Program Overview

The Health Care Assistant program will prepare students to work in a continuing evolving variety of health-related work environments. For example, more HCAs are being employed in acute care settings and they are providing care for more acute care clients than they are in the past. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge for a career in care giving, while the hands-on experience will provide the confidence that is so crucial for employment in this field.

HCAs promote and maintain the health, safety, independence, comfort, and well-being of individuals and families. HCAs provide personal care assistance and services in a caring manner that recognizes and supports the unique needs, abilities, and backgrounds of clients and their families. They work as members of a health care team in a variety of settings with direction and supervision from regulated health care professionals. This program prepares students to meet these objectives.

Through training and practica, students also gain the skills and experience to work with geriatric patients and those with chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia. The Health Care Assistant program also provides real-world training with clinical care supervised learning positions. In addition to their Health Care Assistant diploma, graduates also receive the following certifications:

• FOODSAFE Level 1
• CPR “C” with AED
• WHMIS
• Standard First Aid
• Assisting with Medication in Assisted Living
• Student Practice Education Core Orientation
• Workplace Violence Prevention

The Health Care Assistant program delivered by Vancouver Career College has been granted a full, five-year recognition status by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. Graduates of the Health Care Assistant program delivered by Vancouver Career College are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.

Admission Requirements:

Students must meet all of the pre-requisites listed below, meet their financial obligations with the college, and acknowledge their understanding of the college’s policies and procedures provided in the student handbook, prior to starting classes.

• High school graduation or equivalent, or mature student status.
• Pass college's admissions test.
• Criminal record check (in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act).
• Immunization report (form provided by college).
• English language competency.

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.