Printable version:

Apply NOW Program FAQ

Health Care Assistant (Home Support/RCA)

The Health Care Assistant Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively as frontline care-givers and respected members of the healthcare team, in community and facility settings. Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients/residents.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work in any level of continuing care, including: home support, adult day care, assisted living, and complex care (including special care units).

If you know the admission requirements,

Find out more about this program:

Program Description Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses Check Course Schedule

Program Description

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.

Note: Students who wish to insert into this program must do so within one year of their previous registration. Students who wish to enrol after a one year period, must take the entire program.

Classes are generally held from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Clinical practicum hours are 7:00 am - 2:00 pm. There is an evening shift if clinical 3 (class times are subject to change).

Topic

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time May September January 7 months Certificate Broadway Full-time

Career Prospects

Health Care Assistants may find employment in the continually growing field of continuing care. Their work will be mainly with the elderly but may also include working with children, young adults, and families. Employment may be in agencies such as intermediate and extended care facilities, special care units for persons with dementia, adult day centres, private homes and home support agencies.

Information about graduate outcomes

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1) Grade 10 graduation or equivalent

2) English 10 or equivalent which includes a Canadian Language Benchmark of Listening 7, Speaking 6, Reading 6, and Writing 5

3) Basic First Aid (Red Cross or St. John Ambulance)

4) BC Food Safe Certificate Level 1 See: FoodSafe

5) Criminal Record Search
In accordance to the Criminal Records Review Act, all individuals who work with vulnerable adults and/or children must complete a Criminal Records Check through the Ministry of Justice. Access http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/criminal-records-review/apply/index.htm to complete the review request. The Criminal Record Form, with payment (no personal cheques), need to be sent directly to the Solicitor General’s Office.

The Criminal Record Check Form will ask for the Organization Name: Vancouver Community College and the Organization Contact Name - Niki Scarfo, Registrar's Office, ID Number 937836 for Dental, BScN, Tutoring ESOL programs and Kathy Andreatta, Registrar's Office, ID Number 113043 for all other VCC programs.

Ensure you use your legal name and that you have applied at VCC under the same name.

Upon Acceptance:
6) Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest xray. For further information about Health requirements click here

7) 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

Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis

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

Program Status

Accepting applications (approximate 1 year waitlist)

VCC is accepting applications from international students.

Apply to this Program

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.871.7458. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $2,266.32

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $11,524.24 $105.00 - All international students pay international tuition fees. For more information, please contact VCC's international education office at study@vcc.ca or 604.443.8600.

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $65.24 Student union fee $75.54 Student union health plan fee $87.80 Student union dental plan fee $83.61 U-Pass $245 Other costs Textbooks, uniforms and supplies: $400

Additional Information

Health Requirements:

Updated immunizations strongly recommended: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B vaccine and current influenza vaccination. Please review Important Health Requirements for the VCC School of Health Sciences.

Courses