<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Social Service Diploma allows you to gain valuable insights into social justice to support and empower individuals, families and communities. Through community partnerships, research opportunities and hands-on practicums, you'll develop best practices and build a professional network in the social service field. NIC offers a transferable education through a provincial network including VIU and UVic. Consult an advisor for elective transferability.

Social Service Diploma

North Island College

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1. English 12 (C+) or [equivalent](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=24\&navoid=10977)

Academic Admission Requirement

1. Minimum 20 volunteer hours and a signed [Professional Reference Form](https://www.nic.bc.ca/_resources/pdf/hsw-professional-reference-form.pdf)
2. Signed [Human Services Requisite Skills and Abilities form](https://www.nic.bc.ca/_resources/pdf/human-services-skills-document.pdf)
3. 300-word [letter of intent](https://www.nic.bc.ca/_resources/pdf/hsw-letter-of-intent.pdf) for entering the program and career goals

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. After being accepted into the program and before classes begin, you will be required to:
   * Attend a mandatory group information session.
   * Hold a Standard First Aid Certification with CPR Level C (must remain valid to the end of the program).
   * The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) is mandatory for all staff and students who work in Health Authorities. Most of this training will be completed online through the Learning Hub. However, any students working in high-risk areas are required to complete **an additional 8-hour classroom module** at their own cost, and prior to their placements in high-risk areas.
   * Submit a Criminal Record Check permission form (see Intake Package for details).
   * Complete a Personal Immunization form (must be validated by the public health nurse at your local health unit).
2. If you do not meet the academic admission requirements, you have the option of taking upgrading courses at NIC to help you gain entry to the program.
3. Social Service Diploma program does not require students to complete PSY 130 and PSY 131 prior to registering in PSY 250 and PSY 251 in the Program.
4. Priority admission for self-declared Indigenous applicants is available for this program.

Admission Advice

Applications may be submitted starting 11 months before the intended program start date. Early application is recommended. Applications are open on the first business day in October. Students are accepted on a first applied, first qualified basis.

Verify dates and deadlines directly with NIC.

When you are ready to apply, use our [pre-application checklist](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/go/resources) to make sure you have everything you need, and visit our [How-to guides page](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/help) for more information.

North Island College

Social Service Diploma

Overview

Curious where your education can lead you? Have a dream job and unsure how to get there?