Training & Certification | Bowline Health

Recovery Coach
Academy of Canada

There is currently no formalized recovery coach standard, training program, career pathway, or support system to enable access to quality coaching in Alberta.

Recovery Coach Academy of Canada (RCA) is changing that by creating a new standard through the introduction of a certification program designed specifically to develop recovery coach professionals.

Our academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for professionals to support individuals on their journey to recovery from addiction. The program is structured to ensure that participants receive the highest standards of training, which culminates in certification recognized across North America and Europe.

1. Who Is It For?
2. How It Works
3. What to Expect
4. Core Competencies
5. Certification Process
6. Cost and Funding
7. How to Enroll

This training program is ideal for:

Individuals in recovery who want to help others navigate their recovery journey
Healthcare professionals looking to expand their expertise in addiction recovery
Social workers, counsellors, and therapists seeking specialized training in recovery coaching
Family members of those in recovery who want to gain a deeper understanding of the recovery process
Community leaders and volunteers committed to supporting recovery efforts in their communities

In-Person Intensive

Duration: 30 hours over five days

Locations: Currently available in Edmonton and Calgary, with new centres opening in Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Grande Prairie.

Content: The course covers foundational skills in recovery coaching, including:

Building effective coaching relationships
Understanding the stages of recovery
Effective communication and motivational interviewing techniques
Resource navigation and linking individuals to community support

Interactive learning: The program uses applied and interactive learning methodologies, including lectures, digital resources, role-playing, and group discussions.

Skills application: Participants will engage in real-life scenario simulations to build confidence and practical skills.

Community building: Collaborative group activities encourage the formation of a supportive network of recovery coaches.

Upon completion of the program, participants will be proficient in:

Resource linkage and recovery capital assessment
Motivational interviewing and effective communication
Goal setting and strengths-based planning
Self-regulation and wellness planning

To become a certified recovery coach professional through the Connecticut Community for Addiction and Recovery (CCAR), participants must:

Complete the 60-hour training program
Submit proof of experience in a recovery coaching role
Pass a panel interview conducted by experienced recovery professionals

RCA courses, including the in-person intensive program, count towards eligibility for CCAR certification.

Through our partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction, the cost of the program is completely covered for approved individuals. This ensures that those who are committed to making a difference in the field of addiction recovery can access the training they need without financial barriers.

Enrollment is open for various locations across Alberta. To register for the Recovery Coach Academy, visit the following:

Recovery Training Institute of Alberta

There is currently no formalized recovery professional standard, training program, career pathway or support system to create access to quality recovery-oriented care in Alberta. The Recovery Training Institute of Alberta (RTIA) is changing that by equipping recovery professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to support individuals on their recovery journey.

With multiple learning levels and flexible learning pathways, programs are suitable for aspiring newcomers, experienced professionals, and everyone in between.

1. Who Is It For?
2. How It Works
3. What to Expect
4. Cost and Funding
5. How to Enroll

This training program is ideal for:

Individuals interested in joining Alberta’s recovery community
Professionals and paraprofessionals in recovery-oriented service delivery
Community organizations interested in enhancing their knowledge of recovery care

Delivered online through self-paced, video-based modules, RTIA offers the Recovery Community Essentials and Recovery Foundations series, focused respectively on introducing recovery-oriented systems of care and sharing the latest research from internationally recognized subject matter experts.

Duration:

Recovery Community Essentials: Seven sessions consisting of approximately five hours of training
Recovery Foundations: Ten sessions consisting of approximately 15 hours of training

Locations: Online

Immediate applicability: Program participants already working in recovery care will be able to directly apply their learning into their work.
Leading training: Grounded in the latest research and evidence-based practices, RTIA incorporates emerging insights and advancements into our programs.
Latest theory and best practices: The Foundations series includes interviews with top experts on topics such as trauma-informed care, addiction and the brain, and the journey of recovery
Made for All Albertans: Designing culturally informed content and delivery methods that are inclusive and respectful of all Albertans.

Through our partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction, the program's cost is completely covered for approved individuals. This ensures that those committed to making a difference in addiction recovery can access the training they need without financial barriers.

Enrollment is open for various locations across Alberta. To register for courses through the Recovery Training Institute visit the following: