The Health Care Assistant program delivered by Cambria College is recognized by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry, all program graduates are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. This program is approved by the Private Training Institution Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
The HCA Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function effectively as front-line caregivers and respected members of a healthcare team. Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, graduates provide person-centered care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual well-being of clients. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of practice settings including home support, assisted living, residential or complex care, special care and acute units, schools, group homes, adult day care and other community care settings.
To be eligible to work as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) in BC, applicants must be registered with BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. For more information, visit https://www.cachwr.bc.ca/Home.aspx
Health Care Assistants are prepared to work in a variety of health care facilities and community agencies. They are important and valued members of the healthcare team. HCA’s promote and maintain the health, safety, independence, comfort and well--being of individuals and families. HCA’s provide personal care assistance and services in a caring manner that recognizes and supports the unique needs, abilities and backgrounds of clients and their families. They work as members of a health care team in a variety of settings with direction and supervision from regulated health care professionals.
(Excerpt from B.C. Health Care Assistants Core Competency Profile, Government of British Columbia, March, 2014, p. 5)
The work done by HCA’s is based on a set of fundamental values, beliefs and ethical principles that are consistently reflected in all aspects of their work with clients, families, team members and others. Amongst these core values, beliefs and principles, which serve as foundations of HCA practice, are those related to:
Prior to Clinical Placement for modules HCA 8 and HCA 9 which are required for Registration, the individual will be required to:
| Course Name | Minimum Course Hours |
|---|---|
| Health and Healing: Concepts for Practice | 70 hours |
|
Health 1: Interpersonal Communications |
50 hours |
|
Health 2: Lifestyle and Choices |
30 hours |
|
Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice |
30 hours |
|
Healing 1: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges |
115 hours |
|
Healing 2: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive or Mental Challenges |
60 hours |
|
Healing 3: Personal Care and Assistance |
120 hours |
|
Theory/Lab Course Hours |
475 hours |
|
Practice Education Experience |
210 hours |
|
Practice Education Experience
Home Support/Assisted Living/Group Home
- Practicum/Preceptorship
|
60 hours |
|
Standard First Aid And food Safe
|
24 hours |
|
Practice Education Hours |
270 hours |
|
Total Minimum Program Hours |
769 Hours |
| Total Hours | 769 |
|---|---|
| Work experience hours | 210 |
| Total Weeks | 29 |
