55 Weeks
Health Care Assistant – ESL
Designed for non-native English speakers, combining healthcare assistant training with English language support. Prepares students for personal care and patient support roles.
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Bridge Language Barriers in Healthcare
Designed for non-native English speakers, this program develops caregiving skills while enhancing English language proficiency for effective communication in healthcare settings.
- Combination of healthcare training and English language instruction.
- Preparation for roles as Health Care Assistants.
- Includes practicum experience to apply learned skills.
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
The Health Care Assistant – ESL delivered by the Western Community College has been granted a full, 5 years recognition status by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. Graduates of the this program will be eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
Career Opportunities in Health Care
Become an Essential Member of the Healthcare Workforce
$25*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
*Based on Canada Job Bank
This program focuses on training ESL learners in patient care basics and medical terminology. Gain essential skills in English for health care workers. Graduates of this program are prepared for diverse roles, ensuring patients’ comfort and health.
- Health Care Assistant: Provide personal care and support to clients.
- Community Health Worker: Assist clients in their homes with daily activities.
- Residential Care Aide: Support residents in long-term care facilities.
- Home Support Worker: Deliver in-home care services.
- Assisted Living Worker: Assist residents in assisted living settings.
Why Study at Western Community College
Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.
- Installment-based, low tuition fee.
- Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
- Part-time or full-time class schedule.
- Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).
Begin Your Path in HEALTHCARE Career
Admission Requirements
Program Entry Requirements:
Evidence of both of the following must be provided prior to acceptance:
- Proof of Grade 12 completion (or equivalent) OR mature student status (19 years or more)
- Proof of meeting English Language Competency Requirements. These language competency requirements are provided at www.cachwr.bc.ca website.
Applicants will require evidence of one of the following test scores when applying for program entry:- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) or CLBPT Remote. Test in the last year. Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP – General or CELPIP – Online). Test in the last two years. Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic, IELTS General or IELTS Academic Online). Test in the last two years. Overall score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.0 in Reading and Writing.
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL or CAEL Online). Test in the last two years. Overall Score of 50, with no section less than 40.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition). Test in the last two years. Overall score of 56 with no score lower than 15 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 13 in Reading and Writing.
- A health declaration completed by the applicant confirming they understand the role of the HCA and are prepared to learn and practice HCA skills and competencies. The declaration may also be used to identify any learning needs of the applicant (completed by the applicant prior to acceptance)
For international students: A clear police certificate from country of origin must also be provided by the student as a program entry requirement.
As an International Health Care Assistant (HCA) student at Western Community College, you are required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as part of Program entry requirements. A PCC is an official document issued by your country’s police authority, confirming your criminal record status or the absence of a criminal record.
Steps to Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate:
Each country has designated organizations or government bodies responsible for issuing PCCs. Examples include the police department, Ministry of Justice, or a designated third-party agency. Find your country’s specific instructions using the Government of Canada PCC tool.
Prepare Required Documents
-
Gather the necessary documentation, which may include:
- A completed application form
- Passport copy
- Proof of current or previous address
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Application fee payment receipt (if applicable)
Apply for the PCC
-
Submit your application as per the issuing authority’s guidelines. This may involve:
- Applying online or in person.
- Providing biometric data, if required.
- Paying applicable fees.
Translation and Certification
- If the PCC is issued in a language other than English or French, ensure it is translated into one of these languages by a certified translator. The original document and its certified translation must be submitted together.
Processing Time
- Processing times vary depending on the country and issuing authority. It’s recommended to apply well in advance to avoid delays.
Submission to WCC
- Once you receive your PCC, submit a digital or physical copy to the Admissions Office or designated program coordinator at WCC. Ensure the document is valid and meets the program’s specified requirements.
For additional assistance, please reach out to our admissions team or visit the Government of Canada PCC guide.
The following countries are considered as those with English language systems / institutions, where English is a primary and official language, and the language used for education.
| American Samoa | Ghana | Saint Lucia |
| Anguilla | Gibraltar | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Grenada | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Australia | Guam | Seychelles |
| Bahamas | Guyana | Sierra Leone |
| Barbados | Ireland | Singapore |
| Belize | Jamaica | South Africa |
| Bermuda | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Botswana | Lesotho | Trinidad and Tobago |
| British Virgin Islands | Liberia | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Canada | Malta | Uganda |
| Cayman Islands | Mauritius | United Kingdom |
| Dominica | Montserrat | United States |
| Falkland Islands | New Zealand | United States Virgin Islands |
| Fiji | Nigeria | Zambia |
| Gambia | Saint Helena | Zimbabwe |
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Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
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Core Courses in HCA – ESL Program
Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a Healthcare Assistant.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of PostSecondary Education and Future Skills.
1075
Total program
hours
270
Practice Experience HOurs
$25
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
Program Duration
Hours: 1075
Weeks Full-Time: 53
Fee Structure
Tuition & Financing
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Student Line of Credit
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Finance Options-
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