Domestic students
$4,897.83
total program cost
Education Assistant Certificate
Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate Certificates are short programs focused on specific skills or subjects. They are a fast and flexible way to start a new career, upgrade your qualifications or gain professional recognition.
Delivery mode
On-campus All classes take place in-person at one of our campuses.
Time commitment
Online Online Full-Time You take a regular course load and move through the program at the standard pace. Expect to study most weekdays. Part-Time You take fewer courses at once and progress more slowly. This option offers more flexibility for work or personal commitments.
Duration
1 year
Program codes
- Code: ZEA
Cost
$4,897.83 total program cost Domestic students: $4,898 for the entire 1-year program
Location
- Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon arm or Distance Full program offered in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon arm and Distance
Available for
- Domestic students
Program features
TBD
Program overview
About the program
Looking to be part of an educational team? This certificate prepares participants to come alongside teachers in the classroom to help reach educational goals and encourage child development. Participants will take classes on school organization, working with and understanding children, issues that arise in education as well as a practicum.
Already have experience in this area? This program qualifies for our Recognition of Prior Learning review. If some of your previous experience could apply to this program, please see Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) page for more information.
- Students will complete a 120-hour (4 week) practicum in a school based setting as part of their program.
- If you live outside the Okanagan or Revelstoke areas, please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss the possibility of doing your practicum in your own District before you apply for the program.
- Students must be prepared to go to the school that they are placed at (for their practicum) by the College. Some considerations are given and will be discussed after the start of the program.
This 447-hour Education Assistant Program prepares learners to work as Education Assistants in schools as part of an educational team. Education Assistants work under the instructional supervision of classroom teachers and School District administrators while supporting the learning and independence of children who benefit from additional assistance in meeting their educational goals.
Learners are introduced to the organizational structure of schools and the role of Education Assistants in the classroom. Specific topics include general educational principles with particular attention to individualized instruction, cooperative learning and the importance of creating a positive learning environment. Learners develop and practice the skills necessary to implement modifications and adaptations of curriculum.
Admission and program requirements
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BC secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes
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English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.
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A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's Admissions will provide applicants with instructions to submit the request to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline may result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.
A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC.
Schedule and campus options
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Start date
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Location
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Delivery mode
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Application status
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|---|---|---|---|
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Sep. 2026
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Vernon
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On-campus
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Open
Open
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Note: Part-time. Blended, Tues/Thurs 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. and some Saturdays (CS PT)
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|||
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Sep. 2026
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Penticton
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On-campus
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Open
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Note: Full-time. Online Synchronous, Mon - Fri 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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|||
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Sep. 2026
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Kelowna
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On-campus
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Open
Open
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Note: Part-time. Face-to-Face, Tue/Thu 6 - 9 p.m. and frequent Saturdays
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Tuition and fees
- Domestic students: $4,898 for the entire 1-year program
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plus applicable textbooks and/or materials
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Check if this program is student loan eligible. View Financial Aid and Awards
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All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.