<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Mental Health Care Assistant Diploma Program trains international students to practice in hospital, long term care, community, and mental health settings. Students learn to help clients with daily living activities. They also gain the skills to enhance client quality of life and mental well-being.

Mental Health Care Assistant Diploma

Vancouver Island University

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1. One of:

    - High school graduation (or equivalent) with English 12 or English 12 First Peoples (C) or equivalent
    - A university degree
    - Be a visiting student from a college or university (a “Letter of Permission” from home institution required)
    - Be a transfer student from a college or university with at least 24 university transfer credits
    - Mature student status (be at least 21 years old in your first semester) and English 12 or English 12 First Peoples (C) or equivalent 

2. Meet the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry's minimum English language competency requirements


Academic Admission Requirement

1. Completion of the VIU Mental Health Care Assistant Program's English Competency Self-Declaration form.
2. A police certificate (Criminal Record Check) from country of origin
3. Completion of a Personal Profile form
4. Interview with program faculty
5. A completed Immunization requirements form including COVID-19 vaccine passport
6. Proof of W.H.M.I.S. training
7. Foodsafe Level I certificate
8. Standard First Aid certificate including CPR level C 


Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. Two criminal record checks are required for this program. One from your country of origin, and another one once you are in Canada under the Criminal Records Review Act.
2. Fieldwork, practicums, or clinical practice will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. This does not include a check completed through the RCMP. Please see the admission requirements section of the program page for details.


Admission Advice

Applications are accepted for September start until April 30. Early application is recommended.

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URL for Mental Health Care Assistant Diploma

Mental Health Care Assistant Diploma

Vancouver Island University

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