Health Care Assistant Certificate
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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- High school graduation or mature student status, with a minimum English 10 or equivalent, and Math 10 or equivalent.
*HCA program applicants who have not been educated in an English-speaking environment (a country with English language systems/institutions) are required to meet English language requirements as outlined in the BC Care Aide Registry.
PRE-PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS - PDF
- Standard First Aid Certification with CPR level "C"
- BC Food Safe Certificate Level 1
- Proof of a negative TB skin test. In case of a positive TB skin test, a negative TB chest x-ray report is required. (This requirement is only valid for 6 months)
- Solicitor General Criminal Record Search that reveals the absence of a criminal record
- Updated immunizations - measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, and current influenza vaccination and Covid vaccinations.
RECOMMENDED CHARACTERISTICS
- Ability to work under direction and to act with initiative as a member of the health care team
- A genuine concern for the well-being of others
- Patience and perseverance
- Flexibility, trustworthiness, and dependability
- Maturity
- Ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English
- High standard of personal hygiene and grooming
- Ability to use problem-solving approach
- Physical stamina
- No sensitivity or allergy to latex
- Ability to work in environments where standards may be different from one's own
ACTIVITIES & DESIGN
The program is divided into three levels. Each level consists of theory, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. The theory component is delivered through discussion groups, student presentations, lectures, demonstrations and guest speakers. Students apply the theory component in the laboratory and clinical settings.
Level One (12 weeks) is taught primarily in the classroom, laboratory, and intermediate care clinical, and provides a basic framework for the caregiving practice. The concept of caring is the focus. Students are introduced to the continuing care setting in this level.
Level Two (8 weeks) builds on the basic knowledge and skills developed in Level One. Focus is on special areas of care such as the person with dementia and home management.
Level Three (7 weeks) consists of clinical experience in a complex care facility, special care unit, and a community setting.
The Health Care Assistant certificate is earned with the completion of all 28.5 credits listed under the Health Care Assistant completion plan.
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Level One
HTCA-104 - Interpersonal CommunicationsHTCA-111 - Lifestyle & ChoicesHTCA-116 - Introduction to HTCA PracticeHTCA-121 - Concepts for PracticeHTCA-126 - Personal Care Assistance I
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Level Two
HTCA-152 - Cognitive Or Mental ChallengesHTCA-153 - Common Health ChallengesHTCA-156 - Personal Care Assistance IIHTCA-159 - Community Practicum
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Level Three
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Course Listing for this program
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HTCA-104 - Credits: 2.000
Interpersonal Communications
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 will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They will have opportunities to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect and active listening skills.
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Prerequisites: Grade 12, with minimum English 10 & Math 10 or equivalen
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HTCA-111 - Credits: 1.000
Lifestyle & Choices
This course introduces students to a holistic concept of health and the components of a health-enhancing lifestyle. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices. Students will be introduced to a model that can be applied in other courses to understand the multi-faceted aspects of health and healing.
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Prerequisites: Grade 12, with minimum English 10 & Math 10 or equivalen
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HTCA-116 - Credits: 1.000
Introduction to HTCA Practice
This course provides an introduction to the role of the Health Care Assistant within the British Columbia health care system. Students will be introduced to the healthcare team and the roles and functions of Health Care Assistants within the team. Students will also have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice and will be introduced to effective job-finding approaches.
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Prerequisites: Grade 12, with minimum English 10 & Math 10 or equivalen
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HTCA-121 - Credits: 2.500
Concepts for Practice
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop a theoretical framework for practice. Students will be introduced to the philosophical values and theoretical understandings that provide a foundation for competent practice as a Health Care Assistant. The course focuses on concepts of caring and person-centred care, basic human needs, human development, family, culture and diversity as they relate to health and healing. Students will also be introduced to a problem-solving model that will be critical to their practice.
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Prerequisites: Grade 12, with minimum English 10 & Math 10 or equivalen
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HTCA-126 - Credits: 2.000
Personal Care Assistance I
This practical course offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the Health Care Assistant role. The course is comprised of class and supervised laboratory experiences which assist the student to integrate theory from other Health Care Assistant courses to develop introductory care-giver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety and independence of individuals in community and facility contexts.
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Prerequisites: Grade 12, with minimum English 10 & Math 10 or equivalen
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HTCA-152 - Credits: 2.000
Cognitive Or Mental Challenges
This course builds on content from other Health Care Assistant courses to assist students to explore concepts and care-giving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental challenges. The emphasis is on supporting clients with dementia, recognizing responsive behaviours and identifying person-centered intervention strategies.
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Prerequisites: HTCA104 / HTCA166 / HTCA126 / HTCA121 / HTCA116 / HTCA111
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HTCA-153 - Credits: 4.000
Common Health Challenges
This course introduces students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes associated with aging. Students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students will also be encouraged to explore person-centred practice as it relates to the common challenges to health and, in particular, to end-of-life care.
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Prerequisites: HTCA111 / HTCA166 / HTCA126 / HTCA121 / HTCA116 / HTCA104
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HTCA-156 - Credits: 2.000
Personal Care Assistance II
This practical course follows the Personal Care Assistance I course, and offers students the opportunity to acquire further personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the Health Care Assistant role. The course is comprised of class and supervised laboratory experiences which assist the student to integrate theory from other Health Care Assistant courses to continue to develop care-giver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety and independence of individuals in community and facility contexts.
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Prerequisites: HTCA116 / HTCA104 / HTCA166 / HTCA126 / HTCA111 / HTCA121
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HTCA-159 - Credits: 2.000
Community Practicum
This practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills they have learned in other Health Care Assistant courses with individuals and families in a community setting. Opportunity will be provided for students to become more familiar with the role of the Health Care Assistant within a home support agency, assisted living facility, and/or a group home, and to gain abilities that will prepare graduates for employment in these settings. It is important that students understand the philosophy of community care settings and its' emphasis on client choice and independence.
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Prerequisites: HTCA-152 / HTCA-156 / HTCA-153
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Current Course Offerings
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01 = Merritt Campus
V1 = Burnaby Campus
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Spring 2024 (January - April)
HTCA-159-01
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Fall 2024 (September - December)
HTCA-104-01HTCA-111-01HTCA-116-01HTCA-121-01HTCA-126-01HTCA-152-01HTCA-153-01HTCA-156-01
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Spring 2025 (January - April)
HTCA-159-01
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