Health and Social Development

Students demonstrate recreational activities to help clients move and improve their health

Careers in health care and social development provide a meaningful way to meet the needs of families and communities. The Okanagan region’s population and demographics provide diverse learning opportunities in a range of fields. Practical-oriented programs prepare students for careers in health and social development settings, including hospital and community nursing, long-term care, home care, social services, non-profit societies, children’s daycare and more.

Become an Instructor

OC is seeking expression of interest for those who want to teach Health and Social Development programs.

Our students, your health

Health Sciences Centre fundraising campaign kicks off to support student learning and construction underway.

Meet an instructor

Certified Dental Assistant instructor Joanne Gibbons-Smyth uses technology in her innovative approach to teaching.

Explore programs

  • Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered
  • Credential
  • International students
Access to Practical Nursing Diploma
  • Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon Arm
  • Diploma
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma
  • Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Distance
  • Diploma
  • International students
Health Care Assistant Certificate
  • Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke
  • Certificate
Human Service Work Diploma
  • Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm
  • Diploma
  • International students
Kinesiology Diploma
  • Penticton
  • Diploma
  • International students
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Health Analytics
  • Kelowna
  • Diploma
  • International students
Practical Nursing Diploma
  • Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon Arm
  • Diploma
Therapist Assistant Diploma
  • Kelowna
  • Diploma
  • International students

Explore our departments

Certified Dental Assistant

Our department provides education and training required for registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. The certificate program is fully accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Early Childhood Education

Professionals in the field of Early Childhood Education are committed to caring for all children within the contexts of both the family and the community. Child caregivers are trained to understand the developmental needs of children from birth to age twelve. 

Health Care Assistant

Training provided in this certificate program prepares you for a health-care career responsible for providing direct client care. This includes assistant clients with daily living such as daily personal hygiene, nutrition and mobility.

Human Kinetics / Kinesiology

Study health and exercise sciences to become a community leader in sport, recreation, fitness and wellness.

Human Service Work

 Build and maintain healthy relationships and increase inclusion for vulnerable individuals within your community.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians are allied health-care professionals trained to perform administrative, clerical and pharmacy-related tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Practical Nursing

Learn hands-on person-centred care as you become a leader in health care.

Therapist Assistant

Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Recreational Therapists require staff to help with the wide range of client needs in rehabilitation. 

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Experience

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