Requirements
(formerly Home Support/Resident Care Attendant - ESL)
Health Care Assistant – ESL
Admission Requirements
Attendance at an Infomation session is highly recommended.
- completion of ELD 036, or ELD 052 and ELD 054; or completion of a language assessment administered by the Assessment Centre (phone 250-370-3597 for schedule information);
- to attend an informational interview with the HCA ESL instructor to confirm program expectations.
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:
We strongly recommend you have basic computer literacy including experience with keyboarding and email skills prior to entering the program.
It is also strongly recommended that students volunteer in a long term care facility prior to beginning the program. This will assist you in understanding the role of HCA and help in determining whether this is an appropriate career choice.
Program participation requirements
- You'll be required to attend an orientation on the first day of class;
- 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
The work environment in which you'll be employed 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.
Clinical placement practicums are compulsory components of this program. You'll be required to participate in practicums that include day and evening shifts which, if necessary, may include weekends.
Completion requirements
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Students must achieve a minimum of 70% (“B-”) in all HCA courses, successfully complete the clinical placement, plus successfully complete ELD 056 in order to graduate with a Health Care Assistant Certificate.
