Our 6-month Education Assistant Professional Certificate is an employment-focused program designed to quickly transition you into the workforce, with flexible scheduling and hands-on learning experiences.

Flexible Learning Options

• Choose between full-time or part-time study options to fit your lifestyle.

• Classes follow a traditional semester schedule and are delivered online through live virtual instruction and independent guided learning.

• Learning activities include interactive webinars, forums, group projects, daily assessments, and academic writing practice.

• While most of the program is online, in-person participation is required for the practicum component.

Practicum Experience

• Complete a 150-hour in-person practicum at an approved site in your area of interest.

• Gain real-world experience working with children, youth, or adults in diverse support settings.

• Practicum is integrated with professionalism classes and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training to enhance your readiness for the workplace.

Career-Ready Focus

• Graduates earn an Education Assistant Professional Certificate and are prepared for immediate employment.

• Receive career transition support throughout the program.

• Graduates can also pursue further education through Columbia’s Social Services Professional Diploma for career advancement.

The aim of our practicum placement is for you to gain experience and employment as an Education Assistant.

• You will be required to complete 150 hours of practicum experience over the six months you are in the program. This provides you with valuable hands-on experience in the field and prepares you for your future.
• You will benefit from the relationships Columbia College has built over time for placements where organizations value the maturity of our students and their acquired knowledge and skills.
• You will also have the additional experience of attending 12 hours of professionalism classes to prepare you for employment.
• Part of your Practicum and work preparation will additionally involve Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training.

Practicum Requirements

The following requirements must be met prior the start of your program and/or practicum. Important: Failure to meet these requirements can jeopardize your ability to complete the practicum portion of the program, potentially leading to withdrawal.

In Alberta, starting hourly wages for Education Assistants typically range from $23 to $26, as reported by the ALIS website. With specialization and experience in their specific areas, there’s potential for career advancement. Columbia’s Education Assistant program is well-regarded by educational employers across Canada, opening up a broad spectrum of employment possibilities for its graduates.

Graduates of this program work in a variety of roles and settings which include, not limited to:

• Classroom Support Assistant: Assists teachers in delivering instruction and managing classroom environments.
• Learning Support Assistant: Provides targeted support to students with learning difficulties, helping to tailor educational experiences to their needs.
• Behavior Support Specialist: Works with students facing behavioral challenges, implementing strategies to promote positive behavior.
• Physical Support Aide: Assists students with physical disabilities, facilitating access to educational activities and ensuring a safe learning environment.
• Special Education Assistant: Works closely with special education teachers to provide customized support and instruction to students with special needs.
• Early Intervention Assistant: Provides support and developmental activities for young children in early intervention programs.