The First Nations Health Directors Certificate Program is designed to meet the needs of current First Nations Health Directors. As a multi-disciplinary program there is something for everyone to learn and share.

Language Proficiency

• English is the primary language of instruction and communication; proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English is a prerequisite for admission;

Prior Education

• Applications must have BC Secondary School Graduation (Grade 12) or equivalent; OR
• Be a minimum of 19 years of age with a minimum of Grade 10 English; OR
• Be classified as a mature student

A multi-disciplinary program is a program that combines different areas of study such as finance, healthcare, governance and communications. Courses within the program are facilitated (taught) by subject matter experts.

The First Nations Health Director Certificate Program is a multi-disciplinary program which covers a number of subject matter areas identified as foundational to the work of a First Nations Health Director.

Put simply, a learner can learn without teachers but students only learn with teachers. We recognize that as professionals you learn and solve problems everyday and we honour that.

The Program was informed and its creation led by the First Nations Health Director Association (FNHDA) and included participation from subject matter experts, Elders, healthcare delivery partners and the FNHDA Board.

The concept of two cultures (First Nations and Western European (Academy) equally reflected and valued in the learning environment including, languages, epistemologies, methods, norms, practices and expression recognizing a shared collective future or, learning together.

Upon receiving completed applications, applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Learners will be notified of their status within three weeks of their program start date.

Practice-based learning combines theory and work experiences with a strategic reflective process throughout the learning process with the goal of becoming a self-sufficient professional who has the capacity to develop, measure, redesign and grow over time.

The First Nations Health Director Association has received financial support from the First Nations Health Authority for delivery of the program to current FNHDA Member Health Directors.

The First Nations Health Director Certificate program consists of eight, three credit hour courses totaling 24 credit hours.

There are 5 seats allocated to each region in British Columbia.

Put simply, you’re about to embark in a significant learning experience. Not only that but you’re the first to go down a new path as a member of the first cohort of this certificate program. We want to make sure that everyone’s aware that you’re doing something special.

The program will be delivered via on-line video conference and an on-line learning management system. Learners will be assigned to learning teams of 4-5 people during the first day of gathering. Assignment to learning teams is designed to allow you get to know your fellow Health Director Learners and work together on projects and assignments.

Assignments to learning teams will be based on the backgrounds, skills and experiences of Health Directors.

By sending any academic or learning transcripts we will be better able to support your learning journey and to identify tools that can help you. Transcripts are also used to verify that the learner meets the admission requirements. All submitted transcripts and documents are kept strictly confidential.

The program is intended to be a two-year, part-time program with learners completing one course per 10-week term.

The program will be delivered on-line and via video conference. Learners will gather with the course instructor every week for 2 hours per course. Learners will find that they will wish to gather in their learning teams at agreed upon times to complete assignments, activities and/or to support one another.