Body mechanics and client mobility (HLSC 610)

Course NameBody Mechanics and Client Mobility
Course Description

This fully on-line course is intended for Health Care Assistants (HCAs) or prospective HCAs in British Columbia (BC). The course covers content from the BC Health Care Assistant Provincial Curriculum Guide (2015) related to the HCA’s role in facilitating safe client ambulation and positioning and the proper use of body mechanics.

This course is also suitable for friends or family members of individuals who require assistance with mobility.

Subject CodeHLSC 610
Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, student will be able to

  • perform personal care skills in an organized and safe manner;
  • problem-solve when carrying out care; and
  • move, position and transfer a client safely.
Tuition$217.00
Pre-requisiteCompletion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or proof of equivalent as outlined in detail on the General Admission Information page. Students who register are understood to be confirming successful completion of this requirement. Proof of successful completion is not required on registration but may be requested by Douglas College.
Course Content

Topics covered include:

  • assessing the client and the situation prior to commencing care;
  • identifying unsafe environments or situations;
  • checking equipment for safety and functionality;
  • reporting equipment malfunction;
  • body mechanics;
  • turning a person in bed;
  • using positioning devices;
  • assisting with transferring and moving a person in a hospital bed and a regular bed;
  • transferring a person to a stretcher;
  • moving a person to the side of a bed and assisting him/her to sit;
  • transferring a person from a bed to a chair or wheelchair and back;
  • transferring a person from a wheelchair to a bath chair or toilet;
  • using mechanical lifts including ceiling lifts; and
  • assisting the individual to use a walker safely.
Learning Resources

All required resources will be provided within the course.

The primary resource used is Mosby’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker (4th Canadian Edition). It is available through the Douglas College Bookstore for anyone wishing to order a copy. It may also be available at public college libraries throughout BC where the Health Care Assistant Program is offered. This textbook is used by HCA programs throughout BC, and most of Canada. It is a good resource for anyone working as an HCA in BC.

Instruction Method

Interactive online course, delivered through Blackboard.

Due to the nature of an online delivery, the student will be expected be proficient in computer skills including email, adding attachments, navigating the internet etc. Resources for getting started with Blackboard are available online to help get the student comfortable in the Blackboard environment.

AssignmentsStudents will complete short quizzes and assignments throughout the course. Students will require access to a digital camera, smart phone, tablet, or laptop, et cetera, in order to create and upload short video clips.
Grading

The course is graded as Mastery/Non-mastery.

Successful course completion proven with official transcript request.

Completion TimeframeTwo (2) months (7 hours) from course start date. Students can also expect to spend additional time on assigned readings and assignments.
Registration and course start

Registration is easy: simply call CE Registration at 604 527 5472 and quote the CRN (below) for the session you are interested in. Payment of the tuition fee must accompany registration.

Instructions on how to access your course materials will be emailed to you by the Program Assistant within five (5) business days prior to your chosen course start date.

CRN: 31231

Start DateDeadline to Register
Weekly, MondayWednesday prior