Psychological and Cultural Safety
Overview
In this course, you will learn how to make thoughtful decisions and respond to others in ways that foster a psychologically and culturally safe work environment. Over five weeks, you’ll explore how identity, bias, and microaggressions impact workplace experiences and what you can do to promote inclusion and belonging. You’ll practice communicating with awareness, giving and receiving feedback without fear, and navigating conflict respectfully. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with strategies to handle workplace stress, address difficult conversations with confidence, and contribute to a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to do their best work.
What you'll learn
Who should register
Our mental health microcredentials are designed for healthcare professionals working in hospitals and related care settings, providing practical skills that can be applied directly in their workplace.
- Nurses (RNs, RPNs, LPNs)
- Nurse Practitioners
- Allied Health Professionals
- Healthcare Support Staff
- Emergency and Crisis Intervention Staff
- Hospital Administrators and Managers
- Community Health Workers
-
What is a Microcredential
Microcredentials are short, focused programs that allow you to build in-demand skills quickly and effectively. At Ontario Tech University, each microcredential is six weeks long and combines hands-on, scenario-based learning, real-world case studies, and interactive exercises to ensure practical application.
Every learner is supported by a dedicated skills coach and, upon completion, earns a digital badge to showcase their achievement. These badges can be added to your LinkedIn profile, résumé, or digital portfolio, helping you demonstrate your expertise to employers and advance your career.
Ontario Tech currently offers 23 microcredentials across a wide range of topics, from foundational healthcare and mental health skills to specialized areas such as CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and organizational change in healthcare settings.
-
How it works
- Register for a Microcredential
- Begin your journey by registering to one of the microcredentials above. Once registered, you’ll be all set to access the course on the start date.
- Start Your Microcredential
- On your course start date, you’ll gain full access to the learning materials, including interactive lessons, real-world case studies, and hands-on scenario-based exercises.
- Engage and Learn
- Throughout the six-week program, you’ll complete assessments to reinforce your knowledge and practice practical skills. You’ll also have opportunities to interact with peers and instructors on Canvas forums, sharing insights, asking questions, and collaborating in a supportive online environment.
- Apply Your Skills
- Each microcredential is designed for practical, real-world application, allowing you to practice evidence-based interventions and techniques in simulated clinical or workplace scenarios.
- Receive Guidance from Your Skills Coach
- A dedicated skills coach will support you throughout your journey, offering feedback, answering questions, and helping you apply what you’ve learned in meaningful ways.
- Earn Recognition
- After successfully completing the microcredential, you’ll be awarded a digital badge. Share it on LinkedIn, add it to your résumé, or include it in your digital portfolio to showcase your expertise and advance your professional development.
- Register for a Microcredential
-
Digital Badges
When you complete a microcredential, you’ll earn a digital badge — a verified, digital certificate that proves the skills and competencies you’ve gained throughout the course. These badges are secure, shareable, and recognized by employers, allowing you to:
-
Display your achievements on LinkedIn, your résumé, or digital portfolio.
-
Verify your competencies in practical, real-world skills learned during the microcredential.
-
Demonstrate career readiness and professional growth to colleagues, employers, and industry networks.
-
-
Policies and Important Information
Registration Deadlines
- You can register for a course up to 7 days after the course start date. After this period, registration will be closed.
Extensions
- If you require additional time to complete a course, please contact your skills coach to discuss an extension.
Technical Support
- For any technical issues, please reach out to continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca for assistance.
Course Questions
- For questions related to course content or assessments, please contact your skills coach, who will provide guidance and support throughout your learning journey.
-
Technology and materials
Technology requirements
Video conferencing
Online learning requirements:
- Computer or device with internet access
- Stable internet or data connection
- Microphone
- Webcam*
- Audio device (examples: speakers, headphones/earbuds, headset)
*Webcam is preferred but not required.
Material requirements
There are no additional materials required for this program.
-
OSAP for micro-credentials
OSAP for Micro-credentials is available for eligible students taking a ministry-approved micro-credential that is less than 12 weeks. To be eligible for OSAP for Micro-credentials, a student must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person; and, be a resident of Ontario. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for OSAP for Micro-credentials is available here.
For more information please visit the OSAP website at www.ontario.ca/OSAP.