Human Services Professional Diploma
Delivery
Virtual
Upcoming Intake
May 2026
- Employment Rate 88%
- Graduation Rate 75%
Overview
Discover a dynamic blend of high quality instruction and practical hands-on experience with our Human Services Professional Diploma. This program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills, preparing you for a fulfilling career in human services.
Our distinctive virtual learning model engages learners with live, scheduled online classes led by expert facilitators. This approach is dedicated to providing an immersive and comprehensive educational experience, accessible to students across Canada!
Program Details
Graduating with a Human Services Professional Diploma from Columbia College sets you on a path to a rewarding career. Upon completing this program, you will:
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- Be equipped with a wide range of skills necessary for effective social service work, including client assessment, intervention strategies, community resource utilization, and trauma-informed care.
- Benefit from a program recognized for its high standards and comprehensive curriculum. The program’s blend of online theory instruction and in-person practicum ensures a well-rounded educational experience.
- Have the skills and knowledge necessary to start your career in human services. The specialized field practicum and workshops are strategically designed to enhance your professional readiness, ensuring you are well-prepared for various roles in the field.
- With a focus on inclusive and intercultural values, our program equips you with the skills to adopt a client-strength focused, confidentiality-respecting, and dignity-based approach in diverse settings. Whether in group homes, community centers, or educational institutions, you’ll be prepared to make a significant, respectful impact in your community
Structure & Delivery
Our immersive learning experience, combining expert-led virtual classes with practical in-field training. Beyond academics, we provide comprehensive support including career guidance, tuition finance advice, and employment coaching. Catering to diverse needs, our program offers both full-time and part-time options, allowing you to tailor your educational journey
All classes follow a regular semester schedule. The online/virtual classes are designed to mirror the time frame of face-to-face classes, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. During your studies, you’ll engage in various interactive learning formats, including but not limited to:
- Interactive webinars
- Discussion forums
- Group work
- Daily tests
- Professional & Academic Writing
Practicum Overview
Our practicum placements are a cornerstone of the Human Services Professional Diploma Program at Columbia College. Key components of the practicum include:
- Extensive Field Experience: You are required to complete 300 hours of hands-on practicum experience, divided across two distinct periods (Semesters 1-5 and 6-10). This immersive experience is crucial for gaining practical skills and understanding the realities of the field.
- Practicum Workshops: In addition to fieldwork, you will participate in 28 hours of specialized practicum workshops. These sessions are geared towards deepening your understanding of your chosen career path and refining your professional readiness.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training: As part of your practicum, you will receive training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. This valuable skill set is essential for navigating challenging situations in the workplace effectively and safely.
- Benefit from Established Relationships: Students will be allowed to explore their areas of interest through their practicum choices. You’ll be able to leverage the strong partnerships Columbia College has forged with various organizations for practicum placements. These organizations recognize and value the maturity, knowledge, and skills that our students bring to their roles.
Career Outcomes
In Alberta, salaries for Human Services Employees can reach up to $63,000 annually , according to the ALIS website. With specialization and experience in their specific areas, there’s potential for career advancement. Columbia’s Human Services Diploma program is delivered online and well-regarded by educational employers across Canada, it opens up a broad spectrum of employment possibilities for its graduates.
Potential Careers — Graduates find fulfilling careers across diverse settings, including public and private educational institutions, social and community service agencies, and various support centers, in roles such as:
- Social Work Assistant
- Child and Youth Care Worker
- Education Assistant
- Settlement Worker
- Respite Specialist Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Child and Family Support Worker
- Disability Services Worker
- Immigrant Aid Support Worker
- Outreach Worker
We are commited to your success from enrolment to graduation and beyond. Our dedicated team of experts will provide you free lifetime career services — whether you need help securing a practicum placement, building a compelling resume, preparing for interviews and everything in between. No matter where your career journey takes you, we’ll be here, supporting you every step of the way.
Explore Program
Program Type
Diploma
Duration
50 Weeks
Accelerated
Complete a 2-year diploma in 12-months
Unique Virtual Delivery
Scheduled online classes facilitated by a live instructor
Intake Dates
January, May, September
Need to upgrade your skills to meet entry requirements?
Our College Prep courses are designed to help you meet the entry levels for our programs – available at a 100% tuition discount for those who qualify!
Connect with an Advisor
403-235-9300
Admission Requirements
For entry into the Human Services Professional Diploma Program, students can qualify through two pathways: Standard Admission or Mature Admission
Prospective students who are 18 years of age and under can apply through Standard Admission, meeting the following criteria:
- Alberta high school diploma, verified by transcript, or non-Alberta equivalent,
- Minimum 60% in English 30-1 or 70% in English 30-2 or equivalent or successfully meet entry levels on the ACCUPLACER Assessment test.
Prospective students who are 19 years of age or older can apply through Mature Admission, meeting the following criteria:
- Have been out of high school for 1 year
- Have met academic English requirements or successfully meet entry levels on the ACCUPLACER Assessment test or equivalent
Additional Admission Requirements
Non-Academic Requirements
- Attend Columbia College’s Human Services Professional 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.
English Proficiency Requirements
Courses at Columbia College are taught in Canadian English. To qualify for admission, learners must demonstrate their language proficiency, typically through their high school or post-secondary transcripts, or through an academic assessment test.
Important Note: Students submitting transcripts to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements, may still be required to write the ACCUPLACER Assessment test after an admissions file review and formal interview with the Program Manager.
Pre-Practicum Requirements
The following requirements must be met prior the start of your program and/or practicum:
Security Clearance
- Police Information Check
- Vulnerable Sector Search
- Child Intervention Check
- Due: Evidence of the application of the above Security Clearance Documents must be submitted prior to the start of the program
First Aid & CPR
- Standard First Aid and CPR Training Level C, renewed annually
- Due: must be completed prior to starting Practicum (by the end of the first semester)
Health & Wellness Status
- Due to the demanding nature of the work in the human services field and Occupational Health and Safety requirements, the social services field has a strong focus on health and wellness.
- If you have a medical condition or disability that may impact your ability to be successful in a practicum setting, you are strongly advised to discuss concerns with the Program Chair or and Accommodations Advisor as soon as possible.
- For more information on accommodations, click here.
Other Information
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the Human Services Diploma Program, students must successfully complete each course, earn 66 credits, and achieve a minimum overall program grade point average of 2.7.
Tuition & Fees
Plan your future with clarity with our transparent tuition and general fees structure, effective from August 1 each year. For detailed information about tuition, fees, and costs associated with the program please visit our Tuition and Fees Page.
Refund of Tuition Fees
Please refer to the Student Contract of Tuition form for details of tuition refund policy. This form and more details regarding our refund policy are available from your Admissions Advisor.
Education Assistant to Social Services Block Transfers
Are you an Education Assistant? Transform your experience into an accelerated path with our Social Services Professional Diploma. Eligible EA course completions, from some institutions, may qualify you for a block transfer, fast-tracking your diploma completion.
Reach out to an admissions advisor today to check your eligibility and learn more about how your EA background can swiftly lead you to new opportunities in social services.
Course Materials
For a full list of courses and course descriptions for this program
Meet our Faculty
For a full list of courses and course descriptions for this program
Meet our Faculty
Experienced facilitators and instructors that will guide you each step of the way.
Admissions Information
Start your application today! Applying early can improve your chances for admission.
