Online Community Support Worker: Addictions & Mental Health Specialization
▦ 25 Weeks / 600 Hours
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PTIRU-Approved · B.C.
Online Career Training starts here in Vancouver, B.C.
Edison College offers accredited online diploma programs for students across Vancouver and British Columbia. Study health care, business, technology, or arts programs fully online, on your own schedule, with the same PTIB-approved curriculum and instructors as our on-campus classes — built to get you working, not just studying.
20+
Online Diploma Programs
PTIRU
Approved Programs
StudentAid B.C.
Support for Eligible Students
Vancouver, B.C.
Victoria Campus
The Edison Edge
Why Edison College
Built for people who want to work. A university degree can take four years to open one door. Edison College is different; small classes, industry experienced instructors, and programs mapped to what Vancouver employers are actually hiring for.
✓Small classes, real instructors
You're taught by people who've worked in the field — not lecture halls of 300 students.
✓Programs built with local employers
Curriculum shaped around what businesses across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland are hiring for right now.
✓Career support from day one
Resume help, interview prep, and job-search support start alongside your coursework, not after graduation.
Our Top Programs
Online programs · Vancouver
Flexible Online & Hybrid Study Formats for Vancouver Students
01
(Fully Online)
Complete your entire diploma remotely — ideal for students in the Interior, the North, and Vancouver Island communities outside Victoria.
02
In-Class / Online (Your Choice)
Choose between attending our Downtown Victoria campus or joining the same classes online — the same curriculum and outcomes either way.
03
Pacific Time Scheduling
Live sessions run on Pacific Time from Victoria, so B.C. students never juggle awkward time-zone math with class schedules.
Getting Started
Admission Requirements for Online Diploma Programs
Requirements vary slightly by program, but most Edison College diplomas ask for:
- High school graduation or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older before your program starts)
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. minimum Grade 10 English, IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, CELPIP, or Duolingo — accepted scores vary by program)
- Program-specific requirements where applicable (e.g. a math requirement for technology programs)
Not sure whether you qualify? Book a free call with an admissions advisor — they'll review your options program by program.
What Our Students Say
What Vancouver Students Say About Edison College
"Graduating from this program as a Mental Health and Addiction Community Support Worker has been a truly impactful experience. The education I received provided me with both the knowledge and practical skills needed to support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in a meaningful and compassionate way.
The instructors were supportive, knowledgeable, and brought real-world experience into the classroom, which made the learning feel relevant and applicable. I especially valued the focus on trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, and building genuine connections with clients.
This program helped me grow not only professionally but personally. I left feeling confident, prepared, and motivated to make a difference in my community. I’m grateful for the foundation it gave me and would recommend it to anyone looking to pursue a career in mental health and addiction support
"
"I had a great experience completing my Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program at Edison College. The course was practical, easy to follow, and really helped me feel prepared to work in the field. I would definitely recommend it to others."
★★★★★
Kavita - Health Care Assistant
★★★★★
Katia Peterson - Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant
"My experience at Edison College Canada has been very rewarding. The Community Support Worker program, especially the Mental Health and Addiction specialization, has helped me build confidence and real-world skills to support vulnerable individuals in my community. I feel more prepared for my future career."
★★★★★
Khushi - Health Care Aide
"Edison College made it incredibly easy to apply! Chandra walked me through all the steps and was very friendly. The Therapeutic Recreation Assistant program offered a lot of information and prepared me for my practicum and a future I can look forward to and get excited about!"
"I am enjoying the new instructor he's fantastic but the lectures and slides are far to long for me he does his best but I feel this could be improved but the courses are amazing I have learned something new everyday"
"Our new instructor is phenomenal. Complete 360 of the last. I am so pleased. His personality brings smiles throughout the day and the delivery of information is insightful and informative. I find myself looking forward to going to class again. The only thing that I find a bit hard to get used to is being in class right until 1030. As both past instructors would allow us to take the last 2 hours or so to complete projects and watch the films off line. As it is a bit intrusive when watching a film or documentary while still signed in with people speaking up throughout to ask questions. Other than that. I am very happy with this transition."
"Yes. I would be happy to. So far the instructors were very clear and excellent. The lectures were easy, professional and the program is amazing."
Campus
Find us in Downtown Victoria.
Edison College's Downtown Victoria campus is home base for our on-campus and online diploma programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Edison College's online programs accredited?
Yes — all Edison College programs are PTIB-approved (Private Training Institutions Branch, B.C.) and follow the same curriculum whether you study online or on campus.
Can I complete an entire diploma online in Vancouver?
Yes. Most Edison College diploma programs can be completed fully online, with live Pacific Time class sessions, making them accessible to students anywhere in Vancouver or across B.C.
Do online students qualify for StudentAid BC?
Eligible students in Edison College's online programs can access StudentAid BC funding, the same as on-campus students. Book a free call with an admissions advisor to check your eligibility.
How is online learning different from on-campus at Edison College?
Online students join the same live classes, instructors, and curriculum as on-campus students — you simply attend remotely instead of at the Downtown Victoria campus.
Ready to Study Online in B.C.?
Get the full program brochure with tuition, schedules, and funding options — or speak with an admissions advisor today. Seats are limited.