Health Care Assistant Program

• Applicants must be at least 19 years of age prior to start of the study period, or must be graduated from grade 12. (or equivalent)
• Applicants must provide proof of meeting English language competency requirements. (Please refer to the language proficiency policy.)

The following are to be completed prior to the first practice education experience:

• Proof of meeting current immunizations / vaccinations as per health care organization policies / guidelines (or signed vaccination exemption form, except TB)
• Criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults *
• First Aid
• CPR Level “C” or “HCP”
• FoodSafe Level 1 (or a course deemed equivalent)
• Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) E-Learning Modules

* Additional Police Certificate from the country of origin, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults, is required for international students.

For applicants whose first language is English, evidence of one of the following test scores:

• Provide transcript or proof of completion of Grade 10 English, or
• College courses determined to be equivalent to completion of Grade 10 English by post-secondary institutions (minimum C grade is acceptable)
• Other tests such as Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT), Language Placement Index (LPI) or Accuplacer may be accepted.

For applicants whose first language is not English/ International students, evidence of one of the following test scores:

* CLBPT test is only available for students currently in Canada. The test result is valid for one year. (a CLB Report Card from a LINC Program may also be accepted.)
** The test result is valid for two years.

Upon successful completion of the Health Care Assistant program, students will be granted the following credentials:

• Health Care Assistant Diploma
• Dementia Certificate
• Medication Assistance Certificate
• HCA Acute Care Certificate
• Provincial Violence Prevention Certificate
• *Eligibility to register with the "BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.

Program Schedule

• Week 1-21 (On-campus*, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm): Theory courses
• Week 22-25 (On-campus, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm): Healing 3: Personal Care and Assistance (lab training)
• Week 26-32 (On-site, variable 40 hours a week schedule): Work Experience courses

 * In-class instruction Delivery only

• Concepts for Practice (theory, roles, law, organization)
• Interpersonal Communications (empathy, medical terms)
• Anatomy and Physiology (intro to body systems)
• Lifestyle and Choices (activities of daily living)
• Personal Care Skills (hygiene, comfort, simple treatments)
• Caring for Common Health Challenges (life cycle)
• Mobility Techniques (body mechanics)
• Pharmacology (assisting with medication delivery)
• Gerontology (study of aging process, demography)
• Cognitive and Mental Health (including addictions)
• Dementia (causes, stages, behaviors, Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Palliative Care (end-of-life care, pain management, grieving)
• Family Dynamics (culture, diversity, domestic violence)
• Nutrition (menu planning, diet, Canada’s Food Guide)
• Safe Work Practices (infection control, fire safety)
• Assault Response (defensive and preventive skills)
• Professional Development (transitions, employment skills)
• Basic Computer Skills (Word Processing, Email, Internet Search, etiquette) *
• Acute Care (Acute Care Settings, Roles of HCA in Acute Care) *

• Health and Healing: Concept for Practice
• Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice
• Health 1: Interpersonal Communications
• Health 2: Lifestyle and Choices
• Healing 1: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges
• Healing 2: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive or Mental Challenges
• Healing 3: Personal Care and Assistant
• Practice Experience in Home Support and/or Assisted Living
• Practice Experience in Multi-Level and/or Complex Care