Island Career Academy

Business, Accounting, Marketing Programs

• Office Administration
  Our Office Administration program offers a detailed business education with 825 hours of classroom instruction and 240 hours of practical work placement experience. This curriculum focuses on essential business skills such as business computer applications, word processing, information management (database), desktop publishing, and more. It also covers vital areas like office procedures, business communications, business English, accounting fundamentals, computerized accounting, and financial management. Designed for a wide range of individuals, from those entering the workforce for the first time to those seeking to enhance their skills or change careers, this program equips participants with the necessary expertise for various professional roles. Emphasizing problem-solving and cooperative learning, our program integrates computer applications to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements.

Education, Teaching Programs

• Early Childhood Education
  Crafted in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education, this program combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience essential for contributing to the development and maintenance of childcare programs that serve families and communities effectively. This program readies participants for careers in the childcare sector, enabling them to find positions in child care centers, pre-school programs, and family child care settings. It features 900 hours of in-class instruction paired with a 600-hour work placement (practicum), providing a comprehensive learning experience that bridges classroom education with real-world application.
• Teacher Assistant
  Our Teacher Assistant program, consisting of 500 hours of classroom learning and an additional 220 hours of practical work placement experience, is crafted to align with the educational requirements of Nova Scotia’s Regional Centres for Education. It aims to equip participants with the foundational knowledge, skills, practical experience, and ethical values essential for supporting children and their families effectively. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application, a principle that is reinforced through hands-on practicum placements. The essence of this program lies in its emphasis on the real-world application of learning, ensuring that students actively engage and contribute within school settings throughout their training. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared and eligible for employment across the Nova Scotia Provincial Centres for Education, ready to make a positive impact in educational environments.

Healthcare, Wellness, Pharma Programs

• Massage Therapy
  Our Massage Therapy Diploma Program offers an extensive and immersive learning experience. It combines theoretical knowledge grounded in scientific principles with hands-on practical skills, ensuring students acquire expertise in therapeutic massage techniques that truly enhance a client's health. The program not only focuses on developing technical skills but also includes training in business, communication, and clinical practices to equip graduates with the confidence to enter the professional world of Massage Therapy. As a rapidly evolving profession, Massage Therapy is acknowledged for its effectiveness in maintaining health and preventing physical ailments. Practitioners play a crucial role within the healthcare community, contributing to the preservation of health, the prevention of diseases and injuries, and the restoration of mobility and well-being. The program emphasizes a variety of massage techniques designed to support and improve the functioning of the body's systems, including muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems, as well as enhancing body awareness. The curriculum of the Massage Therapy Diploma Program is meticulously designed to prepare students for a successful career in massage therapy. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared to pursue opportunities in diverse settings such as physiotherapy clinics, massage therapy clinics, chiropractic offices, and health spas, armed with the skills necessary to make a significant difference in the health and wellness of their clients.
• Medical Office Administrator
  Our program, comprising 825 hours of classroom learning and a 240-hour practicum, is tailored to equip you with the necessary skills for various entry-level roles in the workforce. Targeted occupations include Medical Office Administrator, Receptionist, Secretary, and Assistant positions. Upon completion, you'll be ready to step into roles across a wide range of medical environments, such as hospitals, doctor's offices, specialist clinics, health boards, and insurance firms. Moreover, the program opens doors to opportunities in related health care sectors, including chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, mental health and counselling services, community clinics, public health, as well as dental, optometry practices, and long-term care facilities. This career-focused education is your gateway to a fulfilling role in the healthcare industry.

Human & Social Services, CSW Programs

• Community Residential Worker
  The Community Residential Worker program is crafted to equip participants with the foundational knowledge, skills, practical experience, and values essential for supporting individuals with exceptionalities in reaching their fullest potential. This comprehensive program prepares students to assist people who have mental illnesses, autism, learning disabilities, and various other special conditions, guiding them towards achieving maximum independence in their daily lives. Spanning 44 weeks, the program includes 800 hours of in-class instruction coupled with a 280-hour practicum, providing a robust blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience in the field.
• Continuing Care Assistant
  Within Continuing Care Assistant program, students, under guided supervision, will gain the invaluable experience of delivering health care services to individuals across all age groups. The curriculum is tailored to equip students with the necessary skills to provide compassionate health care within various settings, including private homes, nursing homes, homes for the aged, and palliative care environments. A strong emphasis is placed on addressing the diverse needs of the elderly, disabled, and convalescent individuals, as well as offering support to their families. Additionally, the program covers important aspects such as managing the care recipient’s home environment, preparing meals, and performing specific personal care tasks. These elements of the program are regulated by the Health Association of Nova Scotia, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. The program spans 32 weeks, during which students will undergo 110 hours of skills development, 80 hours of home care mentorship, another 80 hours of long-term care mentorship, and 60 hours of open mentorship, providing a broad and hands-on learning experience in the field.

Legal, Policing Programs

• Paralegal/Legal Assistant
  Our Paralegal/Legal Assistant Program, featuring 825 hours of in-class instruction coupled with a 240-hour practical work experience, is tailored to thoroughly prepare students for diverse roles within the legal and business sectors. Our graduates successfully secure positions in law offices, government legal departments, insurance companies, and financial institutions, among others. Island Career Academy stands out as the sole Private Career College to offer this specialized Paralegal/Legal Assistant training. Initiated in 1998, our program was established to provide a local alternative to the previously available options: undertaking a three-year program at the local university or relocating to mainland Nova Scotia for similar training, both of which significantly escalate training costs. The curriculum of our Paralegal/Legal Assistant program is designed to enhance problem-solving abilities and foster cooperative learning. It integrates computer applications training to ensure that our students remain adept with the continuously evolving software applications used in the legal field today.