Begin Your Path in HEALTHCARE Career

Admission Requirements

Proof of Grade 10 graduation, or mature student status, and English Language Proficiency.

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, in order to be successful in their studies, and to be capable of providing safe and competent care to patients/clients/residents in the work environment.

Teamwork and communication failures are a primary cause of patient safety incidents in healthcare; the ability to communicate effectively is one of the fundamental safety competencies identified by the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI).

All BC HCA program applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency.   Domestic and/or international applicants whose first language is not English, will need to take a standardized proficiency assessment to confirm communicative competency in all four language skills areas (speaking, listening, reading and writing).

HCA ESL Program Entry

For institutions offering a combined ESL HCA program (a minimum of 12 weeks/300 hours of additional program time for English language skills instruction), Applicants whose first language is not English will require evidence of one of the following test scores when applying for program entry: 

1. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) — test must be within the last two years. IBT only:  Overall score of 56 with no score lower than 15 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 13 in Reading and Writing.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic or General — test must be within 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.
3. Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT) — test must be within the last year: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5. Note: a CLB Report Card from a LINC Program may also be accepted.
4. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Academic or General: Academic: Aggregate score of 3H or better, with 3H or better in Speaking and Listening and 3L or better in Reading and Writing.  General: CELPIP 6 or better in Speaking and Listening and CELPIP 5 or better in Reading and Writing
5. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).

Overall Score of 50, with no section less than 40.

Prior to the first practice educational experience, you will need (1)proof of meeting current immunizations/vaccinations as per health care organization policies/guidelines (or signed vaccination exemption form, except TB),  (2) Criminal record check from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General of Justice, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults. (3) Standard First Aid, CPR Level ‘C’ or HCP  (4)  Food safe Level 1 (5) WHMIS

**numbers 3, 4 & 5 courses are offered through the college to the students at no additional cost to them

For your convenience, click on this link for the English requirements.