Loyalist College introducing four new programs

“To help address the strain on Ontario’s health care system, it is essential that we have skilled professionals to provide therapeutic and rehabilitative services,” says President Kirkpatrick. “At the same time, Ontario’s shift toward renewable energy is creating significant opportunities for trained technicians and specialists. These new programs will prepare graduates for careers that support Ontario’s future well-being and prosperity.”

Mental Health and Addictions Worker
This two-year Ontario College Diploma program equips students with the knowledge and skills to support individuals, families and communities impacted by addictions and mental health challenges. Grounded in evidence-based practices, the program coursework integrates advocacy, harm reduction, counselling, crisis intervention, recovery planning and trauma-informed approaches, including Indigenous perspectives. A comprehensive field placement experience prepares graduates to deliver person-centered care within interdisciplinary teams and to pursue careers across health care and social services environments.

Addictions and Mental Health
This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate is designed for individuals working in health care or social services, as well as recent graduates who want to further their education with specialization prior to embarking on their career. The program takes an interdisciplinary, best-practice approach to prevention, assessment, treatment and recovery, with specialized content in advanced counselling, homelessness, and program planning related to addiction and mental health. Students learn through simulation, applied learning and placement opportunities, preparing them for diverse roles in community mental health and addiction services.

With the recent approval of the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Belleville, Loyalist’s Mental Health and Addictions Worker and Addictions and Mental Health programs align with regional efforts to expand access to essential mental health and addictions care, preparing graduates to work with local community organizations to deliver vital services.

Community Pharmacy Assistant
This one-year Ontario College Certificate combines classroom learning, interactive labs and community placements to prepare students for roles that support licensed pharmacists in community and retail settings. Students gain foundational knowledge in dispensing, packaging, and labelling prescriptions, managing inventory, compounding non-sterile products and using pharmacy software.

Renewable Energy Systems
This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares students for careers as technicians in Ontario’s fast-growing clean energy sector. Through hands-on training in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind energy systems, bioenergy and energy storage technologies, students gain experience installing, operating and maintaining renewable energy systems. The program introduces students to key concepts in energy systems integration, preparing learners to conduct site assessments and apply sustainability principles to energy products. As the province advances both renewable energy and new nuclear development, graduates will be equipped to support a diverse, sustainable energy future across Ontario.