Community support worker diploma
Inclusive Education and Disability Studies Diploma
Part of the route toCommunity Support Worker·Diploma
A comprehensive college diploma program that trains you to support individuals with developmental disabilities, physical impairments, and mental health needs through coursework and direct practicum.
How long
8 to 24 Months
Cost
$4,290–$8,900
Schools
7 in BC
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
1Grade 11 Preparation
2Grade 12 Graduation
3Admissions & Prerequisites
4Application Process
5Program Curriculum
6Where to Take It
7Licensing & Certification
8Career Destination
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
1
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 School Year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
2
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 School Year- BC High School Graduation (Dogwood Diploma). Requirement varies by school (Douglas College, Stenberg College, Okanagan College, and 2 others). Strictest requirement: C.
- English Studies 12. Requirement varies by school (Stenberg College, Okanagan College, Western Community College, and 2 others). Strictest requirement: C.
3
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Clearance under the BC Criminal Records Review Act (vulnerable sector check)
- Up-to-date immunizations and negative tuberculosis test
- Minimum 100 hours of documented volunteer or work experience with individuals with disabilities
- Two confidential reference letters
- Clear Criminal Record Check under the Criminal Records Review Act
4
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Apply online through EducationPlannerBC to Douglas College or directly to Stenberg College
- Submit high school transcripts and complete applicant questionnaire
- Complete provincial criminal record check clearance consent
- Attend program orientation and prepare for practicum onboarding
5
Step 5 of 8
Community support worker diploma
⏱ 8 to 24 Months- 8 to 24 months of modular theory, behaviour support workshops, and community labs
- Foundations of developmental disabilities, autism spectrum, and mental health disorders
- Positive behaviour support planning and non-violent crisis intervention (MANDT / CPI)
- Pharmacology basics, safe medication administration, and client dignity rights
- 200+ hours of direct clinical fieldwork practicum in licensed group homes and day programs
6
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 7 schools in BC- Camosun College — 2 years (Not published)
- College of New Caledonia — 1 year ($4,290)
- Douglas College — 2 years (Not published)
- Okanagan College — 2 years ($7,362)
- Vancouver Island University — 8 months (Not published)
- Stenberg College — 33 weeks (Not published)
- Western Community College — 52 weeks ($8,900)
7
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- WorkSafeBC First Aid with CPR-C and Food Safe Level 1 certifications
- Employer agency onboarding and medication administration sign-offs
8
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Community Support Worker
- Explore Community Support Worker wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(7 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
🌊
Duration2 years
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
“2-year public college diploma in Victoria preparing human services practitioners for community advocacy and wellness.”
🚜
Duration1 year
Tuition$4,290
DeliveryIn-Person
“1-year northern community human services and social support certificate program in Prince George.”
📚
Duration2 years
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
“Comprehensive diploma preparing graduates for community support, inclusive education, and disability advocacy with supervised agency practicum.”
🏔️
Duration2 years
Tuition$7,362
DeliveryIn-Person
“2-year public diploma preparing graduates for community social services, disability support, and mental health advocacy.”
🐾
Duration8 months
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
“8-month community support and mental health outreach certificate program in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.”
🔬
Duration33 weeks
TuitionNot published
DeliveryHybrid
“Specialized community support training in trauma-informed care, addiction recovery, mental health crisis de-escalation, and hands-on practicum.”
🎓
Duration52 weeks
Tuition$8,900
DeliveryHybrid
“52-week diploma program including community field placement supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.”