Program Overview

Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker

Program Overview

The Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker program equips students with essential skills to provide patient-centered care and support complex care needs as part of an interdisciplinary team. The curriculum aligns with current health care practices, offering practical skills training through two preceptor-led work practicum placements.

Core Information

• Area of Interest: Health & Human Services
• Credential: Certificate
• Program Length: 1 Year | Full time (8 months of study)
• Delivery: Hybrid (online and in-classroom)
• Practicum: Yes, 8 weeks
• Campus: Pembina
• Tuition: $7,683.00*

Program Highlights

• Comprehensive Training: Covers anatomy, physiology, human health conditions, and disease states.
• Hands-on Experience: Two industry placements in long-term and acute care settings.
• Specialized Skills Development: Training in communication, patient care, and assisting with complex care needs.
• Essential Certifications: Includes CPR, WHMIS, PHIA, Violence Protection, and Safe Patient Handling.
• Culturally Competent Care: Focus on patient rights, social determinants of health, and culturally appropriate practices.
• Industry-Standard Software Training: Teaches software application skills for healthcare professionals.

Career Outcomes

• Health Care Aide
• Personal Support Worker
• Health Care Support Worker
• Patient Care Aide

Entry Requirements

• Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent.
• Grade 12 Math (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
• Grade 12 English Language Arts (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
• Grade 11 Biology (30S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated English language proficiency (if educated outside Canada)

Tuition and Fees

Estimated Program Costs

Tuition | $7,683
Fees | $965
Estimated Textbook Costs | $700
Total Estimated Program Costs | $9,348.00

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this program include a work placement opportunity?

Yes, students complete two preceptor-led practicums, each lasting four weeks, under the supervision of a registered nurse. These placements include:

• Acute care practicum in a hospital setting
• Long-term care practicum in a residential facility

What do I need to do to qualify for my work placement?

Pre-placement clearance requirements

To be eligible for practicum, students must meet the following requirements:

• Clear Police Information Check (PIC)/Vulnerable Sector (VS) Check (completed in Manitoba, valid for six months)
• Clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry Checks (valid for six months, covering practicum duration)
• Current, approved immunization record as per WRHA guidelines

What tools and supplies will I need for this program?

Textbooks and Supplies

A complete supply list and textbook information can be found on the Program information page.

Laptop Requirements

Students must bring a Tier 2 laptop for this program. More information and technical specifications are available on the Laptop and Technical Needs page.

Course List

• Introduction to the Healthcare Environment (Health-TBD 1) — 42 hours
• Communication Essentials (HHHPG-TBD 1) — 42 hours
• Anatomy and Physiology 1 (Health-TBD 2) — hours
• Human Development for Healthcare Professionals (Health-TBD-3) — 42 hours
• Software Application Skills (HHHPG-TBD-2) — 42 hours
• Communications in Healthcare (Health-TBD-4) — 42 hours
• Human Health Conditions and Disease States (Health-TBD-5) — 42 hours
• Global Citizen (HHHPG-TBD 3) — 42 hours
• Medical Terminology (Health-TBD-6) — 42 hours
• Anatomy and Physiology 2 (Health-TBD-7) — 42 hours
• Supporting Complex Care Needs 1 (HCA-TBD-1) — 84 hours
• Supporting Complex Care Needs 2 (HCA-TBD-2) — 84 hours
• Health Care Aide Training Seminars (HCA-TBD-3) — 12 hours
• Health Care Aide Long Term Care Practicum (HCA-TBD-4) — 160 hours
• Health Care Aide Acute Care Practicum (HCA-TBD-5) — 160 hours