Mount Saint Vincent University is piloting a new microcredential program starting with the launch of two new microcredentials focused on continuing care and case management.
The aim is for these to be the first in a more comprehensive series of microcredential offerings across a number of subject areas, designed to help make timely learning opportunities accessible to all.
What is a microcredential?
A microcredential is a short, focused learning opportunity that offers individuals the chance to gain specific skills and knowledge in a particular area. Unlike traditional degrees or certifications, microcredentials can be completed in a shorter period, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. They are a viable way for many people to engage in formal learning opportunities and provide an efficient and nimble means of responding to changing labour market needs.
Microcredentials are suited to many groups of people, including employed learners who want to advance in their current careers or have new requirements added to their roles; under- or unemployed learners who want to open doors to new roles; newcomers to the province; and those who wish to gain professional or personal development.
Why a new microcredential program at MSVU?
"This is the latest development in MSVU's 150-year history of being creatively responsive to student needs. Learning is a life-long journey; people's learning needs change significantly throughout their lives. Our aim at MSVU is to meet people where they are and provide the knowledge they need to make the most of their professional and personal lives," said Dr. Joël Dickinson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Saint Vincent University.
"MSVU's strategic plan, Strength Through Community, speaks to our commitment to build, in partnership with community, stronger societies through enhanced access to education - and it's in that spirit that we've developed these new microcredentials," she continued. "Ultimately, this program will serve all Nova Scotians and support the Province's plan to strategically grow the population and economy."
Some microcredentials may be of personal interest while many others are focused on expanding professional competencies.
"As the demands of labour markets, and society more generally, continue to evolve, employees need to keep their skills and workplace competencies up to date," said Dr. Susan Trenholm, Dean of Professional and Graduate Studies. "Microcredentials allow learners to gain specific skills or competencies valued by employers, and are usually developed in collaboration with government, industry and the nonprofit sector to provide knowledge and skills that are in demand."
Each microcredential from MSVU comes with a digital badge that serves as validated proof of completion of the course.
About the continuing care and case management microcredentials
MSVU's first two microcredentials include:
- Continue Caring: Learn how to navigate home care and long-term care services in Nova Scotia (registration open; deadline to register is October 10), and
- Case Management Fundamentals (registration open; deadline to register is October 11).
Both of the university's first two microcredential programs are open to anyone interested, though they will be of particular interest to current and future care recipients and caregivers ("Continue Caring" microcredential) and those seeking an understanding of the case management process or who want to become case managers ("Case Management Fundamentals" microcredential). There are no prerequisites.
The university is fittingly launching these first two microcredentials during Continuing Care Month in Nova Scotia (October). Through the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging at MSVU led by Dr. Janice Keefe, and faculty in Family Studies and Gerontology, MSVU has long been a leading centre for teaching and research on the topics of aging, caregiving, and continuing and long-term care.
Meet the instructor
Susan Stevens, BSW, MEd, RSW, CHE, developed and will be delivering MSVU's two new microcredentials on continuing care and case management. Susan was the 2022 recipient of the Alumni Part-time Teaching Award at MSVU. She is also the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal for her public service to the people of Nova Scotia. She started her career in continuing care in 1996 and her longstanding and varied experiences in the field are informing the content and delivery of the new microcredentials.
"I am so excited to have the opportunity to bring together my passions for continuing care, case management, and adult education to deliver these unique educational programs," said Susan. "Through Continue Caring,' I'll help individuals learn to navigate the continuing care system and advocate effectively to ensure they and their families receive the supports and services they need. While through the Case Management Fundamentals,' I'll help aspiring and new professionals learn what's needed to support clients' achievement of safe, realistic, and reasonable goals within a complex health, social and fiscal environment."
Did you know?
- Almost one in four Canadians are caring for a care-dependent adult and we know women are more likely than men to be providing this care.
- More women than men caregivers report feeling tired, worried or anxious, overwhelmed and having disrupted sleep as a result of their unpaid caregiving (Statistics Canada).
For more information:
- Visit msvu.ca/microcredentials
- Contact microcredentials@msvu.ca
