Requirements
Health Care Assistant
(formerly Home Support/Resident Care Attendant)
Admission requirements
- attendance at a program information session is highly recommended. Issues which may interfere with progress in the program will be addressed at this time.
- submit proof of satisfactory completion of a Health Care Assistant English competency test administered by the Assessment Centre; or a "C" in English 12 or EFP 12, or TPC 12 or ENGL 059 or ENGL 050 or ELD 072 & ELD 074.
If you’re missing some prerequisites, don’t worry! Alternative secondary school prerequisites and general upgrading are available right here at Camosun College. There are many options for you to consider:
Note: Opportunities for prior learning assessment of skills, knowledge and values gained through life and work experiences will be offered to learners who wish to acquire credit in selected courses in the HCA program (resources permitting).
Participation requirements
- You'll be required to attend an orientation on the first day of class or risk losing their seat in the program;
- The following requirements need to be completed within 3 months of the first practicum and they will be discussed in the first week of class. You must provide documentation of these prior to the start of the first clinical placement.
- Due to new legislation that came into effect January 2011, every registered student who has
practicum/clinical placement involving work with children and/or vulnerable adults must undergo a Criminal Record Check (CRC) through the Criminal Record Review Program. A new process is presently being developed. Students will also be informed of the new process during program information sessions. Any CRC done outside the college will NOT be accepted and will result in additional cost to the student. - Current Standard First Aid.
- CPR Level C (valid for 1 year must be kept current throughout program).
- TB skin test.
- Foodsafe certificate.
- Hepatitis B and the flu vaccine are highly recommended and are available at your local health clinic or through your physician.
- Due to new legislation that came into effect January 2011, every registered student who has
Note
- The work environment requires demanding lifting and moving techniques and extensive hand washing. If you have back, neck, or arm injury or serious skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or latex allergy you should consider carefully before making an application to this program. For the same reasons, if you have a significant health challenge you should consult with the Program Chair.
- You should have basic computer literacy including experience with keyboarding and basic Internet search and email skills.
- You'll participate in clinical placement practicums that include day and evening shifts which may include weekends.
Completion requirements
- You must achieve a minimum of 70% ("B-") in all academic courses and successfully complete the clinical placements to graduate with a Health Care Assistant Certificate.
