Mental Health Micro-Credentials
Training for the Modern Workplace
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and Ontario Tech University’s Continuous Learning department have partnered to address critical gaps in mental health training through a skills-first, workforce-aligned approach.
Co-created by clinical experts and educators, this suite of online, asynchronous mental health micro-credentials equips nurses and allied health professionals with practical, evidence-based skills that directly improve patient care. Each micro-credential is co-developed by Ontario Shores subject-matter experts and instructional designers to ensure clinical relevance, academic quality, and immediate application in practice
explore micro-credentials STAY CONNECTED Contact uSThe Challenge
Addressing gaps in mental health training
Health systems are facing a growing demand for specialized mental health care, yet:
- Mental health specialty training is limited in many undergraduate and college programs
- Clinicians lack access to structured, competency-based upskilling
- Employers need flexible, cost-effective workforce development solutions
These gaps impact workforce readiness, care quality, and patient outcomes.
The Solution
Skills-first, competency-based micro-credentials
This partnership delivers a comprehensive suite of accredited mental health micro-credentials that:
- Strengthen clinical competencies in real-world settings
- Support clinicians to work at the top of their professional scope
- Improve workforce readiness at a lower cost to the sector
- Elevate mental health care across the continuum
Improving patient care through professional learning
Canadian Nurses Association Accredited
The CNA Accreditation Program upholds standards of quality for professional development for nurses in Canada. By accrediting
our learning activity through CNA, we are demonstrating to nurses that this program has been subject to a rigorous quality
assessment and has achieved nationwide recognition.
Featured Courses Include:
- Mental Health Pharmacology*
- Mental Status Assessment*
- Trauma-Informed Care*
- Common Mental Illnesses - Assessment and Documentation*
- Crisis Prevention, De-escalation & Debriefing
- Forensics in Mental Health
*Indicates CNA-accredited
The curriculum
Skills-focused learning
LEARN MORE - Skills-focused learningThe curriculum emphasizes competency-based learning, ensuring learners demonstrate real-world skills rather than simply completing knowledge tests. Learners gain practical capabilities they can apply directly in their professional environments.
Personalized learning experience
LEARN MORE - Personalized learning experienceParticipants follow personalized learning pathways through targeted micro-credentials aligned with their role, unit, or long-term career goals. Throughout the courses, live skills coaches provide guidance, facilitate discussions, and support competency development.
Evidence informed content
LEARN MORE - Evidence informed contentCourse content is grounded in evidence-based practice and reviewed regularly to ensure relevance. The curriculum is refreshed every three years to reflect evolving clinical standards and current best practices in care.
Are these courses for you?
Learn More - Are these courses for you?These micro-credentials are designed for:
- Emerging leaders preparing to move from front-line roles into operational leadership
- Current supervisors, managers, and operational leaders in the developmental services sector
- Professionals responsible for team leadership, staff supervision, and day-to-day operations
- Organizations looking to strengthen leadership capacity and support workforce development across teams
Course Highlights
- 25 mental health micro-credentials
- Supported by live Skills Coaches
- Available via individual enrolment or bulk-seat purchasing
- Designed for scalable workforce development
- OSAP eligible for micro-credentials
- Receive a digital micro-credential badge upon successful completion, issued by Ontario Tech University
This micro-credential was easy to grasp, presented well and was very informational. I feel like prior to this course, I had the knowledge regarding trauma informed care but not to the extent I do now after completing the course.
Trauma Informed Care Learner
Clear, understandable, great format, excellent videos. All clinicians would benefit from the materials taught and the considerations we should be using when working with our most vulnerable populations.
Trauma Informed Care Learner
Available courses
Addictions and Concurrent Disorders
Adolescents and Mental Health Interventions
Behavioural Interventions in Mental Health
Building Inclusive and Equitable Practices within Mental Health
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Common Mental Illnesses Assessment and Documentation
Crisis Prevention, De-escalation and Debriefing in Mental Health
Delirium, Depression, and Dementia in Older Adults
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dual Diagnosis for Clinicians in Mental Health
Ethical Decision-Making in Mental Health
Forensics in Mental Health
Mastering Clinical Documentation - Strategies for Nurses and Allied Health
Mental Health Law - Health Teaching and Decision-Making
Mental Health Pharmacology
Mental Status Assessment
Personality Disorders
Promoting Self-Care and Resilience
Psychological and Cultural Safety
Recovery in Mental Health
Suicide Risk Assessment
Therapeutic Communication, Relationships and Boundaries
Trauma Informed Care
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do learners receive a university credential?
Yes. Successful learners receive an official Ontario Tech University digital badge.
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Are courses in-person or online?
All micro-credentials are delivered online and asynchronously.
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How are learners assessed?
Assessment is competency-based and supported by a live Skills Coach.
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How much is each micro-credential?
Each micro-credential costs $499 + HST. Reach out to continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca to receive the exclusive Ontario Shores promo code, available to Ontario Shores' nurses and allied health staff.
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How long will it take to complete each micro-credential?
Micro-credentials are delivered over 6-weeks at 2-3 hours / week.
