Becoming Certified in Ontario

dingohate

New member

• Nov 18, 2010

• #1

Can anyone confirm whether SJA is the only way to get certified in Ontario?

I want to get certified so that I can volunteer but I was hoping to find something less expensive than 150.00 (I noticed US certification is only 75.00) I am getting certified to volunteer, so any savings would be great!

TIA

 

Lea_Ontario

Well-known member

• Nov 18, 2010

• #2

With Ontario being as large as it is, narrowing down your area will help get you a much more accurate answer.

 

dingohate

New member

• Nov 18, 2010

• #3

Kashi said:

With Ontario being as large as it is, narrowing down your area will help get you a much more accurate answer.

Click to expand...

Barrie - York Region

 

Lea_Ontario

Well-known member

• Nov 18, 2010

• #4

You are out of my area.

Here, the training is mainly done through SJA, but there is one instructor who is SJA-certified, but works through the Health Department.

I would definitely contact SJA.

 

dingohate

New member

• Nov 18, 2010

• #5

Kashi said:

You are out of my area.

Here, the training is mainly done through SJA, but there is one instructor who is SJA-certified, but works through the Health Department.

I would definitely contact SJA.

Click to expand...

Thanks!

I was already on the website and it looks like the course is offered in February. I guess I'm just bummed that it's 1/2 the hours and double the price when compared to the www.safekids.org/certification

I suppose I don't have much of a choice then.

 

QuassEE

Moderator - CPST Instructor

• Nov 18, 2010

• #6

The Safe Kids training program has a set certification fee, but individual instructors and regions often charge an additional fee in-class. So that base number on their website is somewhat misleading. The US curriculum is only a day longer than the Canadian one, not twice as long, as well.

If you want to trek to Mississauga, I believe they still offer the course for free if you're willing to volunteer with them? Kashi--was that the case for your course?

-Nicole.

 

H

hipmaman

Moderator - CPST Instructor

• Nov 18, 2010

• #7

I can't comment on the CPST certification program but perhaps Nicole can since she is certified both in CAnada and the US.

I assume though the program in Canada do not get subsidies or financial support from the gov't or industry, therefore what is offered is the minimum that we can 'afford' to do. Again, others from outside of Ontario might be able to give input on their cost but I think the $150 fee is quite reasonable compared to some places where instructors might have to rent the facility to hold the course and transfer the cost to techs/students or teach at a (financial) loss.

ETA: I see Nicole already posted at the same time...

If there are teams set up like the SJA Mississauga team, we waive the course fee if you volunteer with us for a minimum number of time and clinics/seats.

 

QuassEE

Moderator - CPST Instructor

• Nov 18, 2010

• #8

hipmaman said:

...I think the $150 fee is quite reasonable compared to some places where instructors might have to rent the facility to hold the course and transfer the cost to techs/students or teach at a (financial) loss.

Click to expand...

Excellent point. And the $150 is relatively inexpensive, compared to some areas. For example--the other instructor in British Columbia charges $500. The advantage to her charging that amount is that she's able to offer the course more frequently. For me, however, it seems cost prohibitive for individuals who are taking the course out of personal interest and/or with the intent of volunteering their time and knowledge.

$150 isn't looking so bad.

-Nicole.

 

dingohate

New member

• Nov 18, 2010

• #9

Thanks for the clarification, I am not sure why I thought the safekids certification was over 30hrs... maybe I was looking at instructor vs. tech?!

I am sure 150.00 is a great value for what you learn but for people who have unemployed husbands (such as myself lol) I will have to find another way to volunteer this year and hopefully I can become certified next year!

 

S

sparkyd

Active member

• Nov 18, 2010

• #10

If you feel like spending a weekend in Ottawa there is a course next weekend for $50. Although I'm not sure if there is a clinic at the end of the course of if people will need to come to the regular clinic the following weekend.

I have to say that at $50 for the course here, nobody is making any money and that is kind of a problem. We keep it that low so money isn't a barrier to getting people to take it, but there is next to no compensation for the instructors and that causes its own set of problems. Instructors also tend to be heavy duty volunteers to begin with, so they are really putting in a lot of time overall.

If you can't afford the $150 price tag right now (which I totally get being in the same boat as you ), you might still be able to volunteer in a non-tech capacity and learn a lot doing it. We can definitely keep non-techs busy at our clinics greeting people, keeping track of who is waiting, starting paper work etc. :thumbsup:

 

nutritionistmom

CPST Instructor

• Nov 19, 2010

• #11

We'll be offering one in Kingston in March, tentative dates of 24+25, followed by the clinic on the 26. $50 price tag.

 

M

MarathonMama

New member

• Nov 19, 2010

• #12

I'm in the Barrie area too. I've been in contact with the SJA lady who coordinates the training in the area (Simcoe Muskoka SJA branch) and she mentioned that if I could coordinate a group of people that we could do our own course in the area vs travelling to Mississauga. There are 2 tech instructors in Barrie (thanks Trudy and Nicole for helping me find it!!!!)

I'm off to PM you ... maybe we can set up a course and get a few more people then we won't have to travel!

 

nutritionistmom

CPST Instructor

• Jan 13, 2011

• #13

Kingston dates are confirmed for March 24 + 25. People can PM me for registration details.

 

S

SynEpona

New member

• Jan 14, 2011

• #14

Burlington SJA does the course for no-charge if you volunteer at their clinics over the 12 mths following the course. Or you can opt out of the volunteering part way through & pay the balance of your fees (if say, 6mth later you have more money & less time available!). They hold your certificate until you finish the volunteer hours I believe. I was signed up to take the course, but we had to move the weekend of the course I think it's 10 times you have have to volunteer, but I'm not sure now, I sorted it all out about a year ago.

Edit:
I've emailed my local SJA again this morning, and rec'd a reply that there is a course planned in Welland for April (previous emails had not gotten any replies, but I thought I'd try one more time)

 

Last edited: Jan 14, 2011