Acute Care for Health Care Assistants

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:

• A Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required in accordance with 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. Applicants to this program should be aware that some practicum placement in hospitals and schools may require completion of a Criminal Records Check indicating no relevant criminal record. After submitting an admissions application, applicants will receive by email a web link and unique college access code to apply and pay for a Criminal Record Check online.
• 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.