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Health Care Aide Program

The Health Care Aide program at Medicine Hat College is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to function as a front-line caregiver. The program is offered at both the Medicine Hat and Brooks campuses and can be completed in just eight months.

Program Delivery Options

The Health Care Aide Program is offered as a full-time program of 32 weeks duration in both Fall and Winter intakes.

• Fall intake: Students attend all lectures and labs in-person at either Medicine Hat or Brooks Campus, depending on the program applied for. Clinical placements are also in Medicine Hat or Brooks, depending on the program enrolled.
• Winter intake: This delivery format is only available at Medicine Hat Campus. Students receive all lectures synchronously online and have the opportunity to obtain class content from recorded lectures. Lab training is in-person at Medicine Hat campus, and clinical placements are in Medicine Hat.

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must submit official transcripts showing credit in:

1. Academic English Language Arts (ELA):

• English 20-1 or 20-2 with a minimum score of 60% achieved or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent
• English 30-1 or 30-2 with a minimum of 55% or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent
• Deemed equivalent by completion of Next-Generation ACCUPLACER (assessment placement test) reading and writing tests, with a minimum score of 237 in each category
• General Education Development-test (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)

2. English Language Proficiency (ELP)

• Candidates where English is a Second Language (ESL) must meet the English Language Proficiency requirement in addition to the Academic English requirement
• Equivalencies include:
  • Presenting a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development-test (GED))
  • Attending high school in Canada, with studies in English at an approved Canadian high school (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) for at least three consecutive years
  • Providing evidence of attending two consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English in a subject other than a HCA program at a Canadian institution
  • Completing an Approved ELP Test with the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB): a minimum CLB of 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and not an average of 7

3. Digital Literacy

• Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program
• Candidates must be able to communicate, research, and understand information, know how to use a computer to surf the web and email, and be able to critically evaluate and understand how technology can affect one's behavior

Program Curriculum

The program consists of two semesters, each 16 weeks long.

• Semester 1:
  • HCAP 140 - Health Care Aide Role & Responsibility
  • HCAP 141 - The Human Body, Health & Chronic Illness
  • HCAP 142 - Communication & Documentation in the Health Care Environment
  • HCAP 143 - Providing Person-Centered Care & Comfort
  • HCAP 144 - Clinical Placement I
• Semester 2:
  • HCAP 145 - Meeting Complex Care Needs
  • HCAP 146 - Special Activities for Clients with Various Health Conditions
  • HCAP 147 - Clinical Experience II (Instructor-Led)
  • HCAP 148 - Consolidated Clinical Placement

Additional Requirements

Students must submit the following documentation prior to the first day of classes:

• CPR (renewal required on a yearly basis)
• Emergency Contact and Health Form
• Police Information Check (including vulnerable sectors check)
• Immunization records (deficiencies must be addressed or in the process of being addressed prior to clinical/practicum placement)
• N95 Mask Fit Testing

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will find employment opportunities with:

• Continuing Care Facilities
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Community Agencies (both private and government)
• Private individuals

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Duration: 8 months
• Intake: Fall/Winter
• School: Yuill School of Health & Community Services
• Campus: Brooks and Medicine Hat