Learn to function effectively as a frontline caregiver while upgrading your English speaking, reading, writing, and listening for the workplace.
What you will learn
Upon completion of the Health Care Assistant/ESL Program, graduates will be able to:
- Provide person-centred care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual client.
- Use an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, social, cognitive and spiritual well-being of clients and families.
- Provide care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges.
- Provide care and assistance for clients experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges.
- Interact with other members of the healthcare team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
- Communicate clearly, accurately and in sensitive ways with clients and families within a variety of community and facility contexts.
- Provide personal care and assistance in a safe, competent and organized manner.
- Recognize and respond to own self-development, learning and health enhancement needs.
- Perform the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable and professional manner.
What to expect
The program is divided into three levels. Each level consists of theory, laboratory practice, and/or clinical experience. The theory component is delivered through discussion groups, student presentations, lectures, online activities, demonstrations and guest speakers. Students apply the theory component in the laboratory and clinical settings. Continuous language support for learners with an additional language is provided throughout the program as they acquire the skills of a Health Care Assistant.
Level One (16 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 (15 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. Clinical practice in a special care unit is provided.
Level Three (9 weeks) consists of clinical experience in a complex care facility and a practicum in a community setting.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- All BC Health Care Assistant program applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency as set by the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry. VCC will adhere to the entry requirements set out by the Registry at: http://www.cachwr.bc.ca/getattachment/Educators/English-Language-Competency_HCA-Program-Entry.pdf.aspx. Please note the VCC HCA/ESL program requires higher Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) scores for admission than are listed in the Registry document. The CLBPT must have been completed within the last six months with a Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 6 and Writing 5.
- Standard First Aid (Red Cross or St. John Ambulance) including CPR level C or Health Care Provider CPR.
- BC Food Safe Certificate Level 1.
Upon Acceptance:
- A Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act through the BC Ministry of Justice.
- Submission of a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test. If the TB skin test is positive, proof of a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
- A completed immunization history (forms and more detail obtained per Registrar's Office)
- Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended, and may be required for practice placement in the program:
- Diphtheria/Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (Flu vaccine) — required annually
- Regulations stipulate that a properly fitted respiratory mask must be used when providing care to patients with suspected, known, or probable cases of acute respiratory infections. The respiratory mask must be a N95 respirator that is individually fitted by a trained and certified person. This individual mask fitting should be done just prior to beginning your program and is good for one year and must be performed annually. The original certificate must be presented to your program during the first week of classes. Please view online list of approved fit test service providers. Fit Test Service Providers
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
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 a 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.
Courses
*| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ELSK 0701 | English Language Skills 1 | 7.5 |
| HRCA 1103 | Lifestyle and Choices | 1.5 |
| HRCA 1105 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| HRCA 1120 | Introduction to Practice | 1.5 |
| HRCA 1122 | Personal Care and Assistance 1 | 2.5 |
| HRCA 1135 | Clinical 1 | 2 |
| HRCA 1130 | Health and Healing 1 | 3 |
| HRCA 1140 | Common Health Challenges 1 | 1.5 |
| Credits | 22.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| ELSK 0702 | English Language Skills 2 | 6 |
| HRCA 1224 | Cognitive or Mental Challenges | 3 |
| HRCA 1227 | Clinical 2 | 2 |
| HRCA 1230 | Health and Healing 2 | 1.5 |
| HRCA 1240 | Common Health Challenges 2 | 4.5 |
| HRCA 1232 | Personal Care and Assistance 2 | 3.5 |
| Credits | 20.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| ELSK 0703 | English Language Skills 3 | 3 |
| HRCA 1329 | Clinical 3 | 5 |
| HRCA 1328 | Community Practicum | 2 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 53 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs
*| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition | 25770 |
Tuition Breakdown
0 - 1
0 - 2
0 - 3
0 - 4
|
| Student union | 160 | |
| College initiative | 142 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 258 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical & Dental | 280 | |
| U-PASS | 425 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
For more information and tips, see How to Apply