Program Overview

Health Care Assistant Program

Program Overview

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) 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 a healthcare team. Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, graduates provide person-centered care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being of clients.

Program Details

• Program Length: 30 weeks*
• Total Program Hours: 785
• Practice Education Hours: 270
• Total Program Weeks: 30*

Admissions Requirements

1. High School Graduation or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years or older prior to starting the program)
2. Meet one of the following English Language Competency requirements:
   • Applicants who provide evidence of three years of full-time instruction in English must also provide proof of one of the following:
     • Completion of Grade 10 English** (or higher). A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
     • Completion of college courses determined to be equivalent to completion of Grade 10 English (or higher) by post-secondary institutions. Applicants must produce transcripts as evidence of completion. A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
     • ACCUPLACER Next Generation Test Results: Recommended minimum cut scores are as follows: Reading (235), Writing (235), Writeplacer (4)
   • Applicants who cannot provide evidence of three years of full-time instruction in English are required to provide proof of one of the following standardized proficiency tests from an authorized assessment agency:
     • Canadian Language Benchmarks test (in person or remote). Test in the last year. Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6.
     • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General or CELPIP Online). Test in the last two years. Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6.
     • International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic, IELTS General or IELTS Academic Online). Test in the last two years. Overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing.
     • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL or CAEL Online). Test in the last two years. Overall Score of 60, with no section less than 50.
     • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition). Test in the last two years. Overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing.
3. Completion of the Criminal Record Review Program (CRRP) application form for the purpose of working with children or vulnerable adults.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Health Care Assistant certificate program, you will be able to:

• Provide person-centered care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual client.
• Use an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, social, cognitive, and spiritual well-being of clients and families.
• Provide care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges.
• Provide care and assistance for clients experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges.
• Interact with other members of the health care team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
• Communicate clearly, accurately and in sensitive ways with clients and families within a variety of community and facility contexts.
• Provide personal care and assistance in a safe, competent, and organized manner.
• Recognize and respond to your own self-development, learning and health enhancement needs.
• Perform the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable, and professional manner.

Program Fees

• Domestic Students:
  • Application Fee: $250
  • Assessment Fee: $200
  • Tuition: $9,203
  • Textbooks: $460
  • Course Materials: $250
  • Others: $50
  • Total: $10,413
• International Students:
  • Application Fee: $500
  • Assessment Fee: $250
  • Tuition: $11,735
  • Textbooks: $460
  • Course Materials: $250
  • Others: $50
  • Total: $13,245

Career Opportunities

HCAs are prepared to work in a variety of health care settings, including acute care, complex care, home and community settings (e.g., independent, supportive care, assisted living, group home options, hospice/palliative care). They are important and valued members of the health care team. HCAs promote and maintain the health, safety, independence, comfort and well-being of individuals and families. HCAs provide personal care assistance and services in a caring manner that recognizes and supports the unique needs, abilities and backgrounds of clients and their families. They work as members of a health care team in a variety of community and facility settings with direction and supervision from regulated health care professionals.

PTIRU Certified

This institution is certified by the Private Training Institution Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). Certified institutions must comply with the regulatory requirements relating to, among other things, student enrolment contact, tuition refunds, and instructor qualifications. For more information, visit the PTIRU website.

Recognized By

• National Association of Career Colleges
• Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit
• B.C. Education Quality Assurance
• StudentAid BC