The Health Care Assistant 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 the 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, and social well-being of clients.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work in any level of continuing care, including home support, assisted living, complex care, special care units, other home and community care settings, and acute care.
Upon completion of the HCA program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of practice settings including home support, assisted living, group homes, complex care, special care units, other home and community care settings, and acute care.
Earn up to $25.00* per hour as a Health Care Assistant
All wages taken from the Canada Job Bank
Evidence of both of the following must be provided prior to acceptance:
To be accepted into a recognized BC HCA program, applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Students must be able to communicate effectively in English to be successful in their studies and capable of providing safe and competent care to patients/clients/residents in the work environment during practice education components.
To ensure consistency and quality assurance, institution-created tests are not acceptable for the assessment of HCA program applicants.
For clarification, three years of full-time instruction in English is defined as three (3) years of full-time secondary and/or post-secondary education in the English language at a recognized institution on the list of Approved English-Speaking Countries. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses will not be considered.
Notes:
In cases where applicants already hold Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for nurses (CELBAN) results. Test in the last 2 years. Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 6, Writing 6.
In addition to the tests and test scores listed above (#2), recognized BC HCA Programs also have the discretion to accept HCA program applicants with a CLB Report Card from a LINC Program indicating “Completing” CLB Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7 and Writing 7 AND “Recommended Class Placement” as Speaking 8, Listening 8, Reading 8 and Writing.
775 hours: (includes hours needed for First Aid, Food, Safe and Speco courses
Course # | Title of Course/Work Experience Component (in order of delivery) | Hours |
---|---|---|
HCA 100 | Concepts of Practice | 70 hours |
HCA 200 | Introduction to Practice | 30 hours |
HCA 300 | Interpersonal Communications | 50 hours |
HCA 400 | Lifestyle and Choices | 30 hours |
HCA 500 | Common Health Challenges | 115 hours |
HCA 600 | Cognitive and/or Mental Health Challenges | 60 hours |
HCA 700 | Personal Care and Assistance | 120 hours |
HCA 800 | Practice Experience in Multi-level and/or Complex Care placement 1.
| 210 hours |
HCA 900 | Practice Experience in Home Support, Assisted Living, and/or Group Home Setting
| 60 hours |
Additional Courses: WHMIS, First Aid, CPR, SPECO Certificates | 30 hour | |
Total Hours | 775 hour |
# | PARTICULARS | FEE | REMARKS |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Registration Fee | $250 | Domestic Students |
2 | Tuition Fee | $5750 | |
3 | Books | $175 | |
4 | Course Material | $75 | |
Total | $6250 | ||
1 | Tuition Fee | $9000 | International Students |
2 | Registration Fee | $250 | |
3 | Book Fee | $175 | |
4 | Other Material | $75 | |
Total | $9500 |
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
If you are already a trained health care worker, you can opt for the following courses to build specialized knowledge and applied experience in related job fields that has higher employment rates.
Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Yes, it is possible for an HCA to become a nurse. However, the path to becoming a nurse typically involves further education and training, such as completing a nursing program and obtaining a nursing license. Some HCAs may choose to pursue a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) after gaining experience in the healthcare field.
Yes, HCAs can work in hospitals as well as in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and home care settings. However, the specific job duties and requirements can vary depending on the healthcare setting.
To become a Health Care Assistant (HCA) in British Columbia, you typically need to complete a recognized HCA training program and obtain certification from the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. The training program can vary in length but usually takes between 6-10 months.
To become an HCA with no experience, you will need to complete an HCA training program that is recognized by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. These programs typically include both classroom and practical training, and can range in length from 6-10 months. After completing your training program, you will need to obtain certification from the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry and pass a criminal record check.
To pass an HCA interview, it’s important to prepare by researching the job duties and requirements, as well as the specific healthcare setting and employer. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, experience, and skills related to the job. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to give specific examples of how you have dealt with challenging situations in the past. It’s also important to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the role.
The length of the HCA program can vary depending on the specific program and educational institution. However, most programs take between 6-10 months to complete and include both classroom and practical training.
The salary for HCAs in BC can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer. According to the most recent data from WorkBC, the median hourly wage for HCAs in BC is $25.50. The hourly wage can range from $19 to $31 per hour or more, depending on the specific employer and location.
Working as an HCA can be physically and emotionally demanding, as the job involves providing care and support to clients who may have complex medical needs or disabilities. HCAs may also work in fast-paced, high-stress environments, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities. However, many HCAs find the job to be rewarding and fulfilling, as they are able to make a positive impact on the lives of their clients.
HCAs provide essential care and support to clients who need assistance with their activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, mobility, and feeding. They may also assist with medication administration and other healthcare-related tasks as delegated by a nurse or other healthcare professional. HCAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and home care.
To become a healthcare assistant in BC, you typically need to complete an HCA training program that is recognized by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. After completing the training program, you will need to obtain certification from the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry and pass a criminal record check. Additionally, some employers may require previous experience or additional certifications or training.
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