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CHSNSchool of Community Services

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Online / Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Program Duration

3 Semesters

Program Contacts

Melanie Piirainen

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6837
International Admissions
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Program Overview

Cut through the confusion and guide people to the support they need

Life can be confusing when you need help with health care or community services. A navigator is an effective listener who understands how individuals and families can access complex services like health care, developmental and educational institutions, law and justice systems, mental health and addiction agencies, women’s centres, and social welfare systems, guiding people to the care they need. 
 
Give yourself a competitive edge in the workforce by gaining an in-depth knowledge of resources across the province. Whether you are a helping professional or new to the field, you will interact with a variety of professionals and rapidly build industry connections in this rewarding pursuit. From assessments and care plans to advocacy and conflict resolution, you will train to be a pillar of support that can help people work through barriers and transform their lives.

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Flexible delivery options allow you the choice to attend classes on campus, online, or a combination of both, giving you the freedom to take the program from any location in the way that works best for you
  • Classes are recorded so you can balance your commitments and have the option to complete the entire program online
  • Full-time and part-time study options 
  • You will become an expert in resources in your community and within the province
  • Practical assignments such as role-plays and simulations
  • No background in a helping profession required, but the program is still beneficial for those currently in the helping field
  • One-on-one support from the program coordinator 
  • Six-week field placement or capstone project in semester three 

Admissions

Admission requirements

  • Applicants must be graduates of a diploma, advanced diploma, or degree program from an Ontario College or equivalent.
  • The applicant’s prior education does not have to be from a helping related profession.

OR

  • Applicant must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the College to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admission requirements

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency.
  • Cambrian College accepts the TOEFL, or IELTS, or equivalent test to satisfy our English admission requirements.

Recommendations

  • It is highly encouraged to have strong written and oral communication skills to succeed in the program
     

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025
  • Semester 3: Fall 2025

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Spring 2026

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2026
  • Semester 2: Spring 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
HEA 1029Health and Wellness3
COM 1003Interpersonal Communication3
SYS 1006Navigator Fundamentals3
SYS 1005Navigating Systems of Care3
HEA 1023Social Determinants of Health3
 Credits15
Semester 2
CAT 1000Advocacy and Ethics3
PSY 1003Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions3
GER 2310Dementia3
IND 1062Indigenous Perspectives on Care3
SYS 1008Systems of Care Application3
HEA 1306Professional Development3
 Credits18
Semester 3
WPL 1300

or HEA 2500
Placement 1

or Capstone Project
6
 Credits6
 Total Credits39

Part-Time Students

Part-time students will be provided with a personalized pathway to complete this program in consultation with the program coordinator.

Transfer Credits

Students with degrees in related fields may be eligible for transfer credits. Connect with the program coordinator to see if you can receive credit for some of your courses.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$8,834.34Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$21,872.78Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Community Services

Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates of this 10-month graduate certificate program will be positioned to pursue positions in a wide range of areas including:

  • Community agencies
  • Mental health agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Family health teams 
  • Educational settings
  • Health care agencies​
  • Long-term care homes 
  • Addictions agencies
  • Social welfare agencies 
  • Law and justice agencies
  • Developmental service agencies
  • Private agencies

Graduates from the program have been hired at a variety of agencies including: Health Sciences North, Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario 211, John Howard Society, Monarch Recovery Services, Ontario Disability Support Program, Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, March of Dimes Canada, Massey Centre for Women, Punjabi Community Health Services, Peterborough Brain Injury Association, Public Health Sudbury and Districts, DeafBlind Ontario Services, Sorgini Eye Institute, and CareCoach Tobacco Cessation.

media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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