Vancouver Island University offers Activity Assistant Certificate, a certificate in Health Sciences programme in Nanaimo, Canada. The programme runs for 4 months, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 9,985 per total (CAD 2,993 per total for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Certificate
Field:Health Sciences
Duration: 4 months
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 2,993 / total
International tuition: CAD 9,985 / total
Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
The Activity Assistant Certificate prepares students to plan and lead recreation and wellness programming for older adults in care facilities and community settings. The curriculum covers the principles of meaningful activity, how illness and impairment affect participation, and methods for adapting programming to residents with varying physical and cognitive needs. Delivered over four months at Vancouver Island University's Nanaimo campus, the program includes two supervised practicum placements, one part-time and one full-time, giving students direct experience in a care environment before graduation. Admission expects applicants to already hold health-care experience, such as a Health Care Assistant, Home Support/Resident Care Attendant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Educational Assistant or Community Support Worker credential, plus a substantial number of hours working with older adults or people with disabilities. Before practicum placement, students must complete a criminal record check, current CPR-C certification, Foodsafe Level I, and required immunizations. The certificate suits people already working in care settings who want to specialize in activity programming, as well as career changers with relevant experience who are seeking a recognized credential to move into recreation-focused roles in long-term care, assisted living, or community support organizations.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Entry is credential-and-experience based rather than secondary-school based. You need a Health Care Assistant certificate, a Home Support / Resident Care Attendant certificate, or an equivalent credential such as LPN, RN, Educational Assistant or Community Support Worker, together with a minimum of 500 hours worked in a health care facility with older adults or with people with disabilities, evidenced by a letter of employment.
VIU will consider applicants who fall short of these requirements case by case where they hold related education and work experience, and directs those enquiries to [email protected].
Before the practicum you must document a satisfactory criminal record check (requested through VIU and processed by the Ministry under the Criminal Records Review Act — an RCMP check does not satisfy it), a current CPR C certificate, a Foodsafe Level I certificate, and a completed Immunization Requirements form.
Two practical notes from VIU: the programme is not eligible for student loans, and many employers expect a Class IV driver's licence plus about a year of related work experience.
Application Details
Start Date:Domestic (Canadian) applicants: 7 January 2027 (Spring intake) (Nanaimo). International applicants: 7 January 2027 (Spring intake) (Nanaimo).
Application Deadline:Domestic (Canadian) applicants: apply 1 April 2026 – 13 November 2026 for the 7 January 2027 (Spring) intake (Nanaimo). International applicants: apply 1 April 2026 – 13 November 2026 for the 7 January 2027 (Spring) intake (Nanaimo). Dates are VIU's published application window for this program (as listed September 2026) and can change; apply through EducationPlannerBC.
