Developing the skills you’ll need in this challenging field requires theoretical studies and practical learning opportunities. You’ll also need to look inward, learn to understand yourself and your ability to help others. The Child and Youth Care Counsellor (CYCC) program offers a blend of classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and personal development that provide you with the ability to make a difference in the lives of young people. This is a two year diploma program, and after graduation you have the option to use your diploma as credit towards a degree at a number of partner institutions. As a student, you’ll be trained in professional practice, communication, self-awareness, theory, and assessment and intervention. You will also be out in the community applying your skills and knowledge in three of the four semesters of course work. Throughout, you will be involved in numerous group projects, role plays and counselling sessions. The college is a member of the Alberta Child & Youth Care Educator’s Consortium, a group that advocates for curriculum that is accepted and recognized among all institutions. The program at Medicine Hat College is equivalent to any other centre, but what makes us different is our sense of community. With small class sizes, you have the opportunity to build life-long relationships with your peers and instructors. The learning atmosphere is intimate, and you will benefit from the support that is available.

At work, you’ll likely be part of a team that works to address the needs of families. Your duties might include establishing a trusting and meaningful, one-to-one relationship with children and adolescents; helping to develop and coordinate treatment interventions for individuals and groups; designing programs to help control acts of aggression and depressive, destructive or self-injurious behaviors; and acting as a resource for clients and their families.