Helping Canadians get back to work.

Discovery Community College

Suite 101 495 Dunsmuir St., Nanaimo BC

Possible funding to those who qualify*

  • B.C. Access Grant
  • Loans
  • Grants
  • Bursaries
  • Scholarships

Programs

Programs offered at each campus may vary, so be sure to check other campus offerings for the course you are most interested in.

Healthcare, Wellness, Pharma Programs

  • Take Your HCA or RCA Training to the Next Level & Get Certified as a Practical Nurse in Less Time

    If you’re a trained medical professional with experience as Health Care Assistant or Registered Care Aide (professional title may vary by province) and you’re interested in moving into practical nursing, the Practical Nurse Access program can be your bridge to a nursing career in less time. Get credit for your previous education and experience and graduate in less time. The Practical Nurse Access Program is offered in: Campbell River and Nanaimo. This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.

    Get Qualified as a Practical Nurse

    The Practical Nurse Access program was initiated in response to the need for recognizing past education, training, and work experience of applicants to the Practical Nursing program. This program credits applicants for their previous British Columbia HCA, RCA, or RHCA education. The program is led by experienced healthcare professionals who know what it takes to succeed in this field. Skills include: Professional Communication Variations in Health Health Promotion Pharmacology Integrated Nursing Practice Human Anatomy and Physiology Consolidated Practice Experience
  • Professional Health Care Assistant Career Training in as Little as 38 Weeks

    Health Care Assistants (HCA), sometimes called Health Care Aides, provide important personal assistance and support services for a wide variety of medical clients including elderly patrons, injured or disabled persons and chronically ill people who require short term assistance or ongoing support. Your compassion, patience, and interest in helping others, paired with the hands-on training from Discovery Community College, will prepare you for a rewarding career as a Health Care Assistant in less than 10 months. This program is offered in: Campbell River, Courtenay, Parksville, Nanaimo, Maple Ridge and Surrey This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. The best way to see if Discovery Community College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities, get all your questions answered, and meet with both students and instructors. 

    Practical “On-the-Job” Training

    As a student in the Discovery Community College Health Care Assistant Diploma program, you’ll learn in a real-world environment by training on-site at residential care facilities. The philosophy of this program is based on a humanistic, experiential approach and features gradual immersion and hands-on training. Paired with small class sizes, this learn-by-doing process ensures that our graduates are competent and confident with their knowledge base and clinical skills. Healthcare is a “hands-on” profession, and at Discovery we strongly believe that is how it should be taught. Successful graduates of this program enter the professional world with confidence after gaining so much practical, on-the-job-experience during their training.

    Health Care Assistants in High Demand in B.C. & Throughout Canada

    The growing and aging population in B.C. and throughout Canada is creating an increased demand for training Healthcare professionals. There is an especially high demand for skilled Health Care Assistants. The Government of Canada reports that employment growth in this field “will be among the strongest of all occupations.” (Working in Canada Report: Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates NOC 3413-C) In fact, over the next 7 years, it’s projected that there will be more job openings in the field of Health Care Assistants than there will be trained professionals to fill those jobs. That makes now an exciting time for new professionals receiving their training and entering this booming field.

Business, Accounting, Marketing Programs

  • Office Administration Certificate Program Training in as Little as 30 Weeks

    To earn the Office Administration Certificate at Discovery Community College students must complete both the Computerized Business Applications (CBA) and Accounting and Finance (AF) programs. This program is currently being offered in: Campbell River, Nanaimo, Parksville, and Surrey. This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. As a qualified Office Administration graduate, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to work in any modern office environment. Your hands-on training will cover computer hardware skills and knowledge, computer software skills focusing on the MS Office suite, organizational and communication skills, basic bookkeeping and computerized accounting knowledge, and employability skills. This program is taught by experienced business professionals, who know exactly what you need to be an asset to a modern business and are dedicated to providing personal, supportive guidance.

    Career Opportunities

    Successful graduates of this course enter the professional world with confidence, knowing they have the skills to succeed in almost any office environment. With above-average future job growth expected in this field, your exciting new career can take you everywhere from large, fast-paced corporations to small, community-oriented businesses. Put your natural planning and organizational talents to work for you in this professional career in less than 1 year. The best way to see if Discovery Community College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities, get all your questions answered, and meet with both students and instructors.
  • Business Computer Applications Training in as Little as 15 Weeks

    Whether you’re familiar with computers and want to upgrade your skills, or you’re relatively inexperienced and looking to learn, Discovery Community College Business Computer Applications training is a short-term way to gain the skills you’re looking for. As a graduate of this program, you’ll feel comfortable troubleshooting technical problems, using computers for office correspondence and managing files & information. These office skills will help you understand day-to-day business operations and qualify for a variety of office administration positions. This program is currently being offered in: Campbell River, Nanaimo, Parksville, and Surrey. This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.

    Modern Computer Skills for Today’s Modern Work Place

    Our Business Computer Applications Program provides students with the experience and knowledge required to work in a modern office environment. As a successful graduate of this program, you’ll feel confident moving into any office environment. Experienced instructors will help you gain skills in the following important areas:
    • Computer Hardware Skills and Knowledge
    • Computer Software Skills Focusing on the MS Office Suite
    • Organization
    • Communication Skills
    • Basic Bookkeeping
    • Computerized Accounting Knowledge
    • Employability Skills
  • Business Accounting and Fiance Training in as Little as 15 Weeks

    The Accounting & Finance Program from Discovery Community College is designed to help individuals develop the essential bookkeeping, accounting and general accounting office skills to become successful business professionals. The program is streamlined, so that you can get the skills you need and get into the workforce in less than 4 months. This program is currently being offered in: Campbell River, Nanaimo, Parksville, and Surrey. This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. The best way to see if Discovery Community College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities, get all your questions answered, and meet with both students and instructors.

    Becoming a Skilled Financial Professional

    As a graduate of the Discovery Community College Accounting & Finance Program, you’ll enter the professional world with confidence after gaining hands-on training and one-on-one instruction in the following important accounting/financial practices:
    • Sage 50
    • Quickbooks
    • Canadian Manual Bookkeeping
    • Canadian Payroll and Employment Standards
    • And More
    After achieving your bookkeeping payroll program, you’ll be fully prepared to pursue a number of interesting positions such as Bookkeeper, Bookkeeping Clerk, Accounts or Receivable Clerk, Payroll Assistant, Payroll and Benefits Administrator, and more! Successful graduates of this program have found work in corporations, small businesses, insurance companies, real estate, government departments, and more. You can even work independently as a contractor, providing bookkeeping and payroll services or apply your financial knowledge to managing your own small business.
  • International Trade Management Training in as Little as 39 Weeks

    Organizations need professionals who can monitor their flow of goods or services and get everything from raw materials to finished products to the right location, at the right time. With Discovery Community College’s Advanced Diploma in International Trade Management and Freight Forwarding, you can be that professional, and you could graduate in less than a year.

    This program is currently being offered in: Campbell River, Nanaimo, and Surrey.

    Train to join one of the fastest-growing sectors in Canada which, according to the latest statistics, expects 66,000 new and vacant positions to be filled in Canada each year*.

    International Trade Management brings a global perspective to careers in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and Freight Forwarding. With the economy becoming increasingly global with every passing day, companies across all sectors in Canada rely on professionals specially-trained in sourcing goods and materials for the products and services that consumers enjoy, using ethical business practices.

    Canadian companies are continually exploring new markets abroad and need trained professionals to ensure that they can meet clients’ needs efficiently and on-time whether by air, marine, and land freight transportation routes.

     

  • Professional Medical and Dental Office Management Training in as Little as 60 Weeks

    To your friends and coworkers, you’re “the organized one” – hard-working, detail-oriented, and a team player. Combined with a friendly and positive attitude, these attributes make you the perfect candidate for a career in Medical Office Management.

    The Medical Dental Office Management Diploma program from Discovery Community College is designed to give you the skills required to effectively manage a medical clinic, doctors’ office, specialists’ office or clinic, hospital, chiropractic office, optometry office, dentists’ office, or a government-related agency such as public health.

    This program is offered in: Campbell River, Nanaimo, and Surrey.

    This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.

    Hands-On Training: The “Learn by Doing” Philosophy

    At Discovery, we believe in learning by doing. The work of a Medical Office Manager is often varied, ranging from office correspondence and billing procedures to staff scheduling and patient interviews. Because of this, our programs train our students in a wide variety of office management skills, in both independent and team environments.

    In order to earn the Medical Dental Office Management Advanced Diploma, students must complete all three Computerized Business Applications (CBA), Accounting and Finance (AF), and Medical Dental Applications (MDA) programs.

    As a successful graduate of this program, you’ll enter the professional world with confidence, knowing you have the medical administration, bookkeeping and accounting, and professional office skills to succeed in your chosen field.

    The best way to see if Discovery Community College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities, get all your questions answered, and meet with both students and instructors.

Human & Social Services, CSW Programs

  • Professional Community Support Worker Training in as Little as 54 Weeks

    Community Support Workers offer support, services, and encouragement to people with mental health issues, substance abuse problems, developmental challenges, or physical disabilities. Professionals in this field are employed by a variety of social services programs and community assistance and have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day.

    If you’re a patient and non-judgmental “people person” looking to get started in a respected professional career where you can help others, you could be well-suited to succeed as a professional Community Support Worker.

    This program offered in: Campbell River, Nanaimo, Maple Ridge, Parksville, and Surrey.

    This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.

    Convenient Morning & Afternoon Classes Available

    Practical “On-The-Job” Training

    As a student in the Discovery Community College Community Support Worker Diploma program, you’ll train hands-on during a 6-week practicum in real Community Support work settings. Practicums are an excellent way to gain real-world experience, make important industry connections and try different aspects of the profession before you graduate.

    You will participate in a problem solving, case study, learner-centered approach to education. You’ll thrive in this learning environment if you are a responsible, self-determining person, able to engage in cooperative, collaborative, team-oriented learning with the guidance and support of our expert instructors.

    Successful graduates of this program enter the professional world with confidence, knowing they have both the theoretical classroom skills and the hands-on, practical experience to make a real difference in their new career. With career-focused training and dedicated support from Discovery Community College, you could be working in a new, rewarding career in less than a year.

    The best way to see if Discovery Community College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities, get all your questions answered, and meet with both students and instructors.

Legal, Policing Programs

  • Professional Law Enforcement Foundations Training in as Little as 14 Months

    The desired characteristics of law-enforcement professionals are; dedication, integrity, adaptability to any situation while remaining trustworthy and fair in all aspects of life. They are critical thinkers and can make serious decisions quickly while remaining community and safety-minded. This program offered in: Nanaimo and Surrey. This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.

    Achieve a Strong Foundation in Law Enforcement

    The Law Enforcement Foundation Program at Discovery Community College provides the foundational training necessary to build a rewarding career in public and private justice and related professions where specialized skills in the areas of regulatory compliance, enforcement and investigations, are a requirement. The curriculum emphasizes the concepts and theories of the criminal justice system including a holistic approach to law enforcement and security administration. You will receive instruction and professional guidance from experienced Law Enforcement professionals. Specialized Curriculum includes: • Basic Security Training • Introduction to Policing • Community Policing • Criminal Code • Private Security Patrol Procedure • Professionalism & Ethics You will also gain knowledge in other important related subjects, such as: • Fitness & Lifestyle Management • Canadian Government & Politics • Communication for Law Enforcement • Sociology • Computer Skills • Criminal Justice This program can be completed in 14 months and is available in Surrey and Nanaimo, British Columbia.

    Build the Future That’s Right for YOU

    The goal of the Law Enforcement Foundation Diploma Program is to provide you with; the foundation, applied skills, critical thinking and specialized knowledge required to become a prepared candidate in the recruitment process and to increase your success in gaining employment in a range of law enforcement occupations. When it comes to a future in Law Enforcement, you get back what you put in, values such as; maturity, life experience, work experience, willingness to learn, curiosity and to some extent physical capabilities. This is a career field for leaders, there is no single career outcome or “best path” in Law Enforcement. If you’re driven to serve your community and looking to establish a strong footing on which to build a rewarding career, the Law Enforcement Foundations program from Discovery Community College will be an excellent fit.

Nanaimo Campus

Mission Statement

Discovery Community College is committed to hands-on training and to graduating work ready students who are sought after by employers.

Objectives

  • To acknowledge and encourage the individual learning needs of each student
  • To offer quality, hands-on education, utilizing the latest technology
  • To understand and work with our local community and its unique needs
  • To be superior at developing new programs and teaching the skills that are necessary for today’s fast changing labour market

At Discovery, we strongly believe in the “learn by doing” philosophy. Our focus is on graduating fully-skilled, work-ready employees. The specialized career training programs from Discovery Community College are designed to equip you with all the knowledge and practical experience you need to achieve your career goals in a short period of time. That means you can be earning more money in a career you care about –without spending years in a classroom.

A Tradition of Success

As part of our goal to offer the best hands-on training to our students, Discovery Community College has formed alliances with numerous distinguished community partners. We are also registered with and designated by the Private Training Institutions Branch of British Columbia, formally PPSEC, since 1996.

Designation (and why it matters for you)

Designation is a process undertaken by schools who wish to prove their excellence by external standards and increase consumer confidence in their educational product. The process is controlled by the PTIB (The Private Training Institutions Branch), a government organization.

Because Discovery Community College has successfully completed the designation process, you can be sure that our performance in educational and administrative areas, the competence of the instructional staff, and the satisfaction rates with our students all exceed academic standards.


*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.