Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Area of Study
Health Sciences
Human Services
Study options
Full-time
Work experience
Clinical and fieldwork placement
Open to International
Yes
Length
11.5 months
At a glance image
Front-line caregivers
Start in 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 Online Information Session Slides (PDF)
Find out more about upcoming networking and information sessions occurring at Camosun.
HCA Program Start Dates
New Intake available every October
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.
An investment in your career
Invest in yourself! Camosun can prepare you for a rewarding career and set you up for entry into an in-demand, health care field.
Estimated tuition
Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
$2,923 (domestic)
$19,440 (international)
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.
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.
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.
Our Teaching Staff
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.
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
Find a full list of courses and specific admission requirements.
Contact information
Continuing Care Department
Campus location
Camosun College Interurban
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health & Wellness (CHW)
4461 Interurban Rd
Victoria, BC V9E 2C1
Location link
International students contact Camosun International