HCA (Health Care Assistant) Preparation Program

HCA (Health Care Assistant) Preparation Program

Overview
Learning Outcomes
Duration
Structure & Schedule
Course List
When You Graduate
Admission Requirements
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Overview

The Internationally Educated Health Care Assistant Programs based on guidelines from the Health Ministry of British Columbia Canada offer a comprehensive and intensive full-time online certificate program spanning 6 weeks. This program is meticulously designed to equip people to become professional Health Care Assistants (HCAs).

HEAL’s HCA Program stands apart by emphasizing the following critical elements:

Preparation for Canadian Healthcare: Graduates of this program are meticulously prepared to excel within the intricate Canadian healthcare system

Knowledge and Skill Enhancement: The program ensures the renewal and enhancement of previously acquired knowledge and skills.

Individualized Attention: Individual needs are identified and addressed ensuring that each graduate is fully equipped to meet professional practice requirement.

Effective Communication: Graduates are empowered with effective communication skills to interact adeptly with patients and colleagues.

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation you will be equipped with a robust skill set and knowledge base that helps you.

 

Deliver care and assistance with a steadfast focus on individual client needs employing a person-centered approach that acknowledges and respects their unique characteristics.

Employ a judicious problem-solving methodology to provide care and support that enhances the physical psychological social cognitive and spiritual well-being of both clients and their families.

Contribute adeptly to the care and support of clients grappling with complex health challenges.

Offer empathetic and proficient care to clients confronting cognitive and/or mental health issues.

Foster effective communication and collaboration within the healthcare team thereby facilitating harmonious relationships and the attainment of shared goals.

Articulate thoughts clearly accurately and sensitively in various community and facility contexts ensuring effective communication with clients and their families.

Execute personal care and assistance tasks with an unwavering commitment to safety competence and organi¢ational precision.

Exhibit a keen awareness of personal growth learning needs and health enhancements proactively addressing these aspects in a self-reflective manner.

Embrace the role of a care provider with unwavering dedication to professional conduct accountability and responsibility.

Duration

The full-time program is 4 weeks online + 2 weeks in-person clinical practicum.

Structure & Schedule

This program is a comprehensive and intensive full-time certificate program

Assignments: 30%. Assignments are weekly and focus more on general understanding of related material. All assignments will be of equal weight.

Exams: Two midterms (15% each) and a final (25%). All exams will be open book and online

Participation: 15% participation will be a mix of involvement in lectures the discussion board and completing activities related to the readings/lectures. Alternative arrangements will be provided for students that cannot attend lectures or can attend but it is at a time that is considered a hardship for experiencing and understanding the course.

Course List

Foundations (HCA 001)

This inaugural course acquaints students with the HCA program elucidating program expectations and requisites in line with the Core Competencies outlined by the Ministry of Health Department and the C Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry. Students receive detailed information concerning the program delivery schedule practice education components and the online learning platform. Furthermore students benefit from valuable guidance on the fulfillment of their practice education obligation.

Lifestyle and Choices (HCA 002)

This inaugural course acquaints students with the HCA program elucidating program expectations and requisites in line with the Core Competencies outlined by the Ministry of Health Department and the C Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry. Students receive detailed information concerning the program delivery schedule practice education components and the online learning platform. Furthermore students benefit from valuable guidance on the fulfillment of their practice education obligation.

Interpersonal Communications (HCA 003)

This course centers on the cultivation of self-awareness an enhanced understanding of others and the development of effective interpersonal communication competencies. Students are encouraged to heighten their consciousness of the repercussions of their
communication choices and patterns. Furthermore they are afforded the opportunity to evolve and apply communication techniques that embody personal awareness respect and active listening skills all within the context of caregiving.

Introduction to Practice (HCA 004)

This course serves as an initiation into the role of the Health Care Assistant within the ritish Columbia healthcare system. Students receive an orientation to the healthcare team and the various responsibilities and functions entrusted to Health Care Assistants within this dynamic framework. The course also equips students with self-reflective aptitudes essential for competent practice and acquaints them with effective job-finding strategies.

Personal Care & Assistance 1 (HCA 005)

This practical course provides students with invaluable hands-on experience enabling them to acquire personal care and assistance proficiencies within the defined parameters of the Health Care Assistant role. It comprises classroom instruction and supervised laboratory exercises that facilitate the integration of theoretical knowledge from other courses. The ultimate aim is to cultivate caregiver skills that nurture and promote the comfort safety and autonomy of individuals across both community and facility setting.

Common Health Challenges 1 (HCA 006)

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the normal structure and function of the human body alongside the physiological changes associated with aging. Students delve into the common challenges that individuals face in terms of their health and well-
being scrutini¢ing these through the lens of person-centered practice.

Concepts for Practice (HCA 007)

Here students have the opportunity to construct a theoretical foundation for their practice as Health Care Assistants. The course delves into the philosophical underpinnings and theoretical paradigms that undergird competent practice in this role. Emphasis is placed on key concepts such as caring person-centered care basic human needs human development and the role of family culture and diversity within the context of health and healing. Additionally students are introduced to a problem-solving model that will prove indispensable in their future practice.

Clinical 1 (HCA 008)

This supervised practice experience is pivotal affording students the chance to put into action the knowledge and skills acquired in preceding level one courses within the Health Care Assistant program. Students are exposed to complex care settings where they develop expertise and confidence in the multifaceted role of the Health Care Assistant within such environments. The course encompasses an assessment of students competencies and their application of knowledge.

Cognitive and/or Mental Health Challenges (HCA 009)

Building upon content from prior courses this module guides students in exploring key concepts and caregiving methodologies essential for effective engagement with individuals facing cognitive and/or mental health challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on the provision of support for clients with dementia encompassing the recognition of responsive behaviors and the identification of person-centered intervention strategies.

Common Health Challenges (HCA 010)

This sequel to Common Health Challenges 1 further explores the structure and function of the human body and the prevailing health challenges. Students deepen their comprehension of person-centered practice in relation to common health challenges with a specific focus on end-of-life care.

Personal Care & Assistance (HCA 011)

In this practical course students continue their journey toward mastery of personal care and assistance skills expanding their proficiencies within the parameters of the Health Care Assistant role. The curriculum integrates classroom learning with supervised laboratory experiences allowing students to further enhance their caregiver skills which play an instrumental role in preserving and advancing the well-being safety and self-sufficiency of individuals in acute care and diverse context.

Clinical (HCA 01)

This advanced supervised practice experience builds upon prior coursework offering students an extended opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in diverse healthcare settings including multi-level and complex care environments. A specific segment of this clinical experience is dedicated to working with individuals coping with dementia. The course continues to assess students competencies and their practical application of knowledge.

When You Graduate

Upon successful completion of this program you become eligible to apply for registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives and to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) adding to your professional credibility and reputation.

You will also have unique opportunities for

Supported Housing: Assistance in securing suitable housing upon program completion.

Future Employment: Graduates are positioned advantageously for future career prospects in the healthcare industry.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have proof of previous schooling or education for medical and/or healthcare field
  • Have proof of nursing work experience
  • Have an IELTS overall score of at least 5 ideally 6 or higher
  • Have an updated CV or resume
  • Have certificates made equivalent to Canadian Government requirement
  • Have a passport that is valid for at least 1 more year
  • Have a criminal background clearance letter
  • Have an email they can use for communication
  • Be comfortable working with senior
  • Be able to comfortably lift at least 5 lbs (pounds)
  • Be okay with taking and paying for a First-Aid course and a Food Safe course needed to work in Canada
  • Have the funds to pay the full $10,000 USD program cost