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 compleetion 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.

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;
• A TB test is compulsory. TB testing must be done within 3 months of the practicum start and you must provide documentation of this prior to the start of the first clinical placement. Hepatitis B and the flu vaccine are highly recommended and are available at local health clinics or through a physician;
• You are required to submit at least one week before the first clinical placement proof of:
  • a current Criminal Record Check. Community organizations and facilities require students to complete criminal record checks before they begin clinical placements. You are responsible for completing this process and for any associated costs. Any one who has not provided a criminal record that is acceptable to an agency at the time of placement may not be accepted in the clinical placement experience which could result in your inability to complete the program.
  • Foodsafe certificate.
  • Current Standard First Aid.
  • CPR Level C; done within 1 year of the first practicum.

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

• 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.