Frequently Asked Questions
Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions
When and how is the Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions (IMHA)Program offered?
What are the admission criteria?
What if I don’t have a degree?
Why are there specific degrees identified for admission?
What documentation is required for proof of my 500 hours in a supervised helping role?
What is the course load like?
What can you tell me about the practicum component?
Do I need to find my own practicum site?
What if I am already employed and will find it difficult to add time for a practicum on top of my regular work hours?
Who are my instructors?
Do I need a Criminal Record Check (CRC)?
When should I get my CRC?
Where can I learn more about the IMHA Program?
What Camosun supports are available to me to be successful in the IMHA Program?
Where do I send my documentation?
When and how is the Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions (IMHA) Program offered?
The IMHA Program is a blended delivery which includes face-to-face time on campus with most of the courses online using a program called DesireToLearn (D2L). Students access their coursework in D2L through any Internet connection by going through the Camosun website. Students have told us they find D2L to be very user-friendly and enjoyable to work with.
The program is part-time and is offered once a year, with a start date in mid-June. The program runs for a full year, and includes short breaks between each course and a two-week break at Christmas.
Students take one course at a time through most of the program until they are in practicum, at which time they are in a 2nd course that informs and supports students in practice (the workload in this course decreases considerably compared to previous courses because it runs over a longer period of time).
Students determine their own schedule and are provided timelines in which to complete learning activities and assignments.
What are the admission criteria?
The IMHA Program is a post-degree diploma credential and applicants can be admitted with one of the following baccalaureate degrees: Child & Youth Care, Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Social Work. Admission may be granted to those with other baccalaureate degrees if they submit proof of a minimum 500 hours of experience serving in a helping capacity. Experience may be a combination of work, volunteer, practicum, or life experience in guided (supervised) roles supporting individuals or families.
Students who are successful in the program have typically been working in some capacity applying their undergrad education before they enter the program. Experience in mental health and/or addictions settings is beneficial but not necessary.
What if I don’t have a degree?
For those without degrees who are interested in working in the mental health field, we do offer the Mental Health & Addictions certificate program. This is the credential that is recognized by the Vancouver Island Health Authority and its affiliates.
Another program which may be of interest to you is the Community, Family and Child Studies Diploma.
Why are there specific degrees identified for admission?
The specified degrees include a substantial practicum experience in which students develop basic communication and helping skills to support people with physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual needs. This experience is necessary as a foundation upon which to build skills and knowledge in the IMHA Program. For degrees without this type of practicum, it is important to have developed this knowledge and skill base through experience.
What documentation is required for proof of my 500 hours in a supervised helping role?
Include a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and any of the following:
- Pay slip or something that demonstrates time as an employee (black out confidential info)
- Statement on official letterhead indicating hours in programs where you have volunteered
- Training certificates that show hours of participation
What is the course load like?
Because this is a post-graduate program, students will find it to their advantage to be proficient with word-processing and research skills acquired in their under graduate studies. It is a comprehensive and challenging program, condensed into one year of study, to prepare you for work in the field of mental health and addictions.
Past students estimate they spend 16-20 hours each week on course content, assignments, projects, and studying. You may find the time commitment decreases as you become skilled at using the online learning platform and reading of texts and other resources.
Student assessment occurs in all courses, and may include research papers, literature reviews, conceptual reflections/essays, projects, and exams. We include assignments that meet a variety of learner needs and learning styles yet reflect a high standard and quality of education you would expect from a post-graduate program.
What can you tell me about the practicum component?
The practicum delivery is 15 hours/week at a practice site, plus there are campus seminars. The hours/week can be adjusted week-to-week as long as students can attend the seminars.
Do I need to find my own practicum site?
We work closely with students to determine the best fit for a placement, depending on a student's previous experience, education, and their career goals. We have a list of community agencies and programs we have used previously, and are always open to student's ideas about potential placements. Sometimes students have personal connections with a staff person or program and may want us to follow-up to determine suitability.
We ask that students do not contact agencies but may want to provide us with information about an agency you are interested in. We will explore a potential site’s ability to meet out conditions and provide experience for students to meet the learning outcomes of the IMHA program.
What if I am already employed and will find it difficult to add time for a practicum on top of my regular work hours?
We can explore the possibility of a work-based practicum if a student would like to apply hours in their place of employment to the practicum. The practicum experience must include working with or for clients who have mental health and/or addiction challenges, and provide interaction with an interprofessional team. Other expectations are that the mentor is a different person than the supervisor, and the learning experience for practicum is different than the student’s employee position.
Depending on the student's experience and interests, the practicum component could include project work, for example if a student has a keen interest in in-house training or program development.
Who are my instructors?
The IMHA faculty team offer an interprofessional perspective on curriculum based on a wide range of experiences. All instructors have post-graduate education at a master's level or more in their field of study and practice.
Do I need a Criminal Record Check (CRC)?
Yes, a CRC is required for practicum purposes; students who have a criminal record may find it difficult or even impossible to be accepted into practicum placements or to find related employment, depending upon the nature of the criminal record, and its relationship to the program in which they are enrolled. The inability to be placed in a practicum will result in the inability to complete the program.
If you are aware that you have a criminal record you must phone the Criminla Record Check office, below, to obtain information about the process at Camosun College:
crimrecchk@camosun.bc.ca or 250-370-3570
When should I get my CRC?
You will need to obtain your Criminal Record Check (CRC), including Vulnerable Sector (VS) search, to be no more than three months old prior to your practicum placement. You must follow the Camosun process, which will be discussed during orientation, so do not obtain this until directed to do so.
Where can I learn more about the IMHA Program?
If you'd like to learn more about any of our programs, we invite you to attend a free Information Session. Attendance is strongly encouraged as we provide details on delivery (part-time blended model), scheduling, practicum information, criminal record check process, and potential employment.
What Camosun supports are available to me to be successful in the IMHA Program?
If you have been out-of-school for some time, we encourage you to take advantage of the no-cost basic computer skills course COMP 030 to prepare you for assignments and online work.
Students will also find the Learning Skills Center helpful to refresh study skills.
Other supports may include: Disability Resource Centre, Writing Centre, and Counselling.
Where do I send my documentation?
- Arrange for your undergraduate institute to send original transcripts to Enrolment Services:
Camosun College Enrolment Services
3100 Foul Bay Rd
Victoria BC, V8P 5J2
- Forward documentation regarding experience to:
Program Leader, Mental Health & Addictions Programs
Community, Family and Child Studies Dept.
3100 Foul Bay Road
Victoria BC, V8P 5J2
Fax: 250-370-3492
Thank you for your interest in IMHA!
Last updated: February 13, 2013 12:43 pm
