Program Description
Established in 1981, the York-Seneca Rehabilitation Services Certificate Program is the only program of its kind in Canada. This program is offered jointly by York University and Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. It prepares undergraduate students to work in a variety of rehabilitation fields by integrating academic training in health sciences, and practical field experience. Graduates receive a B.A./B.Sc. degree or Honours B.A./B.Sc. degree from York University and a joint York/Seneca Certificate in Rehabilitation Services.
Our program is recognized by VRA (Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada) and CVRP (The College of Rehabilitation Professionals).
What is Rehabilitation?
- Enables persons with disabilities (physical, emotional or developmental) to reach an optimal level of functioning.
- Facilitates individuals’ sense of independence and empowerment, as well as improvement in their quality of life.
- Involves working collaboratively with health care and vocational professionals to meet the needs of individuals.
Program Structure
The York-Seneca Rehabilitation Services Certificate Program involves the equivalent of either four years of study for a B.A./B.Sc. degree or five years for an Honours B.A./B.Sc. degree. Students are enrolled in the joint program for two years. During this time, the equivalent of four full-year York courses and five full year Seneca courses are completed. All courses are offered at the Keele St. campus.
Students also complete two full-year fieldwork courses involving a total of 800 hours of supervised fieldwork training in each of the three major domains of rehabilitation: physical, emotional and developmental. The Seneca Fieldwork Supervisor facilitates fieldwork placements and supervises and evaluates students' activities in the various placement settings.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are qualified to work with persons having physical, emotional and developmental disabilities. There are numerous organizations and agencies providing services to people with disabilities. Examples of organizations concerned with rehabilitation include: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ministry of Correctional Services, Society for Goodwill Services, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Jewish Vocational Services, and March of Dimes, as well as most major insurance companies.
Rehabilitation facilities and agencies employ graduates of the program in life skill or recreational capacities, as work supervisors and evaluators, job placement specialists, intake interviewers, vocational counsellors, case managers and coordinators, etc.
Our students are in high demand for their knowledge and experience.
Archived 2021 YSR Information Session
Admission Requirements
In order to apply a student must have:
- Completed 60 credits including HH/PSYC 1010 6.0 towards a B.A./B.Sc. degree or 90 credits including HH/PSYC 1010 6.0 towards an Honours B.A./B.Sc. degree.
- Fulfilled the General Education requirements of York University.
- Good intellectual ability, emotional stability and a strong interest in working with individuals with various types of disabilities.
- Previous experience in the field of rehabilitation is recommended but not required.
Required York University Courses
Students in the YSR Program must complete the following York University courses:
- PSYC 2130 3.0 Personality
- PSYC 2230 3.0 Motivation
- PSYC 3140 3.0 Abnormal Psychology
- PSYC 3170 3.0 Health Psychology
- PSYC 4030 6.0 Behaviour Modification and Behaviour Therapy
- PSYC 4060 6.0 Counselling Psychology
Contact Us: YSR Program Administration
Location: 291 BSB, Keele Campus
Phone: 416-736-5117
Email: ysrehab@yorku.ca
Frequent questions about your eligibility to apply to the YSR program
When to Apply for the York Seneca Rehabilitation Certificate Program?
YSR Application package can only be submitted electronically to the YSR Program.Submit all documents including by Email to YSR Program. Applications and reference letters are due in YSRP application window.
The application involves the following:
- A completed application form. This form asks questions about your academic program, prior courses, and stage in program. You will also be asked to answer several questions regarding your understanding of the field of rehabilitation and your prior occupational/volunteer experience related to the field of rehabilitation. The completed application form should be submitted to the YSR Program. Please note: completing this application and handing it in by the stated deadline is the sole method to apply for our program.
- Your consent to access your York University transcript.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Sent reference letter by email to ysrehab@yorku.ca. Letters from two referees who can comment on your ability and suitability for working in a rehabilitation field. Referees should complete this Reference Form and may submit by Email: ysrehab@yorku.ca
Please note that you can only apply to the York Seneca Rehabilitation Certificate Program between YSRP application window.
A police background check is required upon acceptance to the York-Seneca Rehabilitation Services Certificate Program. Contact Police Reference Check Program for more information. Please email the YSR Program or phone 416-736-5117 if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Note: If you are currently in your final year of your undergraduate program and are interested in the field of rehabilitation, you may be interested in applying to Seneca College, which offers a certificate through Continuing Education. The Seneca Continuing Education Rehabilitation program is not affiliated with York University and is distinct from the York Seneca Rehabilitation Certificate Program. This program does not require a York University degree, nor does it require completion of 800 hours of supervised fieldwork training as in the York Seneca Rehabilitation Certificate program. For more details, see: Seneca Rehabilitation Certificate