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Health Care Assistant

CREDENTIAL: Diploma
START DATES

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Learn to provide person-centered care and promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients in continuing care environments in British Columbia.

Tuition: 45933*
Credential: Diploma
Length: 2 0 years
Hours: Full-time
Delivery: Class-based
Program Flyer: Download /media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/international/flyer-health-care-assistant-diploma.pdf
Campus: Broadway Broadway
Start Dates: May, Sep
 

What you will learn

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • Provide person-centered 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 health and well-being of clients and families.
  • Provide person-centred care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges.
  • Provide person-centred 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 sensitively 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 four terms. The theory component is delivered through class discussion groups, student presentations, lectures, online activities, demonstrations and guest speakers. Students apply the theory in the laboratory, clinical and practicum settings. Instruction in professional communication skills is provided throughout the program to support success in students' studies and the workplace. 

Admission requirements

Program-specific

To be Completed During Term 1:

  • Standard First Aid (Red Cross or St. John Ambulance) including current CPR level C or BLS.  
    • CPR certificates expire one year from the date of issue. Current status is required for all clinical and practicum experiences.
  • Criminal Record Check
    • Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the practice education requirements of the program or graduate. 
  • TB Screening
    • Within the first term, students must submit a negative TB skin test. If the TB skin test is positive, a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
    • An Immunization Record must be completed
    • Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and in some case may be required for practice education placements:
      • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
      • Polio
      • Measles, Mumps & Rubella
      • Varicella (Chicken pox)
      • Hepatitis B
      • Influenza (annually)
      • COVID-19
  • N95 Respiratory Mask
    • An N95 respirator mask that is individually fitted by a trained provider, following CSA guidelines.
    • The individual mask fitting should be done just prior to beginning the program. Mask fitting must be done annually. Students are responsible for the cost of the mask fitting.
    • The original certificate must be presented to the department on the first day of class.
    • Please see Respiratory Mask Fit Testing Information

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

  • A genuine concern for the well-being of others.
  • Patience and perseverance.
  • Flexibility, trustworthiness, and dependability.
  • High standard of personal hygiene and grooming.
  • Physical stamina.
  • No sensitivity or allergy to latex.
  • Ability to work in environments where standards of conduct may be different from one’s own.

Courses *

Classes are usually held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Class times are subject to change. 

This program includes off-campus practice education at health care sites primarily located in Burnaby, Vancouver and Richmond. As practice education involves day and evening shifts that can start at 6:30 a.m. or end at 10:00 p.m., students are encouraged to choose accommodations that are close to Skytrain stations to reduce the challenge of relying on early morning or night buses.

Prior learning assessment and recognition

Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.

* 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 *

Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit

12750 (10000 non-refundable)

Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Application fee145
Tuition Tuition 45933
Tuition Breakdown
0 - 1
0 - 2
0 - 3
0 - 4
0 - 5
Student union283
College initiative195
Materials0 not including textbooks
Campus resource460
Laundry0
Tools (deposit)0
Coverall (deposit)0
Uniform (deposit)0
Medical and Dental 570
Temporary Medical Insurance 149
U-PASS 736
Graduation45
Program-specific extra fees0
Total
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.

This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.

* 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

May 2025
(Spring/Summer term)
 June 01, 2024
Sep 2025
(Fall term)
 September 20, 2024

STATUS INFORMATION

  • Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
  • Closed: Applications are not accepted.
  • For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.
ONLINE
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the application availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.

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