New Program Focusing on Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities to Launch at VIU

Applications are now being accepted for a new certificate program being launched at VIU’s Parksville/Qualicum Centre in September 2015. Funding by the province of BC will support the first delivery of the program which was developed in collaboration with the Inter Tribal Health Authority (ITHA). The “Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities” program will provide students with a basic knowledge in community health education, health promotion, injury prevention, and community development within Aboriginal communities. Students will also complete a practice-based experience through ITHA or the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).

“It’s the first and only program of its kind in BC,” said Dr. Carol Stuart, Dean of Health and Human Services. “We’d like to thank the Ministry for recognizing the importance of supporting a new program which will provide graduates with the skills to work in Aboriginal communities to provide valuable health and wellness support.”

The Ministry of Advanced Education provided $95,000 to Vancouver Island University to support 12 seats.

“Our government is pleased to provide the funding to support the launch of the new certificate program that supports health promotion in Aboriginal communities,” said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell. “Training health-care workers in their local communities for rewarding careers is good for families, workers and patients alike.”

Graduates from the program will have the skills to assess community and client health education needs. They will also be prepared to work within communities to improve health and wellbeing through health promotion. The program is open to anyone who meets VIU’s general admission requirements and who has an interest in working with Aboriginal communities. The program is to be offered in a blended format to allow for flexible learning – there will be weekend in-class sessions as well as online learning.

For more information on the program please go to: www.viu.ca/calendar/Health/chpa.asp. To apply please go to www.viu.ca/apply.

For more information or to get support with the application process please contact Linda Young, Coordinator, Professional Development and Training at linda.young@viu.ca or Deirdre Godwin, Program Assistant at deirdre.godwin@viu.ca.