Program Length
- 1 Year
Credential
- Graduate Certificate
Location Offered
- Online
Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate Program
The Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate program is designed for a diverse range of practitioners, including traditional healers, therapists, spiritual care providers, physicians, nurses, somatic energy practitioners, and other clinician allies seeking training in the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapies.
The program empowers graduates with the vital knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and lead in the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PaT). The experience positions them to be invaluable contributors and leaders as the broader field of psychedelic medicine continues to advance.
The program delivery model integrates theory with practice, providing deliberate practice activities to gain the skills required to apply theoretical concepts practically and relationally - improving outcomes, and mitigating risks inherent in this advanced practice area. It promotes the development of a lifelong peer feedback process, actualized in the course as PaT students hone their skills through direct practice opportunities provided through the year. Skill supervision is provided in the final practicum course, ensuring PaT students demonstrate basic competencies, and are fostering safe and inclusive practices.
In the first three courses, participants engage in an interdisciplinary community of practice environment aiming to apply theoretical concepts practically and relationally. Through carefully designed practice activities, participants acquire the necessary skills to enhance therapeutic outcomes and effectively manage the inherent risks associated with this advanced field of practice. An essential element of our program is the cultivation of a lifelong peer feedback process, which students engage in as they progress through various direct practice activities over the course of the year. In the practicum course, participants benefit from skill supervision to ensure they demonstrate fundamental competencies while actively fostering safe and inclusive therapeutic practices.:
The full program can be completed from a distance if an approved practicum site is available near the student’s place of residence, or if a prior learning assessment conducted by VIU confirms that the learning objectives of the PAT 504 practicum have already been obtained (contact the Program Chair for more details).
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| PAT 501 - (Introduction to Psychedelic Medicine) | 3 |
| PAT 502 - (Psychedelic Medicine: Trauma-Informed and Inclusive Care) | 3 |
| PAT 503 - (Psychedelic-assisted Therapy: Professional Practice) | 3 |
| PAT 504* - (Psychedelic-assisted Therapy in Practice (Practicum)) | 6 |
| Total Program Credits | 15 |
* PAT 504 may be completed at various times throughout the year via directed study, dependent on student readiness, practicum site and field guide availability.
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in health, human services, or related fields.
- Resume with cover letter and professional references.
- Two years related experience in a related field will be prioritized, which should be reflected in one’s cover letter and resume and verifiable by references provided.
- An interview will take place.
- Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.
Notes on Admission
- Preference will be given to candidates with a clinician and/or therapy license and for those with experience in the related field.
- Applicants admitted without a license to practice will be supervised by a licensed practitioner.
- Fieldwork and/or practica will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students regarding the Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
- Applicants who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
- Applicants without a bachelor’s degree but who have a minimum 5 years’ of recent and relevant training and therapy/clinical experience at a credible training or treatment institute/centre may request consideration for admission. Applicants will be considered by the program coordinator on an individual basis.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (15 credits x $535.81 per credit) | 8,037.15 |
| Lab Fee | 520.20 |
| Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) | 239.64 |
| Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) | 264.60 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) | 331.20 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Total | 9,677.79 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (15 credits x $765.77 per credit) | 11,486.55 |
| Lab Fee | 520.20 |
| Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) | 239.64 |
| Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) | 264.60 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) | 331.20 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Total | 13,127.19 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Online | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$117.13
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Jenna Milne Email: Jenna.Milne@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Shannon Dames Email: Shannon.Dames@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Susan James Email: PAT@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
The document deadline is April 15, 2025.
Please see the comments below for early acceptance details.
Original official sealed transcripts should be mailed to: Vancouver Island University Registration
Official transcripts can also be emailed from the sending institution to Registration@viu.ca.
Comments:
Applicants are encouraged to complete their application by February 15, 2025, for early consideration. The department will consider accepting students for Fall 2025 in late February, provided all required documents have been submitted and an interview has been completed.
A maximum of 28 applicants will be considered for early acceptance. Applications submitted/completed after February 15, 2025 (and those that did not receive early acceptance), will be reviewed in May 2025 after applications close. Applications are open until March 31, 2025, or until the program is filled. There is a possibility that qualified applicants may be waitlisted.
If you have questions regarding the program, you can contact the department at PAT@viu.ca. |
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International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Online | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$150.00
Chair Contact:
Name: Shannon Dames Email: Shannon.Dames@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Susan James Email: PAT@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenna Milne Email: Jenna.Milne@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Please see the comments below for early acceptance details.
Original official sealed transcripts should be mailed to: Vancouver Island University Registration
Official transcripts can also be emailed from the sending institution to Study@viu.ca.
Comments:
*International students of this program do not qualify for a study permit. International students outside Canada need to find an approved practicum site near their place of residence.*
Applicants are encouraged to complete their application by February 15, 2025, for early consideration. The department will consider accepting students for Fall 2025 in February, provided all required documents have been submitted and an interview has been completed.
A maximum of 28 applicants will be considered for early acceptance. Applications submitted/completed after February 15, 2025 (and those that did not receive early acceptance), will be reviewed in May 2025 after applications close. Applications are open until March 31, 2025, or until the program is filled. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted.
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca |
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Sign up for more information about this program
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.