Course Overview:
This advanced practicum offers a 240-hour immersive experience in a supervised social service environment across British Columbia, challenging students to tackle complex cases and refine their professional expertise. Students will engage in hands-on leadership development, advanced case management, and culturally responsive practice, applying integrated skills from prior coursework to address diverse client needs under the guidance of experienced supervisors. The curriculum emphasizes independent problem-solving, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and reflective practice, preparing learners to navigate high-stakes scenarios and enhance service delivery in community settings. Through regular debriefing sessions and real-world casework, students will build confidence in their ability to lead initiatives, adapt to evolving client demands, and transition seamlessly into professional roles, aligning with provincial social service standards.
Prerequisite:
- The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
- Applicants must submit a written statement outlining their motivation, relevant experience, and career goals. An admissions interview may also be required to assess communication skills, professional awareness, and readiness for both academic study and practicum learning.
- Because the program includes placements with vulnerable populations, applicants must provide a clear Criminal Record Check. Some sites may also require proof of immunizations, first aid certification, or other documentation to ensure safety and readiness for practicum participation.
- All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
- Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
- To meet BC Health Care Assistant English Competency Standards, students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
- IELTS: overall score of 6.0, with a minimum of 6 in Speaking/Listening, and not below 5.5 in Reading/Writing.
- CAEL: overall score of 60, with no section below 50.
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 76 overall, with no sub-scores lower than 20 (Speaking/Listening) and 18 (Reading/Writing), or
- Another accredited equivalent score.
- Mature Student Applicants
Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:- Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
- Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
- Reading: 235
- Writing: 235
- WritePlacer: 4
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:
- Lead client sessions with advanced intervention strategies.
- Implement comprehensive case management plans in real settings.
- Demonstrate advanced cultural competence with diverse populations.
- Produce detailed and professional documentation of practicum activities.
- Assess personal growth and professional readiness with supervisor input.
Course Content & Topics:
Credit Information:
- Credits: 3
Duration:
- 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week
Course & Related Fees:
- Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)
For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule
Non-Refundable Fees:
- Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)
