In the Health Care Assisting (HCA) Certificate Program, students learn to provide holistic care to promote physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being for people with diverse but relatively stable health needs. Students gain knowledge and skills in providing person-focused care, such as assisting with grooming, supporting participation in social/recreational activities, and helping maintain mobility. The general focus of this program is caring for clients with physical care needs and/or dementia.
NOTE: International students are not currently eligible for this program. For more information, contact Douglas College International.
Graduation Requirements:
Course Requirements:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|
Semester I |
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|
Concepts for Practice |
3.00 |
|
|
Lifestyle and Introduction to Practice |
3.00 |
|
|
Interpersonal Communication |
3.00 |
|
|
Health Challenges 1 |
3.00 |
|
|
Applied Practice Experiences 1 |
6.00 |
|
|
Semester II |
||
|
Health Challenges 2 |
3.00 |
|
|
Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges |
3.00 |
|
|
Applied Practice Experiences 2 |
6.75 |
|
|
Applied Practice Experiences 3 |
3.75 |
|
|
Total Credits |
|
34.50 |
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
|
Native English speakers (applies to individuals who have a minimum of 7 years of education in an English-speaking environment*) |
Non-native English speakers |
|
Requirements: English 11 or equivalent |
Requirements: Standardized English Language proficiency test score |
|
1. Evidence of one of the following: -Proof of completion of Grade 11 English with a minimum grade of "C"; OR -Accuplacer: 2. Completion of Douglas College Self- Declaration Form |
Evidence of one of the following test scores: 1. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): test must be within the last two years- minimum score of 80 2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or General- test must be within the last two years- minimum overall score of 6 with no band lower than 6 3. Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT): test must be taken within the past six months: Minimum test scores: Listening 8, Speaking 8, Reading 7 and Writing 7 4. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): test must be within the last two years- minimum overall score of 60 |
*Countries with English language systems/ intuitions(Where English is a primary, official language and the language used for education)
|
American Samoa |
Dominica |
Mauritius |
Uganda |
*Applicants educated in Quebec at an institution where the language of instruction was not English, must meet the current English Language proficiency requirements.
Upon Offer:
*Updated immunizations for measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, varicella and rubella are strongly recommended. Recommendations will change based on Health Region requirements.
Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
Non-Violence Crisis Intervention (NVCI):
Other:
You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page.
Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.
Health Care Assistant (HCA) Certificate Program graduates provide holistic care for clients with physical care needs and/or dementia. Health care assistants work in homes, care facilities, assisted living facilities and a variety of settings. With an additional semester of study, HCA Certificate graduates can earn a Community Mental Health Worker Certificate. These two credentials combine to form the Health Care Support Worker Certificate and equip graduates with both physical and mental health care skills.
Personal traits which help a student succeed in this program include:
Sensitivity to the needs of others
Ability to problem-solve effectively in a limited time span
Ability to manage time effectively and handle responsibility
Ability to perform basic home management and cooking skills
Ability to speak confidently with people of all ages
Ability to develop self-awareness
Ability to be self-directed in their own learning
Ability to be flexible
Health Region On-line Orientation (Student Practice Education Core Orientation) completion is required prior to first clinical placement. Information will be provided during program orientation.
NOTE: A driver’s license allowing unaccompanied vehicle operation and access to a vehicle are strongly recommended to insure the required one-week clinical placement in Home Support.