Program Length
- 4 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Are you a creative person working the health or human services sector? Want more joy in your workday? As an activity assistant you bring happiness into the lives of older adults. You help create programming that promotes wellness, and you get to participate in the fun activities you design for your clients. It’s a career that can give you a daily dose of joy.
About the program
In this program you learn to plan and implement activities for older adults in intermediate and extended care facilities and in community settings. You learn:
- about meaningful recreation experiences
- how various health issues and impairments can influence experiences
- how to adapt and modify programming to suit various conditions, behaviours and impairments.
Program Content
You explore the theory and skills necessary to work as an Activity Assistant. You are introduced to activity as a part of life that influences and is influenced by health, age, ability, interests, values and environment.
The program includes classroom instruction and practicum experience. Courses include:
- Framework for Activity Assistant Role
- Enhancing Quality of Life Through Recreation Programming
- Overview of the Older Adult
- Two Practicums (one part-time and one full-time)
Course Delivery
Courses are offered on a part-time basis. There are two practicums and their schedules are based on the needs of the practicum site. Students must be available and prepared to attend their second practicum full time.
Admission Information
- Health Care Assistant (HCA) certificate, or Home Support/Resident Care Attendant (HS/RCA) certificate,
or Equivalent credential (i.e. LPN, RN, Educational Assistant, or Community Support Worker certificate). - Minimum 500 hours working in a health care facility with older adults or individuals with disabilities (please provide letter of employment)
Note: This program is not eligible for student loans.
Notes on Admission
Admission may be considered on a case-by-case basis for those that do not meet the stated admission requirements but have related education and work experience. Please contact PDT.HHS@viu.ca if you wish to see if you may be eligible.
Prior to starting the practicum, you must submit documentation of the following:
- a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
- current CPR C Certificate
- Foodsafe Level I certificate
- completed Immunization Requirements form
Note: Many employers require a Class IV Driver's License and a minimum of one year related work experience.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 2,933.95 |
| Student Activity fee (4 months x $20.37 per month) | 81.48 |
| Student Services fee (4 months x $22.49 per month) | 89.96 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $28.87 per month) | 115.48 |
| Total | 3,220.87 |
* Amounts calculated using Nanaimo Campus rates.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | January 8, 2026 | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
Information Session:
Activity Assistant information session
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Donna Kist Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Yan Li Email: PDT.HHS@viu.ca
Coordinator Contact:
Name: Karen Blackman Email: PDT.HHS@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
November 28, 2025
Comments:
No refunds after Dec 11, 2025 |
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