PROGRAM DESIGN AND OBJECTIVES

The Clinical Behavioural Sciences (CBS) Diploma and Selected Studies Program is designed to provide allied health professionals opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills in clinical assessment and management. It is a Health Sciences Post Professional Diploma Program. The courses available to CBS students are offered by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences through the Studies Areas. The CBS Program negotiates directly with the Studies Areas for these resources.

The purpose of this Program is to assist students to expand their knowledge and perspective, providing them with a variety of approaches to understanding clinical problems. The aim is to enable health workers, who already have skills through their professional designation, to apply those skills more effectively. The emphasis is not on new credentials or accreditation, but on enhanced knowledge and skills.

Program Objectives:

• To improve the ability of allied health professionals to identify and solve clinical problems, particularly as they relate to their work setting.
• To enhance knowledge, skills and attitudes shared by practitioners in the various health-related fields.
• To facilitate an integration of theory and practice.
• To improve inter-disciplinary co-operation.

The CBS Program attempts to meet these objectives through multi-disciplinary, small group learning experiences.

This format is based on the belief that practitioners in related health fields have requirements in common regarding knowledge and skills, and that small mixed-discipline learning groups can promote the kinds of relationships and co-operation necessary in a somewhat fragmented field. Such experiences afford opportunities for various disciplines to understand each other’s unique roles and skills, as well as to recognize the commonalities in purposes and objectives.

The Program consists of formal teaching and clinical supervision in a number of course areas. Through integration of theoretical and clinical learning it is expected that students will improve their skills in management, supervision, and intervention. Students from a variety of professional backgrounds, agencies, and hospitals study in the Program, attending classes on a part-time basis while they continue in their usual employment.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Students may apply for the Diploma Program (those who fulfill the diploma requirements will receive a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Clinical Behavioural Sciences) or for Selected Studies. All applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Basic professional qualifications (degree, certificate, or of value to current job).
2. Full-time or part-time employment. In special circumstances consideration will be given to a person in volunteer positions. The sponsoring agency must sign a University legal waiver.
3. Agency approval regarding time for class attendance and use of course-related material from the work setting is required by signing a University legal waiver.

ADMISSION DEADLINES

FALL TERM

Applications must be submitted to the CBS Office by August 1, 2012. Interviews, if necessary, will take place in August for September courses.

WINTER TERM

Applications must be submitted to the CBS Office by December 5, 2012. Interviews if necessary, will take place during December for January courses.

Please note, it is best to register early as enrolment is limited.