Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Area of Study
Health Sciences
Human Services
Upgrading & Preparatory
Study options
Full-time
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Open to International
Yes
Length
11.5 months
At a glance image
Front-line caregivers
New intake every October
Health Care Assistant - ESL is designed for students who want to take the HCA program while also improving their English language skills.
As a Health Care Assistant, you'll be given the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively as a front-line care-giver and respected member of the health care team in both community and facility settings.
HCA Information Session Slides (PPT)
Applicants for the HCA program must review the Info Session slides or attend an information session prior to completing the HCA Info Session Survey to qualify for program entry.
HHS Student Handbook
Current information for School of Health and Human Services students and HCA program specific handbook sections.
In demand
Health Care Assistant graduates are in high demand.
Do you have a genuine desire to work with older adults and persons with disabilities? Are you intrigued by the possibility of assisting others with personal care in the practical aspects of their day-to-day lives? Are you prepared for a career that will require you to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and 8-12 hour shifts? If you answered yes to all the above, then Health Care Assistant is the perfect career for you.
We'll help you succeed
As you work through the Health Care Assistant program's curriculum and your clinical placements, you'll acquire the skills, knowledge and values you'll need to provide professional care to the elderly and those facing other health or illness challenges.
Focusing on the elderly, you'll learn how to provide care that promotes and maintains the physical, psychological and social well-being of the clients you'll care for in your subsequent role as a Health Care Assistant.
Recognition status by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry
The Health Care Assistant (HCA) program delivered by Camosun College has been granted a full, five-year recognition status by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. Graduates of the HCA program delivered by Camosun College are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
The BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry reviews and recognizes Health Care Assistant (HCA) programs in BC to ensure that they are: following the provincial curriculum, implementing a common set of training standards and graduating competent front-line health care providers. Confirming that HCAs meet registration requirements is integral to the Registry's mandate of patient protection and improved standards of care. For further information about the recognition process and standards please see: www.cachwr.bc.ca.
Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions
The School of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers Priority Seating for Indigenous students in all Health related programs.
Visit Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC) for information on how to apply.
Any questions about the application process, please contact hhsindigenoussupport@camosun.ca
The Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions process, approved by the Board of Governors, supported by the Education Council, and approved by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, welcomes applications from all qualified Indigenous applicants.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Person-centered care
Health Care Assistants learn a wide variety of practical and resident/client care skills. Our program is hands-on, with clinical placements throughout your time at Camosun. You’ll learn about interpersonal communications, lifestyles and choices, personal care, and how to treat patients ethically and with compassion.
What to expect
Located at our Interurban campus, the full-time HCA program is 11.5 months long. Monday-Friday, 8:30am-2:30pm from October - September.
Homework commitments may vary per student but are likely about three to four hours per day including weekends. You will be required to participate in full-time clinical placements that include day and evening shifts that may occur outside of regular class time.
Health Care Assistant courses
Your studies will provide you with the skills to advocate on behalf of the rights, needs, interests and fair treatment of residents and their families. As a Health Care Assistant you will develop a person-centred care philosophy aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well being of clients/residents.
Related link
Subject Area: Learn about other ESL programs and courses
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program.
Health Care Assistant - ESL, Certificate
$2,935* (domestic)
$19,850** (international)
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees.
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.
Financial assistance
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Curriculum & courses
Admission requirements
Ready to get started?
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
English Language Competency Requirements:
BC HCA program applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of ONE of the following standardized English language proficiency test scores from an authorized assessment centre:
- Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT) (within one year)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or General (within two years)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (within two years)
English Proficiency Self-Declaration:
- Completed self-declaration confirming level of English proficiency
Informational Interview:
- Attend an informational interview with the Health Care Assistant - English Language Development instructor to confirm program expectations, and discuss oral communication skills. Email hca-esl@camosun.ca to make an appointment for the informational interview.
Information Session:
- Attendance at a Health Care Assistant - ESL program information session is a program entry requirement and ensures applicants have a strong understanding of the expectations of the Health Care Assistant (HCA) program and the role of the HCA in the work environment. An online information session module is available for anyone unable to attend in person.
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Missing admission requirements?
Take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact us today!
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your HCA classes contact hhsinfo@camosun.ca
Faculty/staff profile
Ros Giles-Pereira
Chair, Continuing Care Department
Faculty/staff profile
Heather Frame
Program Leader, Health Care Assistant ESL, IHCA
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Julia Liska
Instructor
Faculty/staff profile
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Contact information
School of Health and Human Services
Campus location
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health & Wellness (CHW) 207
Location link
Admissions questions: