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Activity Assistant Associate Certificate
Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others? If you’re a Health Care Assistant or Resident Care Aide looking to enrich the lives of your clients through engaging activities, the Activity Assistant Program might be the perfect next step for your career!
This program offers continuing education for individuals with prior health care training and experience. Activity Assistants play a key role in enhancing the well-being of seniors and individuals with physical or cognitive challenges across various care settings. By organizing and leading recreation and leisure activities, they help clients thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.
Under the guidance of an Activity Coordinator or Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you’ll learn to create supportive and engaging environments tailored to your clients’ unique needs and interests. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge to plan, implement, and evaluate individual and group activities effectively.
Through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience, you’ll be prepared to work in long-term care facilities, adult day programs, and community centers. Take the next step in your career and make a difference where it truly matters!
An Associate certificate will be awarded after successful completion of three online theory courses and one face-to-face practicum course completed at a selected site.
StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG)
This program is eligible for the FSG. Find out more.
Next program intake: April 28, 2025
Program Overview
This program is delivered online over a four-month period and includes an in-person practicum in a clinical setting, allowing most students to continue working while completing the program. Upon completion, you will be qualified to work as an activity assistant, under the supervision of an appropriate health care professional, in facility and community care settings such as adult day programs, assisted living, long-term care, and seniors’ centres. Common job description titles include activity assistant, activity aide, recreation assistant, and recreation worker.
You can apply online through the EducationPlannerBC (EPBC)’s application service.
Course Descriptions
AAP-111 – Framework for the Activity Assistant Role
This course assists students in understanding their role as an Activity Assistant. Building on previous knowledge, the students are introduced to the concepts of holistic health, wellness, and activity and explore the interplay between the 5 domains of health and activity.
Minimum Credits: 1
Length: 20 hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Activity Assistant Associate Certificate Program.
This course builds on AAP 111 to assist students in gaining the knowledge and skills that will allow them to function effectively in the Activity Assistant role. The course emphasizes a client-centered approach and effective communication skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating activities that promote optimal well-being of clients, both individually and in groups. The significance of purposeful activity is examined, while considering the influence of personal interests, values, self-concept, and cultural perspective on activity preferences, and participation.
AAP-113 – Programming Activities for Clients with Dementia
This course builds on AAP 111 and AAP 112. Students will develop an understanding of various forms of dementia with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease, detailing the corresponding symptoms and disease progressions. This course applies program planning and implementation principles to clients experiencing dementia and cognitive decline. A brief overview of depression and delirium and suitable activities are discussed.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the Activity Assistant theory courses while working with older adults, individually and in groups. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in program planning, implementation, and evaluation for diverse participants including individuals with cognitive and physical limitations. Additionally, students will demonstrate their proficiency in completing and maintaining documentation and assessment records that contribute to the delivery of client-centered care within an interdisciplinary care team.
Practicum 114 site examples: Long Term Care, Extended Care, Adult Day Program, Acute, Home or Community Care. For students working in settings where Activity Assistants are employed, consideration may be given on an individual basis and with approval of instructor and student’s workplace supervisor, to gain an acceptable variety of experience during their work schedule
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirement:
Graduation from a recognized institution in health care assistant, or equivalent, rehabilitation aide, kinesiology, paramedicine, or nursing. Other health related education or experience will be considered.
Notice of Collection, Use and Disclosure Agreement
Computer literacy is recommended.
Practicum Requirements:
CPR Level C certification, current for the duration of the program. Acceptable CPR courses must include a face-to-face component and may be combined with a first aid course
One of the following first aid certifications:
St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid Workplace Emergency First Aid
St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid Red Cross Standard First Aid
Lifesaving Society Emergency First Aid Emergency Medical Responder
Lifesaving Standard First Aid Primary Care Paramedic
Occupational First Aid Level 1, 2 or 3 Advanced Care Paramedic
Red Cross Emergency First Aid BC Critical Care Paramedic
FOODSAFE Level 1 certificate
BCCDC Immunizations for BC Health Care Workers
Annual influenza immunization
Negative TB testing result (must be completed no earlier than 8 months before beginning of practicum
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Your Costs
Tuition and Fees:
For the 2023/24 academic year (2023/SU, 2023/FA, 2024/WI, 2024/SP)
Tuition:
$3,499.00
Student Association Fee:
$48.30
Total
$3,547.30
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Career Info and Pathways
When you enhance your Health Care Assistant/Resident Care Aid training with the Activity Assistant certificate, new career opportunities arise, including:
