Social Services Professional Diploma

Columbia College Social Services Professional Diploma Program uses expert educators to prepare its graduates by blending both theory and hands-on training to form a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills.

We offer a unique integration of courses and an exciting virtual learning model, with synchronous online classes taught by a live instructor, to deliver a well-rounded, engaging, multicultural educational framework.

• It’s accelerated. Complete a 2-year diploma in 12 months and start earning a salary sooner.
• It’s inclusive. In your 50-week program, you’ll complete 20 courses, or two courses every five weeks. That includes a 300-hour specialized field practicum (over two practicum periods in semesters 1-5 and 6-10) and an additional 28 hours of in-class practicum workshops. You’ll enhance your knowledge of your career choice and be prepared for the workplace.
• It’s thorough. Your program consists of five-week semesters, with 39 hours of instruction per course. You’ll feel prepared when you complete our multi-faceted program.
• It’s pragmatic. Linking theory and practice, you’ll be given the opportunity to apply your courses to a real-work setting, network with social services professionals, and boost your resume.
• It’s supportive. You’ll receive access to academic, career, tuition finance, and employment coaching.
• It’s flexible. You’ll have a choice between full-time and part-time course-by-course options.

Social Services Professional classes are delivered to students through an online learning model. Each course will continue to be scheduled in their regular semesters, and will be expected to be delivered in the same time period as their face-to-face classes were. Classes may include (but are not limited to):

• Interactive webinars
• Discussion forums
• Group work
• Daily Tests
• Synchronous and Asynchronous course activities
• Oral presentations

Please note, further details specific to each course will be communicated to students by their facilitators, and/or the Program Chair, and will be provided in detail on the course Moodle pages at https://portal.columbia.ab.ca. Student Services and the Information Systems department will continue to provide students support during this new phase of their program. Technology questions can be directed to https://help.columbia.ab.ca

The aim of our practicum placements is for you to gain experience and employment in your area of specialization. You will be required to complete 300 hours of practicum experience over 2 practicum periods (Semesters 1-5 and 6-10). This provides you with valuable hands-on experience in the field and greatly increases potential for employment. Part of your practicum experience is to attend an additional 28 hours of practicum workshops. This is an opportunity to enhance your knowledge of your career choice and preparation for the workplace. You will also be provided with Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training to better prepare you for employment. You will benefit from the relationships Columbia College has built over time for placements where organizations value the maturity of our students and their knowledge and skills.

Students can apply for admission into the Social Services Professional program through either Standard Admission or through Mature Admission. Please review the two types of admission below to see which type fits your circumstances.

Mature Admission
Students who do not meet the academic requirements listed below (either fully or partially) can apply through academic assessment.  Academic assessment students must meet the following:

• Be 19 years old of age or older
• Out of high school for 1 year
• Successfully meet the entry levels on Columbia College’s Accuplacer assessment test or equivalent (See Academic Proficiency Requirements)

OR
Standard Admission

• Alberta high school diploma, verified by transcript, or non-Alberta equivalent,
• English 30-1 with a final mark of 60%, English 30-2 with a final mark of 70%, or equivalent

Please note: Students who submit transcripts to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement may still be required to write the Academic Assessment as a result of reviewing their admission file and a formal interview with the Program Manager.

Additional Requirements

• Attend Columbia College’s Program Orientation prior to the start of the program.
• Admissions interview(s) to determine suitability for the profession and opportunity for success in the program.
• Evidence of the application for a Police Information Check, Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Intervention Check must be submitted prior to the start of the program.
• Standard First Aid and CPR Training Level C (prior to starting practicum – by the end of the first semester).

Do I need to submit a transcript? Or take the Assessment Test?

Transcripts can be difficult to obtain, and may not always be approved if they are old, if the grades are low, or if it’s unclear how the courses align with the admission requirements. Please note the following:

• Courses / Tests completed older than 2 years may not be accepted;
• Unofficial transcripts can be submitted, but official transcripts may be requested by the Office of the Registrar to have on file in order for program registration to be official;
• Students with transcripts from an international institution who are looking to apply with their transcripts are encouraged to have their education assessed through the ‘International Qualifications Assessment Service‘ (IQAS).

Applicants should direct any transcript questions they may have to transcripts@columbia.ca.
Please note that students who are uncertain about their transcripts can choose to apply by taking the Columbia College Admission Assessment test. Students who enter through the admission assessment test are not required to submit transcripts as part of their admission application.

Test/Transcript Validity 

Test/Transcript results are valid for two years from the day of testing or completion of a course. Results that expire prior to the Start Date of the program may not be accepted, but will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar. Official results must be submitted.
Transcripts will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar and the Human Services Professional program to determine whether the courses completed will be accepted to meet the proficiency requirement.

Competitive Entry: Six Step Process

Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the academic and non-academic admission requirements.
Step 3: Review the selection information to understand the process and deadlines

• Applications and proof of the admission requirements (official transcripts and/or anticipated final grades) along with all supporting documents must be submitted to be included in selection.
• Selection will begin four months prior to the start date of the program and will done on a continuous basis until the program is full.
• In the selection process, qualified applicants will be ranked according to their program suitability following a review of the entire application (including the admissions interview). Selection is ‘not’ based strictly on prior academic achievement. Applicants will be offered admission or placed on the waitlist. Columbia College reserves the right to grant or refuse admission to any applicant.

Step 4: Apply   to the program and submit your transcripts and other supporting documentation.
Step 5: Schedule and complete your admissions interview.
Step 6: Continue to monitor changes to your application status and any outstanding admission requirements through correspondence with your admissions advisor.

Communication during selection

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the columbia.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages. An up-to-date phone number is also strongly recommended for times when email correspondence is unsuccessful