Addiction Studies

Do you want to become an addiction practitioner? You will enjoy both classroom and practicum learning opportunities in this program. Let us help you reach your goal.

Credential:

Diploma

Program length:

4 Terms

Area:

Community Studies

School:

School of Community Studies

About

The two-year Addiction Studies Diploma gives you the knowledge and hands-on preparation to build a meaningful career in the addiction field. You’ll learn how to combine theory with practical skills to support individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Beyond the fundamentals, you’ll reflect on your own values and beliefs, developing professional skills that prepare you to work with people from all walks of life, including multicultural and Indigenous communities.

As a graduate, you’ll be ready for support roles in both non-profit and private settings. Career opportunities span community organizations, schools, addiction services, residential programs, senior care facilities, and government agencies.

The Addiction Studies Diploma program is approved by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation.

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Admission requirements

Academic requirements
  • Credit in English 30-1 or 65% in English 30-2 or equivalent, or
  • Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test with a standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing, or

Pre-practicum requirement

The Addiction Studies Diploma program includes practicum placements in agencies where employers require a Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS). Results of this check may restrict opportunities for placement in a practicum. The PIC must be obtained before the start of the practicum and may need to be renewed more than once while enrolled in a program.

Students do not need the PIC in order to be accepted into the program. They will be directed as to when to complete the PIC directly prior to their first practicum by the Practicum Coordinator and their instructors.

Transferability

Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which you apply.

You need one of the following options:

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English Language Proficiency Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Academic upgrading

Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.

Available intakes

Starts in
Registration opens in
Domestic
International
January 2026
September 2026
Starts in
Registration opens in
March for May course start dates
July for September course start dates
November for January course start dates
To register in an Open Studies course, find the course in the list below and click on the course code. Select the offering of the course that you would like to take, add it to the cart, proceed to checkout, and pay with a credit card.
March for May course start dates
July for September course start dates
November for January course start dates
To register in an Open Studies course, find the course in the list below and click on the course code. Select the offering of the course that you would like to take, add it to the cart, proceed to checkout, and pay with a credit card.

Tuition and fees

Term
Tuition fees
Additional fees
Total fees*
Term 1
$2,328
$605
$2,933
Term 2
$2,936
$564
$3,500
Term 3
$2,698
$564
$3,262
Term 4
$2,696
$605
$3,301

Estimated total tuition:

total cost
Term
Tuition fees
Additional fees
Total fees*
Term 1
$5,211
$605
$5,816
Term 2
$7,248
$564
$7,812
Term 3
$6,437
$564
$7,001
Term 4
$6,273
$605
$6,878

Estimated total tuition:

total cost
*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only.  Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.

Courses

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Zero Textbook Cost

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Course is eligible for PLAR

Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
ADDC1101Introduction to Addiction Studies3

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COMM1101Interpersonal Relationships And Communication Skills3

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ENGL1201English Composition3

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PSYC1101Introduction To Psychology3

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INDG1101Introduction to Indigenous Studies3

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Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
ADDC1302Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction3

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ADDC1997Career Development and Professional Practice in the Addiction Field2

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ADDC2302Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Early Intervention3

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ADDC2501Advanced Assessment, Documentation and Case Management3

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HMSV1501Introduction to Counselling3

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INDG2201Indigenous Approaches to Healing and Wellness3

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Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
ADDC2998Addiction Studies Practicum I6

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HMSV2401Family and Society Studies3

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HMSV2501Social Policy3

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HMSV2502Facilitating Groups3

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PSYC1201Human Growth And Development Across The Life Span3

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Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
ADDC2301Prevention and Relapse Planning3

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ADDC2502Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation3

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ADDC2999Addiction Studies Practicum II6

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HMSV2503Organization and Administration in Human Services3

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Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
HMSV1104Health Education for Human Services Professionals3
LEGL1101Introduction to Canadian Law3

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SOCI1101Introduction to Sociology3

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FASD1101Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Awareness for Human Service Professionals3

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Frequently asked questions

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