What were you doing before attending Sprott Shaw College?
I was working in Medical Office Administration.
Why did you choose Sprott Shaw College?
I chose Sprott Shaw College because the school is known for providing fantastic programs that have great outcomes for students.
How was the admissions process?
It was good! Pre-admission requests were standard and the Sprott Shaw staff were very helpful and make sure I had everything I needed to get started right away.
What program did you choose and why?
I chose the Health Care Assistant Program. I have always had a passion for helping others as well as for working in the medical field The HCA program gave me the opportunity to grow my skills and take on a more hands-on role in helping people.
What was the environment like during your time at Sprott Shaw College?
Due to COVID-19, the majority of our program was delivered online, which I actually enjoyed.
That being said, I also really liked our lab days which took place out of the Education Room at Mount Ida Mews (an accredited Community Care & Assisted Living facility in Salmon Arm).
Where was your practicum or co-op and how was it?
We spent time at two long-term care facilities in our area, Mount Ida Mews and Hillside Village. I also had a 2-week placement with home care.
Mount Ida is a beautiful/newer facility, the staff was very happy to have us and they were eager to teach us and help us refine our skills.
Hillside is a bit more dated and was run differently, overall I enjoyed my time there.
Home care was a great experience, it was nice to get out in the community but it is a lot of driving every day and much less hands-on care.
How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?
I had multiple job offers before graduation!
I decided to go with the facility I enjoyed the most and there was a job waiting for me as soon as I received my registration number.
Where do you work? Can you explain your duties?
I now work at Mount Ida Mews, the same facility that hosted us throughout our course.
My duties include:
- one-on-one personal care
- brief changes
- repositioning residents in bed
- using lifts to transfer residents to and from their bed/chairs
- monitoring of residents’ health status
- interacting and engaging with residents
There are also some minor “chores” such as putting away residents’ laundry and sweeping the dining room.
If you could give advice to someone coming to Sprott Shaw, what would you say?
Enjoy every moment, it’s all over before you know it!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I was very impressed with the program delivery, instructors and staff from the campus.
We were well prepared for our new careers and Sprott Shaw was amazing at connecting us with potential employers.
I felt supported throughout the program and well-prepared for entering the field.
The instructor and staff were very helpful, kind and professional.
Kelsey Walker,
Health Care Assistant Program
Penticton Campus
