Concepts in Community Mental Health for Non-HCAs (HLSC 612)

Course Name

Concepts in Community Mental Health for Non-HCAs

Course Description

This is a prerequisite to the Community Mental Health Worker program offered through the Douglas College Faculty of Health Sciences. It is designed for learners who are not Health Care Assistants.

This course is a prerequisite for admission to the Community Mental Health Worker certificate program.  It is intended for program applicants who have not previously completed an approved Health Care Assistant program.

The last CMHW intake requiring HLSC 612 as a pre-requisite will be May 2021. The last official start date for this course will be January 4, 2021. Students can begin the course after this date, but will have only until May 4, 2021 to complete the course. No extensions will be available for any students beginning on or after January 4th, 2021.

Subject Code

HLSC 612

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, student will be able to

• demonstrate a basic understanding and knowledge of human needs, human growth and development, and common physiological disorders, i.e. Diabetes, Coronary Artery Disease, and CVA – Stroke;
• describe the relationship between observable behaviours of the individual and changes in mental functioning;
• assess the effects of aging, loss, stress, and illness in relation to the care of individuals experiencing changes in mental functioning;
• utilize a problem-solving approach to plan and implement care that is based on the principles of safe practice to maintain independence, dignity, and worth of the individual;
• demonstrate safe practice in relation to basic personal care skills and perform caregiving skills in an organized manner;
• demonstrate a basic understanding of the infectious disease process and physiological disorders; and
• demonstrate basic communication skills when working with clients.

Tuition

$765.00 (payable upon registration)

Pre-requisite

*Native English speakers:  Proof of completion of Grade 11 English with minimum of a C grade

*Non-native English speakers:  

Evidence of one of the following test scores:

1.  The Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL): test must be within the last two years- minimum score of 80

2.  International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or General- test must be within the last two years- minimum overall score of 6 with no band lower than 6

3.  Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT): test must be taken within the past six months: Minimum test scores: Listening 8, Speaking 8, Reading 7 and Writing 7

4.  Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): test must be within the last two years- minimum overall score of 60

Note:  successful completion of this course does not guarantee admission to the credit program.

Please visit Community Mental Health Work for CMHW program requirements.

Course Content

Topics covered include:

• Foundational Skills and Concepts;
• Interpersonal Communication;
• Introduction to Selected Health Challenges and Body Systems;
• Cognitive Health Challenges; and
• Personal Care Skills.

Learning Resources

All required resources will be provided within the course.

The primary resource used is Mosby’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker (most recent Canadian Edition). It is available through the Douglas College Bookstore for anyone wishing to order a copy. It may also be available at public college libraries throughout BC where the Health Care Assistant Program is offered. This textbook is used by HCA programs throughout BC, and most of Canada. It is a good resource for anyone working as an HCA in BC.

Instruction Method

Interactive online course, delivered through Blackboard.

Due to the nature of an online delivery, the student will be expected be proficient in computer skills including email, adding attachments, navigating the internet etc. Resources for getting started with Blackboard are available online to help get the student comfortable in the Blackboard environment.

Assignments

Students will be expected to complete a series of short assignments.

Grading

The course will be graded; 65% is the passing requirement.

Students will be required to complete all assignments and an invigilated final exam.

Completion Time-frame

This is a self-paced course; students can complete at their own pace.  Maximum course time-frame is four months from course start date to complete 60 hours of course content. 

Registration and course start

Registration is easy; simply complete the CE-HS Registration Form and submit it to: cehsadmin@douglascollege.ca, with proof of completion of the pre-requisite requirements.  You will then be prompted for payment to the CE Registration office, to finalize your registration.

Instructions on how to access your course materials will be emailed to you by the Program Assistant within 48 business hours after your registration has been  processed.

In addition to completing this course as part of their application to the Community Mental Health Worker credit program, students will need to provide all additional admission documentation to the Office of the Registrar. For full program admission requirements, visit Community Mental Health Work.