Health Care Assistant

With our aging and growing population, Health Care Assistants are in demand. This 27-week program covers the knowledge, skills and abilities you require in order to provide personal care to others. With 9 weeks of supervised practical experience, you will have the opportunity to put the theory you have learned into practice and gain the skills you need to for a successful career.

Why Consider a Health Care Assistant Career?

• It can be very rewarding. You can make a difference in the life of someone in need.
• Our aging and growing population means Health Care Assistants will remain in-demand.
• It provides the opportunity to try out the healthcare field before committing to further education in nursing.

Program Structure:

Graduates can acquire the skills and knowledge to:

• Integrate a caring philosophy
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills
• Provide holistic care
• Apply ethical and professional standards of behaviour
• Promote independence
• Perform basic care giving skills
• Cope with simple emergency situations
• Provide environmental safety and home management
• Integrate health promotion strategies

Semester 1 addresses the theoretical foundations for care with practical applications in the lab and/or residential settings. Students must achieve a minimum grade of 70% in all theory courses to continue into Semester 2.

Semester 2 offers supervised clinical placements.

To receive the HCA certificate the student must achieve a minimum of 70% on all theory courses and a pass grade on all clinical evaluations.

Health Care Assistant Certificate Requirements:

Fall Semester

Winter Semester

Total Credits Fall and Winter semesters: 35

View official program outline.

Year 1 - Semester 1 - Fall

Year 1 - Semester 2 - Winter

Academic Requirements:

• Grade 10 or Adult Basic Education Intermediate Level Certificate or equivalent
• Minimum 60% in either English 10, English First Peoples 10, Composition 10 and Spoken Language 10, English First Peoples Writing 10 and English First Peoples Spoken Language 10, ENGL 070, or English Assessment
• Minimum 60% in either Math 10, Foundations of Math 10 and Pre-Calculus 10, MATH 070, or Math Assessment

For applicants whose first language is not English - Standardized English language proficiency testing is required. Assessment to an acceptable level to determine eligibility. Please refer to the Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry at cachwr.bc.ca for current English competency requirements.

Additional Requirements:

• St. John Ambulance Standard first aid with CPR-C or a combination of CPR Level C and OFA Level 1 certificate
• Foodsafe Level 1 certificate
• Current immunizations and TB testing
• Complete a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Records Review Program*
• Must be physically and psychologically able to complete program activities with appropriate accommodation for disability as evidenced by a signed College of the Rockies medical self-disclosure form.

_{*Practicum based learning is an essential component of this program. A criminal record may reduce an applicant’s access to the program and/or to required practicum opportunities. Applicants disclosing a criminal record are guided to explore other options. Depending on the nature of the offence, options may include applying for a pardon. Any associated cost is the responsibility of the student.}

Tuition and Fees:

_{*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.}

Tuition and Fees for International Students:

_{*These prices are for international 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.}

Additional Fees:

• A list of texts and supplies is provided at the beginning of the program.  
• Students may be required to travel for clinical placements and are responsible for their transportation.