Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2025
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Program Duration
3 Semesters / 1 YearProgram Contacts
Melanie Piirainen
Program Coordinator / Professor
melanie.piirainen@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Community Services
cips@cambriancollege.ca
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 moreAdditional 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
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HEA 1029 | Health and Wellness | 3 |
| COM 1003 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| SYS 1006 | Navigator Fundamentals | 3 |
| SYS 1005 | Navigating Systems of Care | 3 |
| HEA 1023 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CAT 1000 | Advocacy and Ethics | 3 |
| PSY 1003 | Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions | 3 |
| GER 2310 | Dementia | 3 |
| IND 1062 | Indigenous Perspectives on Care | 3 |
| SYS 1008 | Systems of Care Application | 3 |
| HEA 1306 | Professional Development | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| WPL 1300
or HEA 2500
| Placement 1
or Capstone Project
| 6 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
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
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.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program!
Health Sciences North – During this Community and Health Services Navigation placement students got experience working in various mental health, addictions, family, and social service departments at the hospital.
YMCA Newcomers and Immigration Services – As part of this placement, students got to work with this YMCA service. This program helps newcomers who are looking for a new job, or career, or starting a new life in Canada, providing resources and support to help newcomers establish themselves in their new environment.
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.
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
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.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
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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