Student perspective: health care assistant Natasha Wilson

 

My name is Natasha Wilson and I’m from the Heiltsuk Nation. I recently completed a health care assistant program (HCA) that was offered through the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) in collaboration with Vancouver Community College (VCC). 

I have always wanted to be involved in the health care field and this program gave me an opportunity to begin my new career! 

In December 2018, I successfully completed the 41-week HCA program with an ‘A’ average. This program was tough, and I had to sacrifice my time with family and friends. The program also entailed a lot of extra study time and clinical testing – which was done after school hours. 

I was very fortunate to have the constant support of ACCESS and the VCC Indigenous Education team, as well as the use of VCC’s Gathering Space, which was very useful for doing assignments to maintain my 3.8 GPA. 

Midway through the HCA program, it became very clear that I wanted to go further with my education and am currently completing more courses. After my prerequisites are done, I will go through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BScN) to work towards becoming a registered nurse. 

I am very grateful to ACCESS and VCC for allowing me to participate in the health care assistant program and begin my health care career. 

Sincerely yours, 

Natasha Wilson 

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Learn more about opportunities and services available at VCC for Indigenous learners, such as priority enrollment, Gathering Spaces, advising, and more by visiting VCC Indigenous Education and Community Engagement.