Human Services - West Prince Campus banner image Human Services - West Prince Campus banner image Human Services - West Prince Campus banner image

Human Services - West Prince Campus


Applications are no longer being accepted for the upcoming semester


Start Date: January


Location: West Prince Campus


Length: 2 Years


Credential: Diploma, Human Services

Student working with clientIn the Human Services program, you will develop the knowledge and skills to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their full potential. Learn about various intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, and develop practical skills to assist individuals with disabilities. Courses include Communication Skills, Personal Care, Inclusion, Person-Centered Planning, Mental Illness, Personal Wellness, and Teaching and Behavioral Strategies.

The Human Services program was established in 1974 to meet the need for skilled professionals to support people with intellectual disabilities in residential, vocational and educational settings. Since its beginning, graduates have been in demand, and have contributed to the enhancement of services for people with disabilities but and for many people who are marginalized in society. 

The program continues to be highly valued in P.E.I. and throughout the Maritime region. It consistently addresses new and emerging trends in the field of disabilities.

Holland College and Collège de l’Île have partnered to offer select common courses in English or French in this program. The following courses may be offered in French this year: PSYC-1015  Mental Illness, HSER-2010 Working with families.

 

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES


Upon successful completion of the Human Services program at Holland College, graduates will:

  1. Support the health, well-being, and safety of people with exceptionalities throughout their lifespan in the educational, residential, and vocational Human Services sectors.
  2. Develop and collaborate in ethical, competent, and accountable relationships with people with exceptionalities, their friends, family, and other members of their support network.
  3. Use a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to skill development, behavioural support, and planning with individuals.
  4. Respect dignity, promote independence, and adhere to safety regulations and standards of practice when providing support with personal care and other activities of daily living.
  5. Communicate respectfully with people with exceptionalities, families, colleagues, and community members, in written, oral, and other formats, with attention to tone and confidentiality.
  6. Apply skills and knowledge, values, habits of mind, and ethical principles relevant to the educational, residential, and vocational Human Services sectors.
  7. Develop professional and personal plans that enhance job performance and well-being.

 

DEGREE PATHWAYS


This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Bachelor of Arts Graduates with a 70% average receive up to 60 hours of credit toward a Bachelor of Arts degree.
  • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
  • Grade 12 academic English, minimum of 65%
  • Two letters of reference, one personal and one from an employer or a teacher, not from a family member (this is a PDF and will open in a new window)
  • Standard First Aid and CPR Level C from a recognized First Aid/CPR providerThis training must be taken in person, NOT online.
  • Current Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) certificate
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

NOTES

  • Preference will be given to applicants who have work or volunteer experience, preferably within the last three years, in group homes or residences, vocational training centres, special education classes, recreation and summer programs, or early learning centres, working with individuals who have intellectual disabilities.
  • Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check:
    Before attending any practicum or clinical portions of the program, a student must submit a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check. If the check indicates that a record exists, the student may not be able to complete portions of their program that are required for graduation. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
  • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your GED in Adult Ed. It’s free!
  • If your first language is not English please review our English Language Requirements page.

2023/2024 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

*Tuition fees for year 2 are currently under review.

1st Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $3,848 $8,692
Fees $617 $1,367
Other Costs $1,100 $1,100
Total $5,565 $11,159

2nd Year*

Canadian

International

Tuition $4,684 $9,084
Fees $692 $1,522
Other Costs $700 $700
Total $6,076 $11,106
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1st Year

2nd Year

Tuition $3,848 $4,684
Student Union $172 $172
Health Insurance Fee $445 $445
Additional Courses - -
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $4,465 $5,376
     
1st installment due first day of first semester $2,842 $2,790
2nd installment due first day of second semester $1,623 $2,666
     

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

1st Year

2nd Year

Books $1,000 $500
Materials/Supplies $100 $100
Equipment/Tools/Teaching Aids $100
     Total $1,100 $700
     
Grand Total $5,565 $6,076

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1st Year

2nd Year

Tuition* $8,948 $9,084
Student Union $172 $172
Health Insurance Fee $1,195 $1,195
Additional Courses - -
Graduation Fee $100
     Subtotal $10,315 $10,606
     
1st installment due first day of first semester $8692 $7,940
2nd installment due first day of second semester $1,623 $2,666
     

Other Costs

1st Year

2nd Year

Books $1,000 $500
Materials/Supplies $100 $100
Equipment/Tools/Teaching Aids $100
     Subtotal $1,100 $700
     
Total $11,415 $11,106

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Government and private agencies in residential, vocational, and educational settings
  • Preschool, employment, and community support programs
  • Organizations that provide support to individuals who have intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental illness
  • Agencies and organizations that provide services to seniors
  • Individuals or families for the provision of community support, academic and/or social programming, or respite care

DEGREE PATHWAYS

Many Holland College programs have degree pathway agreements with other post-secondary institutions. You can receive credit for your Holland College diploma toward a university degree or other post-graduate credential, saving you time and money! Find out more on the Degree Pathways page.

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:COMM-1120

Workplace Communications in Human Services

This course explores verbal, non-verbal, and written communication knowledge, skills and strategies. Students investigate communication techniques, issues of responsibility and accountability. Students explore a variety of communication strategies with indivduals, families and other professionals in the educational, residental, and vocational Human Services sectors. As well, this course will explore a students own assessment of their profesional practices in the field of Human Services.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:COUN-1030

Counselling Techniques and Personal Wellness I

An introduction to counselling techniques for people with exceptionalities. Students utilize a conceptual framework and gain strategies for effective helping. Enhance confidence in social and emotional skills and explore personal limitations as a helper. Establish an effective helping environment and apply basic counselling techniques. Students acquire an awareness of the importance of self-care strategies and stress management.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:COUN-2030

Counselling Techniques and Personal Wellness II

An introduction to counselling techniques for people with exceptionalities. Students learn and implement strategies to support holistic growth. Develop basic counselling skills and explore various counselling modalities. Gain insights into recognizing signs of self-destructive behaviors. Students reflect on their role as a helper. Grief and loss, and working with diverse family structures is explored.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:EDUC-2230

Teaching Skill Development

This course provides a comprehensive foundation for individuals interested in working with people with disabilities to enhance their skill development, maintenance, and acquisition. Students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support individuals with various disabilities. Through a blend of theoretical concepts and practical learning, students will learn to implement individualized and group approaches to facilitate skill development. The course will explore the theoretical frameworks underlying skill development and introduce evidence-based practices.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:HSER-1000

Supporting Health I

A foundational course and overview of supporting health of individuals in a person-centered manner. Students explore their role in supporting individuals to reach optimal health and well-being.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:HSER-1040

Value-Based Planning

Value-Based planning is central to providing quality services and supports to people with exceptionalities in a cohesive and systematic fashion. Students examine a variety of options and methods for assisting individuals to plan for their future. A variety of planning processes used in various disciplines will be explored.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:HSER-1050

Behavioural Support I

An inquiry-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach to understanding behaviour will be explored. Students examine several factors that can influence behaviour, as well as a variety of positive behavior support strategies, used to encourage emotional regulation and promote alternate forms of communication.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:HSER-1100

Understanding Exceptionalities I

This course provides students with an introduction to the topic of exceptionalities, focusing on intellectual and physical disabilities. Through exploration of neurological structures and functions, historical definitions, diagnostic criteria, classification systems, and available supports and interventions, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to discuss the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:HSER-1200

Understanding Exceptionalities II

An introduction to exceptionalities focusing on neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders. Students explore the classification system, psychiatric terms, and various diagnoses, needed to understand various neurological disorders, and to develop the knowledge necessary to discuss the needs of individuals with these diagnoses.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:HSER-2000

Inclusionary Practices

A fundamental exploration of inclusive practices, the principle of normalization and social role valorization (SRV). Students examine measures and practices that provide individuals with exceptionalities a wide variety of opportunities for inclusion, valued roles in society, and lives lived with dignity.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:HSER-2050

Behavioural Support II

Students will engage in a process that is person-centered when developing a sample behavior support plan for an individual. A variety of support strategies used to deter the use of 'risk behaviour' and promote alternate forms of communication will be explored.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:HSER-2200

Supporting Health II

An introductory overview of basic medication principles and guidelines to follow when administering medications. Students will identify different types, purposes, side effects and potential interactions of a variety of medications.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:NCPR-1006

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Students attain skills on how to prevent a potential crisis from occuring and how to intervene in a crisis situation. Students are introduced to and practice physical skills to use when managing disruptive behaviours.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-1010

Musculo-Skeletal Injury Prevention for Healthcare Students

This course is an injury prevention program designed to promote healthy lifestyles and safe work practices for anyone associated with moving people and/or objects. Its purpose is to improve how individuals prepare for and accomplish their work and decreases the frequency and severity of lost time related to musculoskeletal injuries.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:PRAC-1005

Human Services Practium I

Students actively participate in the daily routines of a sector serving individuals with exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on relationship building and demonstration of acquired skills.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:PRAC-2030

Human Services Practicum II

Students actively participate in the daily routines of a sector serving individuals with exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on relationship building and demonstration of acquired skills.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:PRAC-3005

Human Services Practicum III

Students actively participate in the daily routines of a sector serving individuals with exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on relationship building and demonstration of acquired skills.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:PROF-1205

Ethics and Legislation in Human Services

An exploration of ethical practice and legislation by utilizing a framework when ethical decisions are presented. Students examine attitudes, beliefs and philosophies, and legislation related to working with people with exceptionalities.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PSYC-1021

Human Development Throughout the Life Span

Students explore physical, congnitive, social and emotional developmental milestones that an individual experiences as they move through the life span.

Credit Value:2


Human Services - West Prince Campus background image Human Services - West Prince Campus background image Human Services - West Prince Campus background image

The Human Services program has been profoundly transformative personally and professionally. It has taught me the helping skills to assist me in ensuring I always provide client-centred care. It's about working hand in hand with those we support to live their best life and reach their daily and future goals. I have absolutely loved this program!

Laura, Class of 2022

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