Camosun gets the green light to open 96 new health care seats
It will take some creative scheduling and a few extra instructors to make room for 96 new Practical Nursing and Health Care Assistant students this fall, but that’s a good thing, according to program chair Carly Hall. New funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development means Camosun can offer additional placements in these popular health care programs, and graduate more qualified professionals to serve the demand in our community “This is exciting news that allows us to accept more students and prepare them for rewarding and satisfying careers,” says Hall. “It will require a bit of juggling, but by offering evening classes and part time options, we’ll be able to fit everybody in.”
More Health Care Assistants
Health care assistants, who provide support and care to older adults and people with disabilities, are the heart of home support and residential care facilities. Working as part of the health care team, they assist clients with daily living activities, contributing to their emotional, cognitive and social well–being. HCAs build strong relationships with clients because of the one–on–one care giving that is the cornerstone of this career.
More Practical Nurses
Practical nursing graduates provide nursing care in partnership with other health care professionals in acute care, extended care, intermediate care and community settings. The year long course offers lots of hands–on practice in the fully–equipped teaching lab, and graduates are well prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of modern nursing.
Making a career move, one step at a time
Recent HCA graduate, Milo Anstey, chose the part–time, 10–month HCA program as an affordable option to make sure she was making the right career move. “I knew I wanted to go into health care, but I wanted to make sure it was the right choice for me,” says Anstey. “I could keep working while I took the courses, and I knew I could bridge into practical nursing later on.” Anstey developed lasting friendships among the student cohort, and says, “Everyone felt confident and well–equipped by the time they finished the program.” She was especially complimentary of the instructors. “The instructors know what it takes to work as an HCA. They are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, supportive and teach the professional skills we will use every day.”
Options for career development
An added benefit to Camosun’s HCA and Practical Nursing programs is the built–in flexibility to bridge to other health care programs. Graduates of the HCA certificate program can apply their knowledge and skills towards the Practical Nursing program by registering in PN Access. Likewise, Practical Nursing graduates can bridge to the four–year Bachelor of Nursing program by taking the Nursing Access program. “We understand the needs of some students to manage their education, and break it down into achievable goals,” says Hall. “We are here to encourage our students and to help them develop their careers to whatever level they wish.”
Is a career as a Health Care Assistant or a Practical Nurse for you?
Whether you are entering Camosun directly from high school or returning later in life to pursue a new career goal, we can help answer your questions so you know you are making the best decision for you.
Here are some tips to help you decide about a career as a Health Care Assistant or a Practical Nurse:
- Attend an information session and learn about course expectations, financial aid, how to gain or improve your admission requirements with upgrading courses, and much more
- Consider the Camosun advantage when comparing with other educators:
- Fully equipped teaching lab with modern lifts and equipment
- Interactive classroom experiences
- Low student–to–teacher ratio
- High standards for academic preparation of instructors
- Affordable tuition with access to financial aid
- Supports to assist adult students with their educational goals: access to child care; bus pass; disability services and other student supports
- Student outcomes surveys that prove Camosun graduates are happy with their education. For example, 100% of HCA graduates feel well–prepared for further study; 100% of PN graduates say their job is directly related to their studies; 94% of HCA graduates say they use their new knowledge and skills in their jobs.
- Assess your personal qualities and goals. Most health care professionals share these traits
- A caring and understanding approach
- Physical strength and stamina for shift work and care giving
- Empathy and compassion for others
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Check out our Health Care Assistant and Practical Nursing websites
