Community and Health Services Navigation (CHSN)

Cut through the confusion and guide people to the support they need

Life can be confusing when you need help with health care or community services. A navigator is an effective listener who understands how individuals and families can access complex services like health care, developmental and educational institutions, law and justice systems, mental health and addiction agencies, women’s centres, and social welfare systems, guiding people to the care they need. 
 
Give yourself a competitive edge in the workforce by gaining an in-depth knowledge of resources across the province. Whether you are a helping professional or new to the field, you will interact with a variety of professionals and rapidly build industry connections in this rewarding pursuit. From assessments and care plans to advocacy and conflict resolution, you will train to be a pillar of support that can help people work through barriers and transform their lives.

Program highlights

• Flexible delivery options allow you the choice to attend classes on campus, online, or a combination of both, giving you the freedom to take the program from any location in the way that works best for you
• Classes are recorded so you can balance your commitments and have the option to complete the entire program online
• Full-time and part-time study options 
• You will become an expert in resources in your community and within the province
• Practical assignments such as role-plays and simulations
• No background in a helping profession is required, but the program is still beneficial for those currently in the helping field
• One-on-one support from the program coordinator 
• Six-week field placement or capstone project in semester three 

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Part-Time Students

Part-time students will be provided with a personalized pathway to complete this program in consultation with the program coordinator.

Transfer Credits

Students with degrees in related fields may be eligible for transfer credits. Connect with the program coordinator to see if you can receive credit for some of your courses.

Admission requirements

• Applicants must be graduates of a diploma, advanced diploma, or degree program from an Ontario College or equivalent.
• The applicant's prior education does not have to be from a helping related profession.

OR

• Applicants must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the College to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).

Additional admission requirements

• Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency.
• Cambrian College accepts the TOEFL, or IELTS, or equivalent test to satisfy our English admission requirements.

Recommendations

• It is highly encouraged to have strong written and oral communication skills to succeed in the program
   

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Spring 2026

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Winter 2027

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university, and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates of this 10-month graduate certificate program will be positioned to pursue positions in a wide range of areas, including:

• Community agencies
• Mental health agencies
• Hospitals
• Family health teams 
• Educational settings
• Health care agencies​
• Long-term care homes 
• Addictions agencies
• Social welfare agencies 
• Law and justice agencies
• Developmental service agencies
• Private agencies

Graduates from the program have been hired at a variety of agencies including: Health Sciences North, Alzheimer's Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario 211, John Howard Society, Monarch Recovery Services, Ontario Disability Support Program, Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, March of Dimes Canada, Massey Centre for Women, Punjabi Community Health Services, Peterborough Brain Injury Association, Public Health Sudbury and Districts, DeafBlind Ontario Services, Sorgini Eye Institute, and CareCoach Tobacco Cessation.