Health Care Assistant

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.

This course is available via Distance Education.

This course provides an introduction to the role of the HCA within the British Columbia health care system. Students are introduced to the health care team and the roles and functions of the HCA within the team. Students also have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice and will be introduced to effective job-finding approaches.

This course is available via Distance Education.

This course focuses on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others, and development of effective interpersonal communication skills that can be used in a variety of care-giving contexts. Students are encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They have opportunity to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect, and active listening skills.

This course is available via Distance Education.

This course introduces students to a holistic concept of health and the components of health-enhancing lifestyles. Students are invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices. Students are introduced to a model that can be applied in other courses to understand the multi-faceted aspects of health and healing.

This course is available via Distance Education.

This course introduces the students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes associated with aging. Students explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students are also encouraged to explore person-centered practice as it relates to the common challenges to health and end of life care.

This course is available via Distance Education.

This course builds on content from other courses to assist students to explore concepts and care giving approaches that allow the student to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental challenges. Emphasis is on recognizing behaviours and identifying person-centered intervention strategies.

This course is available via Distance Education.

This practical course offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the HCA role. The course is comprised of class, supervised laboratory experiences and a one-week supervised experience in a residential care facility. The aim of this course is to assist the student to integrate theory from other courses to develop care-giver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety, and independence of individuals in community and facility contexts.

This course continues from HCA 107A.

Prerequisites:

HCA 107A.

This practice course provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses with individuals and families in a community setting. Opportunity is provided for students to become more familiar with the role of the HCA within the Home Support and Assisted Living setting and gain abilities that prepare graduates to assume the role of the Community Health Worker.

This supervised practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals in a multi-level/complex care setting. A portion of this clinical experience is devoted to working with individuals experiencing cognitive challenges. Opportunity is provided for students to gain expertise and confidence with the role of the HCA within the residential care facility.