In today’s constantly changing health and human services field, professionals need more than credentials. They need programs that prepare them for real world impact. Mohawk College’s graduate certificates offer specialized training, practical experience and pathways to meaningful careers. And the best way to understand their value is by hearing directly from students who have experienced it.
Bridging gaps in mental health and disability care
For Rasha and Janet, Mohawk College’s Mental Health and Disability Management and Brain Disorders Management programs opened the door to specialized work in the community. The programs, delivered in an intensive eight-month format, combine research-informed curriculum with experiential learning through placements and capstone projects.
“I highly recommend this program if you are looking for a career in the field of brain injuries and disorders,” Rasha says. “Not only will you gain direct experience through your placement, but the program also provides extensive knowledge and case study management experience.”
Janet shares a similar perspective: “The Mental Health and Disability Management program connected my previous education and work experience with new knowledge and skills that are relevant to working with complex care needs. Guest speakers, discussions and capstone projects helped take the knowledge out of the classroom and bring it into real world situations.”
Combining theory with practical skills: Zoey’s MoMac Experience
The Autism and Behavioural Science program has been shaping future professionals for two decades. Its core purpose is to give students the knowledge and practical skills they need to support individuals with autism and other disabilities in meaningful ways.
Students learn how to use behaviour analysis to teach important life skills, apply evidence informed treatments, and work closely with families and caregivers. The real learning comes to life through two full-time field placements, where students take what they have learned in class and apply it in real settings with real clients.
In 2016, Mohawk College and McMaster University introduced the MoMac partnership, which allows students to earn an Honours Bachelor of Applied Psychology with a Specialization in Autism and Behavioural Science. It combines the strengths of both institutions and gives students access to a wider range of learning opportunities.
For Zoey, this blended approach has been a big advantage. “Being a MoMac student is an incredibly special opportunity that opens many doors for my future,” Zoey says. “Learning from both the university and the college gives me different perspectives and different ways of learning. The placements are what make this experience so valuable. They help me confirm my goals and give me the perfect chance to apply what I am learning directly.”
With a mix of classroom learning, experienced faculty and placement opportunities, the program continues to prepare graduates to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
From Colombia to Canada: Javier’s entry into the Canadian workplace
When Javier, a medical doctor from Colombia, arrived in Canada, he faced the challenge of learning a completely new health care system. The Canadian Health Care for Foreign Trained Professionals program became the bridge that helped him rebuild his professional path.
“This program was a transformative journey that shaped my understanding of the Canadian health care system and my role within it,” Javier says. “Through a carefully designed curriculum, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian health care system, including its structure, policies, and patient centered approach.”
The courses covered therapeutic relationships, intercultural communication, Indigenous perspectives, and mental health care. Javier did not just learn the theory, he applied it through Service Learning in a Canadian workplace.
The common thread: Practical experience leads to transformation
Whether it is helping internationally trained professionals integrate into Canadian health care, preparing graduates to support people with complex care needs, or training future leaders in autism services, Mohawk’s graduate certificates have one clear goal: transforming careers and communities.
Ready to take the next step? Explore Mohawk College’s graduate certificate programs and begin your journey today.
