It's important to find a career that you love, because when you enjoy your job, you perform better, and lead a better life. A part of finding that ideal career is figuring out what makes you happy, and what careers line up with those interests. Some of us want a job that helps the world, and the people in it. If you’d like to build a career out of helping others, Centennial College’s School of Community and Health Studies can make it happen. Here's just a few examples of what you could become, and how the college can point you towards those careers.
1. Community Development Work
Healthy communities mean healthy people, and our Community Development Worker program makes you an agent of social change by helping make the communities we live in a better place. In this field, you’re part researcher, part strategist, and part interpersonal expert, so you'll need a varied skill set, since there's no one road to developing a community. With that in mind, the program covers a variety of approaches to community development, including ecological, social and economic issues. The important part of the program, though, is its practical aspect, which connects you to the field. Our instructors and faculty have worked in the industry, and bring that experience to the classroom, which you aren't confined to, since there's plenty of on-your-feet learning in the form of two field placements, and opportunities for international development.
2. Child and Youth Care
Children will inherit the world, so as a Child and Youth worker, you’re helping make the next generation happy and healthy. In this career, you work with children, youth, their families and communities to create and support positive change and foster the development of tomorrow’s leaders. Centennial’s Child and Youth Care program has a history of creating professionals, meaning students are well-prepared for their careers. A reason for this is both the college’s efforts to give students learning through field placement programs, and in-class learning activities that replicate experiences within their workplace. The program gives each student as much experience as possible, the better to care for the most vulnerable members of society.
3. Early Childhood Education
There's a lot more to being an early childhood educator than simply being a teacher. It involves playing an important role in the early stages of a child’s development. At Centennial, you can take two-year programs at both Ashtonbee and Progress campuses, as well as a one-year fast track variety. An advantage to these programs is that they involve community field placements, giving you one-on-one time with children as part of your education before entering the job market.
4. Nursing
Canada’s population is aging, and as time goes on, choosing to become a Registered Practical Nurse will put you more and more in demand. As a Practical Nurse, you can work in settings such as hospitals, long-term care, clinics, as well as in the community. Practical Nursing is one of Centennial College's most in-demand programs, and it's only getting better.
See, the modern college student has more responsibilities than just going to class. Students are holding down jobs, or have family to support, or have other barriers to education. That’s why are two streams available in the Practical Nursing Program at Centennial College. You can select the full-time Practical Nursing Program, which is offered over four semesters, or the Flexible Nursing program. The flexible program has a reduced weekly schedule, giving you more time for the rest of your life. Either way, classes take place at our Morningside Campus, which contains a Nursing Lab that simulates a hospital floor. Students get their education in a realistic environment, with simulation equipment and computerized patients, before moving on to field placements in real hospitals and long-term care settings.
5. We can help you help others
These are only just a few examples of what Community and Health Studies at Centennial College can offer you. Regardless of the career you choose, it's important that you pursue something you enjoy. If you're interested in building a healthy community, and want a diverse, challenging career, something from our School of Community and Health Studies might just be what you need, and we can set you up for success. Joining us will help you make a difference!
Written By: Anthony Geremia