MOHAWK COLLEGE

Mental Health and Disability Management Program

The Mental Health and Disability Management Program is a post-graduate certificate offered
at Mohawk College in the School of Community Studies. The program is first of its kind in
Ontario and accepted its first student cohort in Fall 2017. The program focuses on the
experience of having a developmental, neurological or physical disability while having a
mental illness including a mood, anxiety or psychotic disorder. Students learn how these
disorders are diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria while evaluating a range of intervention
strategies that are appropriate for clients and their families. Students complete two semesters
of coursework using a blended delivery (online and in-class) while receiving hands-on training
related to clinical interviewing, suicide prevention and de-escalation techniques. In their final
semester (Spring), students complete a field placement involving 336 hours in a setting, such
as a hospital, non-profit, research institute, school board or retirement home. The certificate
is meant to build on previous educational and work experience while allowing students to
work directly with clients or behind the scenes in the way of research and program or policy
development.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• All courses are offered in the evenings in the Fall (Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-8:30pm)
and Winter (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 5-8:30pm)
• Examine case studies that expose students to a variety of client-based scenarios
• Engage in simulation exercises to practise clinical interviewing skills and awareness about
mental health conditions
• Translate information using a variety of mediums including oral presentations, reports,
case studies, infographics and digital poster displays
• Apply intervention strategies including motivational interviewing, reflective listening and
mindfulness
• Receive hands-on training related to suicide prevention, case management, multi-sensory
training, digital art therapy and de-escalation
• Engage in a variety of learning styles, including visual, auditory and kinesthetic through
lectures, field trips, hands-on training and guest speakers

Please check out our program page for additional information including student testimonials:
https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/graduate-studies/mental-health-and-disability-
management-475
 MOHAWK COLLEGE
Brain Disorders Management Program

The Brain Disorders Management Program is a post-graduate certificate offered at Mohawk

College in the School of Community Studies. The program is first of its kind in Ontario and
accepted its first student cohort in Fall 2017. The program focuses on the experience of
having a brain disorder including schizophrenia, dementia, autism and post-traumatic stress
disorder. Students learn the neuroscience behind these disorders while exploring topics
related to aging, brain plasticity and resiliency. Students complete two semesters of
coursework using a blended delivery (online and in-class) while receiving hands-on training
related to supportive conversation techniques, suicide prevention and de-escalation
techniques. In their final semester (Spring), students complete a field placement involving
336 hours in a setting, such as a rehabilitation clinic, athletic centre, hospital, non-profit,
retirement home or research institute. The certificate is meant to build on previous
educational and work experience while allowing students to work directly with clients or
behind the scenes in the way of research and program or policy development.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• All courses are offered in the evenings in the Fall (Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-8:30pm)
and Winter (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 5-8:30pm)
• Engage in a variety of learning styles, including visual, auditory and kinesthetic, through
lectures, field trips, hands-on training and guest speakers
• Complete a capstone project that allows students from the Brain Disorders Management
and Mental Health and Disability Management programs to work collaboratively, using
problem-based learning
• Examine case studies that take a strength-based approach while making use of the latest
technologies and treatments
• Complete simulation exercises that incorporate virtual reality to build empathy about
psychosis, dementia and autism
• Receive hands-on training related to brain anatomy and concussion treatment

Please check out our program page for additional information including student testimonials:
https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs/graduate-studies/brain-disorders-management-
470
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

You need to have either a degree or diploma to apply to any of these post-graduate certificate
programs. Preference will be given to students with a background in the health or social
sciences.

HOW TO APPLY?

We accepted 60 students for both programs this year and had to start a waiting list given the
demands for these programs. If you are interested in applying, you are encouraged to do so
early as registration is currently open for Fall 2019.

If you apply no later than February 1, 2019, you will be considered for early acceptance. This
means that you will find out by the end of February if you have been accepted for September
2019. Even if you will not graduate until Spring or Summer 2019, you are still encouraged to
apply before this deadline. In this case, you will receive a “conditional acceptance” meaning
that you are accepted for September provided that you complete your diploma or degree
requirements by the end of August.

All applications are handled through Ontario Colleges (https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en).

You are required to complete an online profile and pay a processing fee of $95. It is important
that you check off the option to have your transcripts sent to Mohawk College. Your
application won’t be considered complete until all post-secondary transcripts have been
received.

ATTEND OUR FALL OPEN HOUSE

Feel free to tour the Fennell Campus and learn more about these exciting post-graduate
certificate programs by attending our Open House on Saturday, November 3, 2018 from
10am to 1pm. This Open House will give you an additional opportunity to learn about these
programs while meeting faculty and staff.

At the Open House, we will also be showcasing our virtual reality tool called Brain Stories
that features the fictional cases of Linda who has dementia, Aaron who has autism and Henry
who has schizophrenia. The purpose of this tool is to build understanding and empathy while
keeping people with brain disorders at the forefront.

CONTACT US

If you have any additional questions or would like to arrange a time to learn more about these
programs, please contact:

Anne-Marie DePape, PhD

Coordinator, Brain Disorders Management Program
Coordinator, Mental Health and Disability Management Program
Community Studies, Mohawk College, School of Community, Justice, and Liberal Studies
135 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton, ON L9C 1E9
Phone: 905-575-1212 Ext. 3158 | Email: anne-marie.depape@mohawkcollege.ca

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