Fleming College

Program Highlights

Patient Navigation is a relatively new and emerging profession to help patients manage their medical experience and co-ordinate their care. Patient Navigators essentially assist with the navigation of complicated and multistep medical systems, including hospitals, and clinical and medical settings. They are the primary source of communication between the inter-disciplinary team and patients to coordinate patient care in acute and chronic disease situations and they act as the patient's advocate and personal guide.

The existing Patient Navigator model is seen mostly in cancer, cardiac treatment, long term, nursing, and retirement home care settings. Fleming's Patient Navigator Certificate expands this model to other specializations and trains individuals to coordinate patient care, communicate with patients and their families, and oversee care transitions related to chronic diseases and their impacts on family challenges, and wellness and prevention goals.

Admission Requirements

An Ontario College Diploma or a university degree or equivalent, and must be a Regulated Health Care Professional in good standing. Applicants with relevant experience and/ or an interest in this emerging profession will be considered on an individual basis.

Courses in Patient Navigator Ontario College Graduate Certificate (Online)

Details and registration below

Mandatory

• Patient Navigator: Fundamentals (HLTH333)
• Patient Navigator: Professional Conduct (HLTH334)
• Patient Navigator: Health Promotion (HLTH335)
• Patient Navigator: Interpersonal Collaboration & Communication (HLTH336)
• Patient Navigator: Health Care System Navigation (HLTH337)
• Patient Navigator: Specialization Areas & Applied Project (HLTH338)

Mandatory

Patient Navigator: Fundamentals

HLTH333

The fundamental principles of patient navigation, role, responsibilities and historical context will be investigated. Emphasis will be placed on supporting patients with information and resources for basic needs that will assist them to identify their health healing goals and to move positively towards those goals. Theoretical models will be highlighted to enhance understanding of the comprehensive needs of patients, as well as the process of patient adjustment to their personal health situation.

Patient Navigator: Professional Conduct

HLTH334

The professional practices and behaviours incorporated in the role of the patient Navigator will be determined. Emphasis will be placed on professional relationships, ethical decision making and the importance of confidentiality and privacy.

Patient Navigator: Health Promotion

HLTH335

In-depth examination of the effects of social determinants of health and their impact on the ability of a patient to incorporate effective change is the focus of this course. The awareness of health literacy and effective message tailoring to a target audience is also explored.

Patient Navigator: Interpersonal Collaboration & Communication

HLTH336

The concepts of motivational interviewing will incorporate learning how to ask questions and to incorporate reflective listening to support a patient in their health experience. The importance of transitioning these skills within the healthcare team will also be explored.

Patient Navigator: Health Care System Navigation

HLTH337

Navigating complex medical systems while incorporating a wide breadth of resources will be the key focus in this curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on identifying what the patient really needs and how to support that.

Patient Navigator: Specialization Areas & Applied Project

HLTH338

Expanding on the traditional model of patient navigator, emphasis will include the area of community and rural, cardiology, Aboriginal Groups, dialysis and mental health. Comprehensive application of the previous courses will support a rich experience incorporating an Applied Research Project in your selected area of interest or expertise.