Community Support Worker: Addictions & Mental Health Specialization
▦ 25 Weeks / 600 Hours
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Online Diploma Programs for Surrey & Lower Mainland, BC
Online College in Lower Mainland, B.C.
Study online from Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Burnaby, or Richmond. PTIRU-approved diplomas from Edison College, BC. Apply today.
ONLINE PROGRAMS · LOWER MAINLAND
Flexible Study Formats Built Around Your Life in the Lower Mainland
01
(Fully Online)
Complete your entire diploma remotely — built for students in Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Burnaby, Richmond, and across the Lower Mainland who want career training without the commute to Vancouver Island.
02
In-Class / Online (Your Choice)
Choose between attending our Downtown Victoria campus in person or joining the same classes online from anywhere in the Lower Mainland — identical curriculum and outcomes either way.
03
Pacific Time Scheduling
Live sessions run on Pacific Time, so Lower Mainland students never juggle time-zone math with class schedules.
WHERE WE STUDY WITH YOU
Serving Students Across the Lower Mainland
Edison College doesn't have a campus in every Lower Mainland city — our only physical location is Downtown Victoria, B.C. What we do have is a fully online diploma format built so students anywhere in the Lower Mainland can train for a real career without relocating or commuting. Here's how that works for students in each community:
✓Online Programs in Surrey, BC
If you're comparing private colleges in Surrey, BC, Edison College is worth a look — even though we're not a private college in Surrey in the traditional campus sense. We're an accredited private college based in Victoria, and Surrey students complete the full diploma online, on the same schedule and with the same instructors as our on-campus cohort. It's private-college-style career training, delivered without the Surrey commute.
✓Online Programs in Langley, BC
Searching for a Langley college, or a college in Langley that fits around work and family? Edison College's online diploma programs let Langley students study on the same live schedule as our Victoria classes. We're not a college in Langley with a local campus — but for anyone comparing colleges in Langley, BC, our online format is built to be just as structured and just as accountable.
✓Online Programs in Coquitlam, BC
For students weighing a Coquitlam college option, Edison College offers fully online diploma programs to residents across Coquitlam. We're often searched alongside other colleges in Coquitlam and colleges in Coquitlam, BC — the difference is ours is delivered online from our Victoria campus, so there's no commute into a physical Coquitlam location, and no lost time on the road.
✓Online Programs in Abbotsford, BC
Students researching colleges in Abbotsford, colleges in Abbotsford, BC, or colleges in Abbotsford, Canada can complete an Edison College diploma entirely online from home. We don't operate a physical Abbotsford campus, but our accredited online programs are open to Abbotsford residents on the same terms, with the same tuition and support, as students anywhere else in B.C.
✓Online Programs in Burnaby, BC
If you've searched colleges in Burnaby, British Columbia, colleges in Burnaby, BC, or colleges in Burnaby, Canada, Edison College's online diploma programs are available to Burnaby residents without a move to Victoria. Live, instructor-led classes run on Pacific Time, so Burnaby students stay on the exact same schedule as our campus cohort — no time-zone adjustment required.
✓Online Programs in Richmond, BC
For students comparing colleges in Richmond, colleges in Richmond, BC, or colleges in Richmond, Canada, Edison College offers fully online career diplomas to Richmond residents. Coursework, academic advising, and financial-aid support are all handled remotely, so Richmond students get the same experience — and the same outcomes — as students studying from Victoria.
Getting Started
Admission Requirements for Vancouver Students
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
Student Recommendations of 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
Our Campus — Downtown Victoria, B.C.
Edison College's Downtown Victoria campus is home base for our on-campus and online diploma programs. Students across the Lower Mainland study online with this campus's instructors, advisors, and support staff — there is no separate Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Burnaby, or Richmond location.
Address
3318 Oak Street
Victoria, BC V8X 1R1
Victoria, BC V8X 1R1
Phone
+1 (250) 381-0535
Admissions
+1 (250) 986-7299
Hours
Mon–Fri, 8:30am–6:00pm(Pacific Time)
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs does Edison College offer online?
Edison College offers online diploma programs across Health Care, Business, and Technology fields. Availability by intake can vary, so an admissions advisor can confirm which programs are currently open to Lower Mainland students.
Where is Edison College located, and do I need to attend in person?
Edison College's only physical campus is in Downtown Victoria, B.C. Students located anywhere in the Lower Mainland — including Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Burnaby, and Richmond — can complete their diploma fully online, so in-person attendance is not required.
What are the admission requirements?
Most programs require high school graduation or equivalent (or mature student status), proof of English language proficiency, and any program-specific prerequisites. See the Admission Requirements section above, or book a call with an admissions advisor to review your situation.
Is financial aid available to online students?
Yes. Edison College students may qualify for the BC Student Loans Program (interest-free while enrolled full-time) and the Canada Student Grants Program, a non-repayable grant for eligible low- and middle-income students, students with disabilities, and students with dependents. Skilled immigrants and refugees may also qualify for a low-interest Windmill Microlending loan of up to $15,000, which includes free career coaching. Edison College also offers payment plans in equal monthly installments through the admissions office, and promotional scholarships may be available on a program-by-program basis — contact admissions for current details.
How do I apply?
Submit the online inquiry form above or use the "Apply Now" button to start an application. An admissions advisor will follow up to confirm program fit, requirements, and next steps.
Are there private colleges in Surrey, BC?
Not with a physical campus in Surrey — Edison College is a private college based in Victoria, BC, and Surrey residents attend entirely online. Students get the same instructors, curriculum, and schedule as the Victoria cohort, without relocating.
Is there a college in Langley, BC I can attend without commuting?
Yes — Edison College's diploma programs are delivered fully online to students in Langley. There's no local campus, but live classes run on Pacific Time so Langley students stay on the same schedule as everyone else.
Does Edison College have a campus in Coquitlam?
No, Edison College's only physical campus is in Victoria, BC. Coquitlam residents complete the same diploma programs online, with no commute required.
Are there colleges in Abbotsford, Canada that offer online diplomas?
Yes — Edison College offers PTIRU-approved online diploma programs to Abbotsford residents. There's no Abbotsford campus, but admission requirements, tuition, and support are the same as for students anywhere else in B.C.
Is Edison College available to students in Burnaby, BC?
Yes. Burnaby residents can complete a full diploma program online through Edison College, with live instructor-led classes on Pacific Time and no need to relocate to Victoria.
Can I attend a college in Richmond, BC without commuting to Victoria?
Yes — Edison College delivers its diploma programs fully online, so Richmond students complete coursework, advising, and financial-aid support remotely, with the same outcomes as on-campus students.
Does Edison College have campuses across the Lower Mainland?
No — Edison College's only physical location is in Downtown Victoria, BC. Students across the Lower Mainland, including Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Burnaby, and Richmond, complete their diploma entirely online rather than attending a local campus.
Why doesn't Edison College have a physical campus in Surrey, Burnaby, or other Lower Mainland cities?
Edison College is structured as a single-campus school with a fully online delivery model for students outside Victoria, rather than operating satellite campuses. This keeps tuition, curriculum, and instructor quality consistent for every student, regardless of location.
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.