The Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated program is designed for students whose first language is not English.
A Health Care Assistant (HCA) are prepared to work in both healthcare facilities and community agencies. In these roles they are important and valued members of the health care team.
They promote and maintain the health, safety, independence, comfort and well-being of individuals and families. HCA’s provide personal care assistance and services in a caring manner that recognizes and supports the unique needs, abilities and backgrounds of clients. They work as members of a health care team in a variety of settings with direction and supervision from other health professionals.
The work done by HCAs is based on a set of fundamental values, beliefs and ethical principles that are consistently reflected in all aspects of their work with clients, families, team members and others. Amongst these core values, beliefs and principles, which serve as foundations of HCA practice, are those related to:
This program provides the student with additional language support by front-loading foundational and functional English language at the beginning of the program and will continue to support academic success throughout the program.
The Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively as front-line caregivers, and respected members of the healthcare team, in community and facility settings.
Under the direction and supervision of a health care professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients. The ESL support will be provided by a qualified ESL instructor who will work closely with the HCA instructional team to promote student learning.
Other components of the HCA program are Basic and Advanced Hospice Palliative Care Training, Crisis Prevention Training, Introduction to RAI Observation Tool Training, Acute Care Skills, Medication Administration Assistance, Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED, Foodsafe, WHMIS and Student Practice Education ‘Core’ Orientation (SPECO).
These will be completed during the program and are included in program costs. All of these additional certifications are valued by today’s employers. Students will participate in 8 weeks of clinical and/or practicum training.
A director/instructor interview may be required.
The nine program learning outcomes that the students must meet for successful completion of this program are:
The BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry reviews and recognizes Health Care Assistant 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 health care assistants meet registration requirements is integral to the Registry’s mandate of patient protection and improved standards of care.
Graduates of the HCA program delivered by Sprott Shaw College are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry to demonstrate their competence and credentials to work for publicly funded employers in BC.
Save on tuition with a variety of scholarship and grant options. Up to $4000 in scholarships and grants are available to recent high school graduates, Sprott Shaw alumni, military veterans, and more! Click here to browse our full list of grants and scholarships.
More information can be found here.
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