Online Integrated Disability Management Professional Diploma (IDMP)

Program Information
Learning Environment and Expectations
Benefits of Online Learning
Continuing Education Credits
Who Should Consider Taking This Professional Diploma?
Program Outline and Courses
Tuition and Schedule
Instructors

Apply Now!

Request Information Package

Program Information

Back to top

Learning Environment and Expectations
 

• Courses are 8 weeks in length and operate similarly to a traditional classroom setting except that classes are online.  These live online classes are called virtual classrooms or vClasses and are scheduled at the same time (7:00pm ET) each week for 8 weeks and last 60-90 minutes.   Different courses will run on different days of the week but the time will remain consistent.  Vclasses are lead by your instructor and are interactive in that you will have the opportunity during class to communicate with your instructor and fellow classmates.   In addition to your online classroom sessions, you will be expected to complete weekly assignments and readings which may require a further 4-6 hours per week.
• The IDMP Diploma program requires applicants to have access to a computer with an internet connection and headset with microphone. Good computer skills are required in MS Word, MS Powerpoint, MS Excel, and Internet use.
• This is an applied course and as such the student is expected to demonstrate how the integrated disability management concepts apply to the workplace and the organizational environment.
• The course is taught in English and students require a relatively strong command of the English language and business writing.
   

Prior Learning Assessment

Through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, potential participants of the IDMP program have an opportunity to receive acknowledged course completion for related previous learning.

PLA is the systematic evaluation of the learning an individual has achieved through relevant work experience, various short training courses or learning outcomes from similar or related post-secondary programs. PLA course completion will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To apply for a Prior Learning Assessment, contact the IDMP office at:

University of Fredericton
371 Queen Street, Suite 101
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
E3B 1B1
Tel: (506) 455-1690
Fax: (506) 455-1675
E-mail: IDMP@UFred.ca

To apply for a Prior Learning Assessment, forr each course you wish to exempt, there is a $150 administration fee plus a $100 exemption fee (if the exemption is granted). You will be required to provide:

• Transcripts from any training institutions you attended
• Copies of any professional certifications you received
• Syllabi from any related courses you have taken
• Any other relevant documentation that provides evidence of your learning

For consideration of learning through work experience and other background learning, you must supply a detailed résumé that includes all education and training as well as positions held and areas of responsibility for each. Also, the reviewer will need to see transcripts from relevant institutions, copies of certifications received and syllabi from courses taken. These syllabi normally contain the sentence, "In this course, you will learn x, y and z". Verifying the 'x,y and z' of previous learning helps ensure the fairest possible Prior Learning Assessments.

Back to top

 

Apply Now

Applicants are required to complete an online application form on the website. Simply click on the Apply Now button and begin the application process.

Request an Information Package

Learn more about us and our courses. 

Back to top

Benefits of Online Learning

The Integrated Disability Management Professional Diploma Program is offered entirely through web-based interactive instruction. This delivery method provides the student with a quality educational experience that appeals to a wide range of learning styles. Some additional benefits to online learning include:

• 24/7 Availability - You can access your learning at your convenience from home, office, or any other location that has an Internet-connected computer.
• Accessible Learning Resources - Everything you need to accomplish the learning objectives is provided via Internet delivery with the exception of the required textbooks which must be acquired independently or at the University of Fredericton's online bookstore. In most courses, a combination of online, self-paced instruction and online virtual classroom (vClass) sessions with classmates and the instructor is used.
• Networking - Interaction with fellow students is enabled through chat rooms, online forums and live synchronous sessions.
• Time and Cost-Savings - Sponsoring agents realize substantial savings in training costs, reductions in training time, elimination of travel requirements, plus improvement in staff retention and productivity.

Back to top

Continuing Education Credits

Professional designations and certification programs in Canada and the United States include a continuing education component. For example, the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals requires proof of continuing education by the holders of the CRSP designation. Similarly, those practitioners who earned a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), nursing license, medical license, NIDMAR certificates, Case Management Certificate (USA), all need continuing education credits to remain in "good standing" with their respective credentialing bodies.

The IDMP Professional Diploma is granted by the University of Fredericton, a recognized educational institution in Canada. As such, the courses and programs taken through the University of Fredericton may be recognized for continuing education credit.

Back to top
 

Who Should Consider Taking this Professional Diploma?

There are two distinct streams of learners:

A. The Entry Level Stream:

Most Disability Management practitioners work in the field with little, or no, formal education in Disability Management. Once involved, they quickly realize that they need more knowledge and skills to be able to effectively assist management, unions, and employees. Typically, they attend conferences or take a disability management course as part of an OH&S or Human Resources certificate. This helps, but in most instances, it results in fragmented learning. The IDMP Diploma Program is designed to provide comprehensive learning that can readily be applied to the workplace.

Students interested in the IDMP Diploma Program tend to be:

• Occupational Health Nurses and Rehabilitation Nurses
• Occupational Health Physicians and General Medical Practitioners
• Lawyers
• Occupational Health & Safety practitioners
• Human Resources practitioners
• Insurance (private and public insurers) practitioners
• Occupational therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Ergonomists
• Kinesiologists
• Employee Assistance Program counsellors
• Return-to-work Coordinators
• Claim administrators
• Case managers
• Rehabilitation specialists
• Union leaders
• Management personnel
• Insurance-carrier staff
• Employers
• Individuals wishing to pursue any of the above careers, or desiring to make a career change.

B. The Advanced Level Stream:

In addition to the above practitioners/students, there is a need for continuing education. To meet this need, the University of Fredericton has made provisions for students to take individual courses within the IDMP Diploma Program. Upon successful completion, the student receives a Certificate of Completion from the University of Fredericton.

Back to top

Program Outline

This diploma program is designed to be skill-based learning. The core courses are integral to competent practice in the field of Disability Management. Students must also complete one elective course and a Guided Practicum.

Diploma Core Courses: (all required)
 

Diploma Elective Courses: (select one)

or equivalent university credits in Human Resources, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Health Promotion, Human Rehabilitation


Guided Practicum
 

Course Description
 

The IDMP Diploma Program has six core courses, one elective, and a Guided Practicum.

 

Diploma Core Courses: (all required)

IDMP 311 - IDMP Level 1 - Introduction to an Integrated Disability Management Program

Introduction to an Integrated Disability Management Program addresses what an Integrated Disability Management Program is, the related theory and practices, how it functions, the role of the Employee Assistance Program in disability management, the Workers' Compensation System, the infrastructure and standards for an Integrated Disability Management Program, data management, program evaluation, program communication and marketing, ethics and the legal aspects related to disability management. This course is currently offered as SHEM 116.


IDMP 312 - IDMP Level 2 - Integrated Disability Management: Essential Program Elements

This course covers topics such as joint labour-management support and involvement in an Integrated Disability Management Program; effective workplace attendance support and assistance programs; OH&S professionals - their roles and contributions to disability management; stakeholder education and training in disability management (2 sessions); overview of ergonomics; and the legal aspects (advanced perspective) of disability management. This course is currently offered as SHEM 220.


IDMP 313 - IDMP Level 3 - Integrated Disability Management: Advanced Concepts and Tools

This advanced course addresses topics such as risk management and risk communication in disability management; project management; outsourcing disability management services/programs; internal/ external consulting in disability management; developing new or integrating existing disability management programs; prevention strategies; and toxic workplaces - how to neutralize them. Students will also be expected to deliver a 15-minute presentation to the class on a selected researched topic. This approach lends well to the inclusion of discussions on some of the lesser topics in the area of disability management.


IDMP 314 - IDMP Level 4 - Integrated Disability Management: Professional Practice

The more challenging disability management concepts are covered in this course. The topics include the impact of cultural diversity on disability management practices; the impact of four generations in the workplace on disability management practices; the management of mental health disabilities; management of disability claims with strong psychosocial overtones (2 sessions); Integrated Disability Management Program - best practices; disability management practitioners - career development, and Disability Management - professionalism and certification. Students will also be expected to deliver a 15-minute presentation to the class on a selected researched topic. Again, this is a teaching technique for including a number of minor disability management topics.


IDMP 315 - Effective Communication and Interviewing Skills

Effective communication is one of the cornerstones of Disability Management. Interviewing is a key skill that differentiates the mediocre disability management practitioner from the exceptional disability management practitioner. Both topics are addressed in this course.


IDMP 316 - Psycho-Social Hazards

A reality in safety practice is that in most workplaces, the safety practitioner is alone in identifying, prioritizing, and recommending interventions to their senior managers. And a reality in the emerging economy is that virtually every position is required to perform at a higher level with less and less support. Add to that an increasingly hostile public/client environment and the elements for a very stressful, sometimes violent workplace is apparent. This course helps safety practitioners identify those risk factors that create and perpetuate hostile environments, and includes a number of proven strategies for mitigating or reducing the risks of those negative encounters within the organization, or from the public. This course is currently offered as SHEM 113.


Diploma Elective Courses (select one)

IDMP 417 - Ergonomic Foundations

The science of matching work to human needs is increasingly recognized as a major component of informed 'safety' interventions, yet applied training in the field is limited. This course begins by meeting the requirements in the BCRSP Study Guide for ergonomics (in the first four weeks) and continues to build skills across a variety of ergonomic principles and applications suitable for all environments. This course is currently offered as SHEM 112.


IDMP 418 - Organizational Dynamics

Taught from the perspective of a senior social worker, this course has been adapted from one taught by this instructor at Dalhousie University over the years. Although highlighting many of the normal elements of the subject, the social orientation of the content is refreshing, and helps students understand the subject from a more human, less sterile perspective. This course is currently offered as SHEM 111.


IDMP 419 - Canadian OHS Law

Taught by Canada's leading OHS lawyer, this Course will provide students with an excellent Introduction to Canadian Health & Safety Law. Students will learn the essential elements of the Canadian legal system, it application to OHS law, and the setting, communication and enforcement of OHS legal standards. Case studies, practical application of the law, and understanding how the law relates to OHS management systems will all be important themes throughout all the course modules. A review of the Bill C-45 amendments to the Criminal code will also be covered. See the attached course outline for more details and information on the course content. Detailed course description.

OR
Equivalent Course (pending instructor approval)

Students may be granted credit for university course work in areas of study such as:

• The Principles of Human Resources
• The Principles of Health Promotion and Wellness
• The Psychology of the Workplace
• Introduction to Sociology
• The Principles of Teaching-Learning
• Human Rehabilitation

Guided Practicum

IDMP 511 - Disability Management Guided Practicum
In keeping with the program goal of skills-based and applied learning, this practicum requires learners to demonstrate specific research and writing skills in synthesizing prior learning from the Integrated Disability Management Professional Diploma Program courses, as well as other information they may choose to incorporate from their work experience. The expected outcome is a demonstration of knowledge and skills in the field of Disability Management, along with a tangible contribution to the learner's field of endeavour (work) or to the field of Disability Management.


Back to top

Tuition and Schedules

The IDMP Diploma Program is comprised of six core courses, one elective, and a Guided Practicum. The program is self-directed; hence the completion time is up to you.

Program Duration

Students can expect to complete the Integrated Disability Management Professional Diploma Program in about 16 months assuming they enroll in one course at a time. Students may choose to take two courses simultaneously which would considerably shorten the duration of the program. It is completely up to you!

Tuition

• Individual Courses: $950.00 (CDN)
• Complete program cost: $7,600 (CDN)

Back to top

Instructors

	Dianne Dyck, RN, BN, MSc, COHN(C), CRSP Dianne is a Certified Occupational Health Nurse and Occupational Health & Safety Specialist who has worked for private and publicly-funded agencies to develop Occupational Health, Occupational Health & Safety, Disability Management, and Workplace Wellness programs. Dianne earned a MSc in Community Health Services at the University of Calgary (1989). The professional designations of Specialist in Occupational Health Nursing for Canada and the United States were attained in 1995. Her undergraduate education includes a Bachelor degree in Nursing and a Diploma in Public Health Nursing. Dianne also holds the CRSP certification. Career-wise, Dianne was an Advisor, Occupational Health Services at a major oil and gas company in Calgary; a Senior Consultant with a major human resource management firm; and a Director of Occupational Health & Safety for a Canadian utility company. In addition to this work experience, Dianne has provided instructional services in Disability Management through three universities (University of Calgary, University of Alberta, and Massey University, Wellington, NZ). For the past eight or more years, Dianne has been an on-line instructor for the National Institute for Disability Management, conducting five or more modules per year. Recently, Dianne has been delivering webcast seminars through the Ontario Occupational Health Nurses Association. As a published author in the fields of Occupational Health and Disability Management, Dianne's greatest interest is in prevention - prevention of workplace illness and injury. This she is able to do through her teaching and learning endeavours in the areas of Occupational Health & Safety and Disability Management. In 2009 and 2010, Dianne has released two works in the field of Disability Management: > Disability Management: Theory, Strategy & Industry Practice, 4th edition (2009); and Disability Management Compliance Manual (2010)  co-authored with David Correy, Gowlings.
	Nancy Cochrane, BA, MSW Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Acadia University and a Master of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University. In addition, Nancy has obtained certificates in Personnel Management and Management Development. In relation to the Occupational Health and Safety field, Nancy has completed numerous OH&S courses through the Nova Scotia Safety Council (Safety Services NS), the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour. Nancy was recently appointed as Chairperson of the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Appeal Panel. Nancy's employment history includes 10 years of experience as the manager of a province-wide program to protect the health and safety of seniors and persons with disabilities. Nancy has also worked as a Consultant in Occupational Health and Safety with the Nova Scotia government. Nancy has 23 years experience as a Trainer and Instructor within government and the university/college environments. She has taught on a part-time basis at Dalhousie University, Lansbridge University, CompuCollege and the Nova Scotia Community College.
	Steve Hazzard, MADL, CHRP Steve is the Chief Learning Officer for Don Sayers & Associates. Steve is the architect of the DSA/UFred CHSEP program and continues to develop training systems that use technology mediated delivery. Steve has completed a graduate degree in distance education, holds a CHRP, and is a member of the Canadian Society for Training and Development. He lives just outside of Fredericton, NB with his wife and family.
	Suzanne Jackson, CCPE Ms. Jackson is an ergonomist and kinesiologist with demonstrated achievements during the past 15 years. Her employment with WorksafeBC during the introduction of ergonomics regulations in Canada in the late 90's provided the policy development roles that lead into ergonomics consulting and teaching. She has been involved with ergonomics research, assessments and training for a variety of organizations and industries with the primary focus of musculoskeletal disorder prevention. Industries include manufacturing, forestry, healthcare, warehouse, retail/service, construction, oil & gas, and government/office. Currently serving as faculty with University of Fredericton, Canada, Suzanne teaches an online Ergonomics Coordinator Certificate course in association with Don Sayers & Associates. Suzanne's talent in Human Factors Engineering is obvious when engaged in discussing that field. Her senior-level experience in both public and private sectors is combined with her passion for teaching. Recently she co-authored a Tree Planter's Guide to Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries with FPInnovations - Feric Division in Vancouver. Published also as FPInnovation's Advantage Report Vol 9. No. 7 (January 2008) and printed in Info-Flip design, the guide was the culmination of 2 years of research with western tree planters. In addition to Forestry industry experience, Suzanne designed and implemented an ergonomic work methods and train-the-trainer program in a large tire manufacturing facility. Spending one year at the facility, Suzanne developed work methods with process engineers, trained trainers in work methods and injury prevention exercises, and implemented a system of follow-up checks into a sustainable training program aligned with the production system. While consulting to Shell Canada, Suzanne implemented a large scale office ergonomics project which included implementing equipment solutions in two geophysical and engineering departments, training occupational health nurses and other stakeholders in office ergonomics set-up, creating a resource manual, and working to sustain the ergonomics efforts by programming it into the medical department's responsibilities. In healthcare, Suzanne made numerous ergonomics investigations into all levels of healthcare and support work while employed at WorksafeBC. She was on a special project whose deliverables included an information package on the installation and inspection of ceiling lifts, a demonstration kit of transfer devices to reduce risk of injury, and specific written guidance on the application of the Ergonomics Requirements of Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to patient handling. During this period she was fortunate to work with the OHS department of the Interior Health Authority whose commitment to No-lift procedures and user-centered design was evident.

*The University of Fredericton certificate and diploma programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue career, work, and/or personal interest objectives. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed or promoted in any particular job or career path.

**Unless specifically cited, the University of Fredericton makes no representations or warranties as to whether our certificate or diploma programs meet specific professional association, provincial and/or national regulatory/licensure requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate regulatory entity for such information. Although certain University programs are designed to meet educational content and contact hour requirements, and prepare students to take specific certification or qualification exams; the University cannot guarantee that individual students will pass those exams.
 

 
Back to top