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:

1. Understand the Requirements
   • Check with your local authorities or the Canadian embassy in your country to confirm the specific process for obtaining a PCC.
   • Review the guidelines on the Government of Canada’s Police Certificates and IRCC Requirements page to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration standards.
2. Determine the Issuing Authority
   • 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.
3. 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)
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Processing Time
   • Processing times vary depending on the country and issuing authority. It’s recommended to apply well in advance to avoid delays.
7. 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.

Notes:
In addition to the tests and test scores listed above, 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 8.

Approved English-Speaking Countries

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.

• 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).

Students will need to provide evidence of completion of the following prior to the first practice education experience. All Evidence must be current and valid.

• First Aid Certification
• CPR Level “C” Certification or “Basic Life Support (BLS)” Certification
• Foodsafe Level 1 (https://www.foodsafe.ca/courses/level-1.html) Certification (or a certificate
  course deemed equivalent) (http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/EH/FPS/Food/Food_Handlers_Training_Courses_Equivalent_to_BC_FOODSAFE_Level_1.pdf)
• Completion of the Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) (available on the
  LearningHub at https://learninghub.phsa.ca/Courses/8538/speco-curriculum), which must include the following:
• A signed checklist SPECO Checklist.pdf (phsa.ca) (http://www.phsa.ca/student-practice-education-site/Documents/SPECO%20Checklist.pdf)
• Proof of meeting current immunizations / vaccinations as per health care organization policies /
  guidelines (or signed vaccination exemption form, except TB)
• Criminal record check from the Criminal Records Review Program, including clearance to work
  with vulnerable adults. (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/criminal-record-check)
• Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum E-Learning Modules
  (https://learninghub.phsa.ca/Courses/7558/provincial-violence-prevention-for-medium-and-high-risk-departments-8-modules)
• WHMIS – Provincial Course (https://learninghub.phsa.ca/Courses/6941)
• Completion of the Health Care Assistant Practice in BC E-Learning Modules (LearningHub)
  (https://learninghub.phsa.ca/Courses/24104/health-care-assistant-practice-in-british-columbia)
• Completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Adult Abuse course (LearningHub)
  (https://learninghub.phsa.ca/Courses/7574/recognizing-and-responding-to-adult-abuse)