Expand your Health Care Assistant career by learning how to address the unique needs of acutely ill patients and work as a member of a nursing team.
This program is currently under review. Please check this page for updates.
This program is currently under review. Please check this page for updates.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Practice within acute care settings in a professional, ethical, and legal manner.
- Utilize a problem solving approach to provide safe client care under the supervision of a nurse.
- Demonstrate basic observation and reporting skills while providing care for a client.
- Communicate effectively with members of the health team regarding client status.
- Provide appropriate nutrition for surgical and/or acute care clients who are on special diets.
- Respond appropriately and within the Health Care Assistant scope of practice to common medical emergencies.
- Effectively manage client pain.
- Establish appropriate relationships with clients and members of the health care team.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Acute Care Skills for Health Care Assistants Program is 20 weeks part time- 2 days/week theory, 2 weeks full time clinical. Maximum allowable time for students to complete the program is one year.
This program is divided into three courses. The first course consists of theory related to the care of acutely ill patients. The theory component is delivered through discussion groups, student presentations, demonstrations, and lectures. Students apply the theory component in the second course which features care skills being taught and practiced in the nursing skills laboratory. During the lab sessions students will practice on each other. The third course is a clinical experience in an acute care setting, where students have the opportunity to apply knowledge or skills from the first and second course.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
Health Care Assistant Certificate, or equivalent, from a BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry recognized educational institution:
Educational institutions accepted as per the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry
An equivalent Health Care Assistant certificate may be submitted to be reviewed by the Continuing Care department leader.
Minimum of 800 hours experience as a Health Care Assistant in a complex care facility within the last three years, or its equivalent, as confirmed by a letter from the employer.
- Current BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry number.
- Standard First Aid (Red Cross or St. John Ambulance)
- Current CPR level C or HCP certificate
Upon Acceptance:
- 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 requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Submission of a negative TB skin test. If the skin test is positive, proof of a negative TB Chest x-ray is required.
- A completed VCC Health Sciences 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
- 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.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Skilled in providing personal assistance to clients
- Effective command of oral and written English
- Ability to work under close supervision
- Ability to act with initiative
- Physical stamina
- Ability and willingness to adapt to changing shifts
- Ability to work in a fast paced health care environment
- Free from latex sensitivity or allergy
- Flexibility
Courses *
Wednesday and Thursday in the afternoon or evenings. The clinical experience at the end of the program will run for two weeks, Monday to Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HRCA 1325 | Acute Personal Care & Assistance | 1.5 |
| HRCA 1320 | Working in Acute Care | 4.5 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Term Two | ||
| HRCA 1331 | Acute Care Clinical | 2 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
- *
These courses are a prerequisite to Course HRCA 1331 Acute Care Clinical.
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* 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.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 790 | |
| Student union | 128 | |
| College initiative | 23 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 32 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 221 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| 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. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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This program is currently under review. Please check this page for updates.
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