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Systems Navigator

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Program Code: SN511
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Program Length: 3 semesters
Start Dates: September
Pathways: Explore Pathways
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Program Overview

Prepare for an exciting career at Humber. Learn a new skillset to enable you to work with inter-disciplinary teams in hospitals, medical centres, community services, correctional and probation facilities, schools, and in private and public facilities. Guide patients, clients, families and members of vulnerable populations through complex health and social care systems and difficult decision-making processes.

The Systems Navigator graduate certificate program will prepare you for a career in this emerging profession helping individuals manage and co-ordinate their care within the health, community, education and social services fields. Systems navigators assist with navigating complicated and interrelated systems and are the primary source of communication between the inter-disciplinary team and individuals, acting as an advocate and guide.

You will acquire skills to assess diverse clients’ service priorities and to develop personalized care plans. Building on your current professional knowledge and practice, you will learn about the complex systems in which support services are provided to patients and clients. Through hands-on work experience and in-class learning, you can expect to attain and exceed the practice-ready knowledge, skills and attitude employers are seeking. In addition, you will learn the business and economics of service delivery systems and how professional roles and responsibilities intersect.

Courses Learning Outcomes

Semester 1
SYSN 5101: Systems Theory and Systems Navigation
SYSN 5102: Strength-Based Approaches to Service
SYSN 5103: Professional Conduct: Legal and Ethical Standards
SYSN 5104: Interprofessional Collaboration
SYSN 5105: Motivational Interviewing
SYSN 5106: Health Literacy

Semester 2
SYSN 5501: Professional Communication: Documentation and Knowledge Transfer
SYSN 5502: Ethical Practice
SYSN 5503: Professional Self-Care
SYSN 5504: Clients and Communities: Health and Wellness Promotion
SYSN 5505: System Specialization

Semester 3
WORK 5515: Field Experience - Systems Navigator


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Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

  1. Build progressive relationships with and among clients, families, and health and community service professionals to support seamless client services.

  2. Adhere to professional, legal and ethical standards of practice to advance equitable health and community services.

  3. Consult with diverse clients to assess existing supports and to establish goals for personal wellness.

  4. Implement support plans for individuals, designed to align with client strengths and identified wellness goals.

  5. Strategize to assist clients to engage proactively with health and community professionals/services.

  6. Employ communication skills and strategies that contribute to social justice and client self-determination.

  7. Connect individuals and families to community resources to establish service networks of health and community supports.

  8. Maintain documentation and databases to facilitate seamless client service and enhance systems operations.

  9. Employ systems theories and emerging research to reveal the complexities of accessing varied health and community services.

  10. Present complex change processes and the resulting implications for the evolving role and scope of practice of a systems navigator.


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Work Placement

You will complete this work experience which is reflective of your specialization, and learning and professional development goals. The variety and number of health, school-based, correctional, and community service organizations utilizing systems navigators, along with our extensive industry partnerships, will help you to find a placement opportunity that’s right for you. You will complete 240 hours of work placement.

Program Highlights

Experience a number of interesting and unique courses within the program such as:

Health Literacy

Students acquire advanced skills in obtaining, reading, understanding, and using healthcare information in order to inform wellness-related decisions in their own professional systems navigation work across varied contexts and with diverse individuals. They learn to identify the unique health literacy demands on clients based on settings and the skills people bring to the situation and strategies for developing health literacy skills of individuals and communities.

Systems Theory and Systems Navigation

Students investigate the structure of complex systems, with a special emphasis on how parts and people relate to each other and to the whole system. Students focus on the varied ways individuals relate to each other and to their society as a whole, and the effects that established and emerging social practices have on individuals. Using a critical lens, students deconstruct the dynamic interrelations between individuals, families, institutions, and societies in order to identify how a system functions, the potential impacts systems have on people, and strategies that could be employed to influence change within systems.

Motivational Interviewing

Students examine the fundamental concepts of motivational interviewing and learn to ask open-ended questions, provide affirmations, and engage in reflective listening to provide summary statements to the client. Through case-based scenarios and simulated client experiences, learners acquire interviewing skills and strategies to increase clients' awareness of the potential causes, consequences, and risks faced as a result of specific decisions and behaviours. The focus is on the present, and working with clients to support self-determination and decision-making that is consistent with a client's personal values and goals.

The Humber Advantage

We Know What It Takes

Continue to expand your education at Humber. Learn a new skill-set to be able to work with inter-disciplinary teams in hospitals, medical centres, community services, correctional, probation and private & public facilities to guide patients, clients, families and members of vulnerable populations through complex health and social care systems and difficult decision-making processes.

An Education in High Demand

The Systems Navigator graduate certificate will prepare you to work in an emerging profession helping individuals manage and co-ordinate their care within the health, community, correctional, education and social services fields.

Professional and Community Partnerships

Humber maintains strong partnerships within the community – and is the preferred choice by many agencies and facilities because of the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness reputation.

Why Choose Humber?

Humber is one of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions, offering programs that emphasize a solid academic foundation and practical, hands-on learning. In class, you will learn practical skills from faculty who are connected to industry, giving you an advantage when it comes to beginning your career. With over 50 years of excellence, Humber offers real-world training and practical skills and knowledge to thousands of students every year. Humber develops highly skilled and adaptable citizens to be successful in careers that significantly contribute to their local communities.

The Humber Experience

The Right Fit

Do you like to help others? Are you a critical-thinker and a good communicator?

This two-semester program is ideal if you possess a bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma or diploma in health, social and community services, or other health-related or human services fields. With ongoing changes to the health care, community and social sectors in Ontario, skilled systems navigators will be more in demand than ever for their expertise in guiding and advocating for patients.

Continue to expand your education at Humber. Learn a new skill-set to be able to work with inter-disciplinary teams in hospitals, medical centres, community services, correctional, probation and private & public facilities to guide patients, clients, families and members of vulnerable populations through complex health and social care systems and difficult decision-making processes.

Your Career

This program will prepare you for an exciting career in the emerging field of systems navigation.  

Graduates will be prepared to work across various health and community service systems and will also have the skills to take on client leadership roles specific to seamless service delivery for patients and clients, often acting as the single point of contact. Career opportunities exist in the fields of nursing, occupational/physical therapy, social services, community services, mental health and addictions, child and youth care, and correctional services. 

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DATE LOCATION STATUS
September 2023 North Open
Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DATE LOCATION STATUS
September 2023 North Open

Systems Navigator Program

3 female students talking in a healthcare setting

Watch the video to find out about the Systems Navigator Graduate Certificate.

Humber Students Benefit from Five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

The Humber Centres of Innovation Network demonstrates our strong commitment to providing an experiential learning environment for students. Students and faculty work with industry partners on real-world challenges to prepare them to become the innovative and strategic problem-solvers of tomorrow. Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five COIs.

About the COIs  

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Colin MacRae, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 5758
colin.macrae@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all the requirements below in order to meet minimum program eligibility. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admission decisions will be available via MyHumber, or by email and mail. Admission decisions will not be released by phone.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • A bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma or diploma in health, or social and community service, or other health-related or human services field, such as nursing, social work, social service worker, early childhood educator, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or health sciences.  

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a WES or ICAS evaluation.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Placement Requirements

The pre-requisite requirements must be fulfilled before the commencement of your first placement. Participation in placements will not be allowed if not all the pre-requisite requirements are met. Due to the variety of venues and possible changes in legislation, the requirements are subject to change. Please use the following link to find detailed information about your program’s placement pre-requisite requirements.

View Requirements

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)		 Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)		 Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8GB of RAM 8GB of RAM
Storage 256GB 256GB
Monitor Laptop Laptop
Other Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Colin MacRae, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 5758
colin.macrae@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2022-2023 fee for three semesters was:

  • domestic: $6,221.14
  • international: $17,618.00

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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