College GalleryHuman Service Careers Diplomas
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are open! Apply now!
Addictions Counselling Diploma
Child and Youth Care Diploma
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
Social Work Diploma
Addictions Counselling Diploma
The journey to addiction recovery requires the support of trained counsellors. If you are a compassionate individual interested in the field of addictions, the Addictions Counselling Diploma program may be for you.
At NLC, we understand our students need the flexibility to balance work and home. Our Addictions Counselling diploma program is flexible enough to fit into your lifestyle:
- Take classes from home, work, or on-campus
- Delivered online, through Supported Distance Learning
- Apply as a part-time or full-time student
- Two-year diploma program for those in the full-time program
Applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the term start date.
This program is available to high school students. Talk to your high school counsellor for more information.
Learn more about Dual Credit.
Program Dates
+Addictions Counselling Diploma September – June
Areas of Study
+The Addictions Counselling Diploma program at Northern Lakes College will give you the training you need to work in this rewarding career.
Courses include:
UTOPTION - Option University Studies
Career Potential
+Addictions Counsellors work in treatment and recovery centres, provincial health programs, family and youth centres, and women’s shelters.
Further Educational Opportunities
+Some credits may be transferable into other NLC programs, such as Social Work and Practical Nurse. University credits are transferable to many post-secondary institutions in Alberta; refer to the Alberta Transfer Guide.
Program Requirements, Fees, and Additional Information »
Child and Youth Care Diploma
The Child and Youth Care program equips learners to work with children, youth, families, and communities. The program explores mental health, trauma-informed care, assessments, interventions, advocacy, and ethical practice. Throughout the program, learners will engage in a combination of theoretical learning, experiential activities, and practicum opportunities.
At NLC, we understand our students need the flexibility to balance work and home. Our Child and Youth Care Diploma program is flexible enough to fit into your lifestyle:
- Take classes from home, work, or on-campus
- Delivered online, through Supported Distance Learning
- Apply as a part-time or full-time student
- Two-year diploma program for those in the full-time program
Applications are reviewed as they are received. Students are accepted on a first qualified, first accepted basis. Applications should be submitted no later than the end of June. If funding is required, applicants are advised to apply early. Waitlisted students from the previous academic year will be provided priority seating for the next offering.
This program is available to high school students. Talk to your high school counsellor for more information.
Learn more about Dual Credit.
Program Dates
+Child and Youth Care Diploma September – June
Areas of Study
+The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach, ensuring learners gain a deep understanding of the complex needs and challenges faced by individuals and communities affected by trauma, oppression, and mental health. The program includes a blend of core Child and Youth Care theory and practice courses, along with two university level courses which include English and Psychology.
CYCD1010 Foundations of Child and Youth Care
CYCD1020 Introduction to Counselling in Child and Youth Care
CYCD1030 Indigenous History of Children, Youth, and Families in Canada
CYCD1040 Professional Communication for Child and Youth Care Practitioners
CYCD1050 Introduction to Families: Diversity and Interventions
CYCD1060 Mental Health in Child and Youth Care Practice
CYCD1070 Supporting Children and Youth Across Sectors in Child and Youth Care Practice
CYCD1075 Practicum I
CYCD2010 Trauma-Informed Communication for Child and Youth Practitioners
CYCD2020 Ethics of Child and Youth Care
CYCD2030 Therapeutic Activities and Planning in Child and Youth Care Practice
CYCD2040 Supporting Families in Child and Youth Care Practice
CYCD2045 Practicum II
CYCD2050 Capstone
CYCD2060 Assessment and Treatment Planning for Child and Youth Care
CYCD2070 Land Based Interventions for Child and Youth Care Practitioners
CYCD2075 Practicum III
ENGL1000 Introduction to English Language and Literature
PSYC1060 Psychology for the Health Care Professional
Career Potential
+Graduates find successful employment in child welfare and family support agencies, community and recreations centres, mental health and addictions agencies, schools, after school programs and early intervention programs, young offenders' programs, First Nation and Métis organizations, and non-profit community agencies.
Further Educational Opportunities
+Some credits may be transferable into other programs at Northern Lakes College. University credits and core Child and Youth Care Diploma courses may be transferable to some post-secondary institutions in Alberta. Transfer of this 2-year diploma may be available for entrance into year 3 of the 4-year Bachelor of Child and Youth degree programs at MacEwan University or Mount Royal University.
Program Requirements, Fees, and Additional Information »
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
Would you like to take your Early Learning and Child Care certificate to the next level? With the diploma program, you will build upon your skills and prepare for administrative and supervisory positions within the field.
At NLC, we understand our students need the flexibility to balance work and home. Our Early Learning and Child Care diploma program is flexible enough to fit into your lifestyle:
- Take classes from home, work, or on-campus
- Delivered online, through Supported Distance Learning
- Apply as a part-time or full-time student
- Two-year diploma program for those in the full-time program
- There are two intakes per year into the full-time program. Students may start the program in September and January. There are three intakes per year into the part-time program. Students may start the program in September, January, and May.
Applications should be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the term start date. Applications received with less than 4 weeks from the term start date may be processed for the next available start date.
This program is available to high school students. Talk to your high school counsellor for more information.
Learn more about Dual Credit.
Program Dates
+Full-time September – June
Areas of Study
+The Early Learning and Child Care diploma program at Northern Lakes College will give you the training you need to work in this rewarding career. Courses include:
Career Potential
+Graduates will qualify for Child Development Supervisor Certification under the Alberta Child Care Licensing Regulation. Individuals are trained to work with children in settings such as daycares, preschools, after-school programs, and private day homes.
Further Educational Opportunities
+Graduates of the program have five University Studies courses transferable into the NLC and University of Calgary's, Bachelor of Education – Community-Based pathways degree program.
Program Requirements, Fees, and Additional Information »
Social Work Diploma
Are you interested in helping people improve their problem-solving and coping skills and linking them with systems that offer resources and services? The Social Work Diploma program develops the skills required for social work practice, with themes including cultural competency, addressing oppression, and holistic practice in northern and rural communities.
At NLC, we understand our students need the flexibility to balance work and home. Our Social Work diploma program is flexible enough to fit into your lifestyle:
- Take classes from home, work, or on-campus
- Delivered online, through Supported Distance Learning
- Apply as a part-time or full-time student
- Two-year diploma program for those in the full-time program
Students are accepted on a first qualified, first accepted, basis. Applications should be submitted no later than the end of June. Waitlisted students from the previous academic year will be provided priority seating for the next offering.
This program is available to high school students. Talk to your high school counsellor for more information.
Learn more about Dual Credit.
Costs associated with travel to attend practicums are the student's responsibility. Completion of the practicums are mandatory for successful program completion.
Program Dates
+Full-time September – June
Areas of Study
+Themes in this two-year program include competency working in different cultures, recognizing and dealing with oppression, practice in northern and rural communities, and a focus on holistic practice. Courses include:
UTOPTION - Option University Studies
Career Potential
+Graduates find successful employment in child welfare and family support agencies, financial support organizations, mental health and addictions agencies, schools and early intervention programs, criminal justice organizations, First Nations and Métis Settlement organizations, and non-profit community agencies.
Further Educational Opportunities
+Graduates are eligible for registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers for entry-level or practice positions. Block transfer is available for entrance into year 3 of the 4-year Bachelor of Social Work degree program at the University of Calgary.
