: https://www.nlc.bc.ca/Services/Information-Technology/minPC
- The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council - Click for a PDF of the Program Completion Guide.
APPLY NOW for the Human Services Professional Development Advanced Certificate Do you need more information?
NLC Admissions: admissions@nlc.bc.ca Courses
Ten courses from the following list. All individual course prerequisites must be met. Note:
Note 1: As approved by a program Chair, students may receive credit for a maximum of two relevant undergraduate courses that do not appear in the list above, including courses transferred from other institutions. Each course must comprise a minimum of three credits. Note 2: Students wishing to transfer courses to other post-secondary institutions or to apply courses to regulatory requirements should contact the appropriate external advisor in addition to consulting an NLC program Chair. Credential
Advanced Certificate in Human Services Professional Development |
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