Health Care Assistant
Note: HCA courses are restricted to students in the Home Care Assistant programs.
HCA 110 Concepts for Practice
(4 credits) F, W (70 hours total)
Students will be introduced to philosophical values and theoretical understandings that provide a foundation for competent practice as an HCA. The course focuses on concepts of caring and person-centred care; basic human needs and human development; family, culture and diversity as they relate to health and healing; and problem solving.
HCA 120 Introduction to Practice
(2 credits) F, W (30 hours total)
This course provides an introduction to the role of the HCA within the British Columbia health care system. Students will be introduced to the other healthcare team members. Students will also have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice and will be introduced to effective job-finding approaches.
HCA 130 Interpersonal Communications
(3 credits) F, W (50 hours total)
This course focuses on the development of self-awareness, understanding of others and effective interpersonal communication skills. Students will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns.
HCA 140 Lifestyle and Choices
(2 credits) F, W (30 hours total)
This course introduces students to the holistic concept of health and the components of a health-enhancing lifestyle. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices.
HCA 150 Healing 1
(5 credits) F, W (115 hours total)
This course introduces students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes associated with aging. Students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system, person-centered practice as it relates to the common challenges to health and, in particular, to end-of-life care.
HCA 154 Healing 2
(3 credits) F, W (60 hours total)
This course assists students to explore concepts and caregiving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental challenges. Emphasis is on recognizing behaviours and identifying person-centered intervention strategies.
HCA 161 Personal Care Skills 1
(3 credits) F,W (30 hrs. lecture/30 hrs. collab lrning)
This course offers students the opportunity to acquire basic personal care skills within the parameters of the HCA role. The course is comprised of class and supervised laboratory experiences which assist the student to develop care-giver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety and independence of individuals in long-term care facilities.
HCA 162 Personal Care Skills 2
(3 credits) F,W (30 hrs. lecture/30 hrs. collab lrning)
This course builds on skills learned in HCA 161 and offers students the opportunity to acquire advanced personal care skills within the parameters of the HCA role. This course is comprised of class and supervised laboratory experiences which assist the student to develop care-giver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety and independence of individuals in facilities and community contexts.
Prerequisite(s): HCA 171.
HCA 171 Clinical Placement 1
(1 credit) F, W (50 hours total)
This supervised practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to work with individuals in multi-level or complex care settings.
Prerequisite(s): "B-" in HCA 161.
HCA 172 Community Practicum
(1 credit) F, W (60 hrs. total field practice)
This course provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills with individuals and families in a community setting. Opportunity will be provided for students to become more familiar with the role of the HCA within a Home Support Agency and gain abilities that will prepare graduates to assume the role of a community health worker.
Prerequisite(s): HCA 171.
HCA 173 Clinical Placement 2
(3 credits) F, W (125 hrs. total field practice)
This supervised practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals in a multi-level or complex care setting. A portion of this clinical experience will be devoted to working with individuals experiencing cognitive challenges.
Prerequisite(s): "B-" in HCA 110, HCA 120, HCA 130, HCA 140, HCA 150, HCA 154, HCA 161, HCA 162; and successfull completion of HCA 172.
HCA 174 Transition Practicum
(1 credit) F, W (30 hrs. total field practice)
During this practical experience learners transition from role of student to graduate health care assistant. Students will gain insights, awareness and knowledge toward effectively functioning as health care assistants. A program instructor collaborates with the student and practicum agency staff throughout the experience.
Prerequisite(s): HCA 173.
