Program Description
Part I: Medical Terminology and Communications in Health Care
This course is designed for students who have no medical background or for those who are in the health care profession and would like to improve their medical terminology and communication skills in Health Care. These knowledge and skills are vital part of the communication process in the health care and will further improve delivery of care to residents in acute or community settings. The unique approach and combination of word building principles combined with the knowledge of Basic Anatomy and Physiology coupled with health care focused communication training will provide exceptional learning experience.
Part II: Essential Skills for Caregivers
This course has been developed mainly to train a caregivers/support workers who are going to work with infants/children with various physical and emotional abilities or status, and improve their communication skills. Caring for an infant provides a valuable service to the mother because it enables her to have more time and energy for herself and her family. The learners will have extensive knowledge of taking care of young and mothers and how to work and communicate effectively with family.
Part III: Health Care Assistant – Accelerated
This part is the accelerated version of the Health Care Assistant program in Gateway College. Students receive the same training and credentials but complete their studies within six months! Our dedicated and experienced instructors will provide quality education with hands-on training to prepare students for the real world. Students will practice their techniques in labs equipped with articulated mannequins, hospital beds, medical gear and fixtures. Furthermore, students will participate at a designated facility or a hospital and interact with patients throughout the practicum training period.
This program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function effectively as front-line caregivers and respected members of the health care team. Under the direction and supervision of a regulated health professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual health and well-being of clients and families.
Upon completion of the HCA program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of practice settings including home support, assisted living, group homes, complex care, special care units, other home and community care settings, and acute care.
Admission Requirements
3. International applicants must provide a clear police certificate from the country of origin.
*International applicants who cannot provide a police certificate from their country of origin will be directed to:
• Provide proof they requested a police certificate from the correct authorities
• Write a letter explaining all they did to try to get one
2025
October 13
2026
February 9, June 8
DOMESTIC
Non-refundable Application Fee: $250
Tuition: $9,100
Materials/Supplies: $600
Textbook fee: $250
Administrative fee: $150
Other fee: $190
INTERNATIONAL
Non-refundable Application Fee: $500
Tuition: 13,560
Materials/Supplies: $600
Textbook fee: $250
Administrative fee: $150
Other fee: $376
** ALL FEES ARE SHOWN AS CANADIAN DOLLARS**
1,055 hours over 33 weeks
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be granted the following credentials*:
Health Care Assistant International Diploma
Dementia Certificate
Medication Assistance Certificate
Provincial Violence Prevention Certificate
WHMIS Certificate
*Graduates of the Health Care Assistant delivered by Gateway College are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry
Combined Delivery: Online + On-site (face- to- face)
In-class instruction
Upon completion of the HCA program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of practice settings including home support, assisted living, group homes, complex care, special care units, other home and community care settings, and acute care.
English Language Competency Requirements
(Evidence of one of the following test scores)
*Accept applicant with a CLB Report Card from a LINK Program indicating “Completing” CLP Speaking 6, Listening 6, Reading 6 and Writing 6 AND “Recommended Class Placement” as Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7 and Writing 7
The following are to be completed prior to the first practice education experience:
• First Aid Certification
• CPR Level “C” Certification or “Basic Life Support (BLS)” Certification
• FoodSafe Level 1 Certification (or a certification course deemed equivalent)
• Completion of the Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) (available on the Learning Hub), which must include the following:
• A signed checklist SPECO Checklist. Pdf (phsa.ca)
• 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 Criminal Records Review Program, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults*
• Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum E-Learning Modules
• WHMIS – Provincial Course
• Completion of the Health Care Assistant Practice in BC E-Learning Modules (LearningHub)
• Completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Adult Abuse course (learningHub)