Human Service Work Diploma

Academic Admission Requirements

• Regular Applicants
  • A regular applicant will have B.C. senior secondary graduation, or equivalent (Adult Graduation Diploma) or will currently be completing Grade 12.
  • English Requirement:
    • English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.

• Mature Applicants

  • Applicants who do not have senior secondary graduation may apply for admission as a mature student provided that they are at least 19 years of age and have not attended secondary school on a full-time basis for a minimum period of one year.

  • English 12, English 12 First Peoples or TPC 12 (Technical & Professional Communications), or Provincial Level ABE English or equivalent is required, with a minimum grade of 60%. Communications 12 is not acceptable.

Applicants with an OUC Human Service Worker Certificate

• • Graduates of the ten-month HSW (Human Service Worker ) certificate program that was offered by Okanagan University College may apply for advanced standing in the two-year diploma program. Graduates from similar certificate programs offered by other post-secondary institutions may also apply for advanced standing. Course equivalence will be determined on an individual basis in consultation with the Department Chair. Graduates of HSW certificate programs may be admissible to the second year of the diploma program.

  • Applicants granted advanced standing will be subject to Okanagan College's policy on residence requirements which requires that at least one-half of the course requirements be completed at Okanagan College.

Other Admission Requirements

• In addition to the minimum academic entrance requirements, the following will also apply to all applicants; regular, mature and graduates of a certificate program:

1. 1. Complete a mandatory orientation activity which will include foundational information about the program, answer any questions applicants may have and provide an opportunity for applicants to reflect upon their suitability for the Human Service Work program and the professional field.

   2. Tuberculin Test - Applicants must submit evidence of a negative tuberculin test taken no more than 12 months prior to the start date of the program or evidence of an appropriate follow-up in the event of a positive test result.

   3. Successful Completion of a First Aid Certificate - All applicants are required to submit proof of having successfully completed a first aid certificate, either Red Cross Standard or St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid, no more than 12 months prior to admission.

   4. Criminal Record Check - 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.

• All applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain their Class 4 (restricted version) driver's license as many employers request this level for practicum and employment.
• Okanagan College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant when, in the opinion of Okanagan College, there is sufficient and substantiated evidence, medical or otherwise, to conclude that by granting admission Okanagan College would jeopardize the safety of clients under student care or would otherwise be negligent in providing for the safety and well-being of clients, agency staff or other students.

Order of Admission

• Applicants who satisfy the entrance requirements will be granted admission in chronological order, based on the date of application.

Program Pre-practice Requirements

In addition to the academic program requirements, the following must also be completed by students prior to practicum placements

• Successful completion of all the B.C. Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) including the 8-hour in-person classroom course.
• There may be additional fees associated with other admission and program pre-practice requirements. These requirements are usually completed outside of regular class time. Students are responsible for submitting appropriate documentation by the due dates provided. The admissions office and/or department chair will provide further instructions. Students may proceed into clinical practice education experiences only after successful completion of ALL the program pre-practice requirements.

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC including completion of all semester 3 and 4 courses including practica and preceptorships.