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’re a helping professional or new to the field, you’ll interact with a variety of professionals and rapidly build industry connections in this rewarding pursuit. From assessments and care plans to advocacy and motivational interviewing, you’ll train to be a pillar of support that can help people work through barriers and transform their lives

Program highlights

  • Online (HyFlex) delivery lets you study full-time or part-time with the option to attend classes on campus, online, or a combination of both 
  • Full-time and part-time study options 
  • No background in a helping profession required 
  • One-on-one support from the program coordinator 
  • 6-week field placement or capstone project in semester 3 

Program of study for 2024-25 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
HEA 1029 Health and Wellness 3
COM 1003 Interpersonal Communication 3
SYS 1006 Navigator Fundamentals 3
SYS 1005 Navigating Systems of Care 3
HEA 1023 Social Determinants of Health 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
CAT 1000 Advocacy and Ethics 3
PSY 1003 Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions 3
GER 2310 Dementia 3
IND 1062 Indigenous Perspectives on Care 3
SYS 1008 Systems of Care Application 3
HEA 1306 Professional Development 3
 Credits18
Semester 3
WPL 1300
Placement 1
or Capstone Project
6
 Credits6
 Total Credits39

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

  • Applicant 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.

Program delivery

2024-2025

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Spring 2025

Winter term start

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

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 one-year 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

Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.