Health Care Assistant

26-Week (16 weeks online, 10 weeks practice) Certificate at Trail

Delivered with the following methods: On Campus, Online

Program Calendar

2012

January 3rd to 6th - Orientation/Moodle Training/First Aid
January 9th - Winter semester begins
April 30th - Practicum begins
September 4th - Orientation
September 5th - Fall semester begins

Program Summary

The HCA program has 26 weeks of instruction offered in a blended format with the 16 week lecture content delivered by face-to-face and online format. The 10 week practicum content is delivered in a face-to-face setting. Students can expect to be on campus one day per week for labs. The remaining theory will be delivered online. Please see the Health Care Assistant Welcome Letter.

Program Objectives

The Health Care Assistant Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively as front-line care providers and be a respected member of the health care team in both community and facility settings.

Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, graduates provide person-centered care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients/residents.

Upon completion of the program, graduates receive a Health Care Assistant certificate. The graduates are prepared to work in many settings including home support, assisted living, adult day care, complex care, and special care units.

Special Costs And Travel

Students are required to have uniforms, white duty shoes, a watch with a second hand, and bandage scissors. In addition, students must be prepared to travel to clinical practice agencies. Access to a reliable vehicle is necessary. Students are required to possess a valid BC driver’s license by the start of HCA 107.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Selkirk College Health Care Assistant program is open to individuals who have met the following requirements. Please note, in the chart below, the new math requirements for students entering Grade 10 in the 2010/11 school year.

SECONDARY SCHOOL MATH ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Program Name

Selkirk College

Minimum Requirements

Selkirk College Recommended Requirements

Selkirk College Math Requirement (as of September 2013)

Health Care Assistant (HCA)

Math 10 with a grade of “C+” or better.

Common 10 with a grade of “C+” or better.

English 11 (or equivalent) - C+ or better
Science 10 (or equivalent) - C+ or better
Mathematics 10 (or equivalent) - C+ or better
Applicants who are upgrading in preparation for entry are strongly advised to complete ABE Intermediate Science, including the following five modules: Human Biology, The Cell, Nutrition, Disabilities, and Disease.
Possess current certificate in CPR (Level C) and Standard First Aid.
Up-to-date Criminal Record Search
Up-to-date immunizations
All applicants must complete assessment tests in reading, writing, and math before registration.

Transfer Credit

For transfer information please visit the BC Campus transfer guide website: http://www.cotr.bc.ca/Transfer

Students should contact an academic advisor at Selkirk College or the institution they wish to transfer to for more information.

Recommended Characteristics

A caring attitude. A sincere interest in people of all ages who require all levels of care; this includes individuals who are: mentally or physically disabled, experiencing life threatening situations, confused or requiring rehabilitation.
Good command of oral and written English.
Good manual dexterity.
Any supportive courses in human biology, psychology, sociology, first aid or previous related work experience or education would be an asset.
Flexibility to adjust to early morning and evening practicum shifts, to a variety of clinical settings and locations.

Notes

Clinical and practicum placements are arranged on the basis of student learning needs and available learning experiences. It is not possible to comply with the personal and travel requirements of individual students.
Graduates of the program receive a Health Care Assistant Certificate. This certificate meets curriculum requirements of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology and is recognized within British Columbia.

Program Courses

Course of Studies

Translation key:

Crd = Credits
Lec = Lecture Hours per week;
Lab = Lab Hours per week;
Pra = Practical Hours per week;
Ttl = Total course hours

Courses marked as (D) are available via Distance Education.

Course of Studies
Course	Name	Cred	Lec	Lab	Pra	Ttl
Term 1
HCA 101 (D)	Health & Healing: Concepts for Practice	4	70	0	0	70
HCA 102 (D)	Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice	2	30	0	0	30
HCA 103 (D)	Health 1: Interpersonal Communications	3	50	0	0	50
HCA 104 (D)	Health 2: Lifestyle and Choices	2	30	0	0	30
HCA 105 (D)	Healing 1: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges	7	115	0	0	115
HCA 106 (D)	Healing 2: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive or Mental Challenges	4	60	0	0	60
HCA 107A	Healing 3: Personal Care and Assistance	4	45	45	0	90
	Total:	26	400	45	0	445
Course	Name	Cred	Lec	Lab	Pra	Ttl
Term 2
HCA 107B	Healing 3: Personal Care and Assistance	4	0	0	30	30
HCA 108	Practice Experience in Home Support and Assisted Living	2	0	0	60	60
HCA 109	Practice Experience in Multi-Level/Complex Care	7	0	0	210	210
	Total:	13	0	0	300	300

HCA 101 Health & Healing: Concepts for Practice

This course provides the theoretical framework for practice. Students are introduced to the concepts and values that provide the foundation for competent practice as a HCA. The concepts of caring, person-centered care, basic human needs, human development, family, culture, and diversity are examined. Students are also introduced to the problem-solving model.