Learn to function effectively as a frontline caregiver while upgrading your English speaking, reading, writing, and listening for the workplace.
Health Care Assistant – EAL
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What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Provide person-centred 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 well-being of clients and families.
- Provide care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges.
- Provide 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 in sensitive ways 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.
- Demonstrate CLB Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6, and Writing 6 outcomes and standards as evidenced by the performance indicators listed in the current CLB document.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Health Care Assistant EAL Program is 40 weeks in length. The maximum length of time to complete the Health Care Assistant program is 3 years from the date that a student initially started the program.
The program is divided into three levels. Each level consists of theory, laboratory practice, English language instruction and clinical experience. The theory component is delivered through discussion groups, student presentations, lectures, online activities, demonstrations and guest speakers. Students apply the theory component in the laboratory and clinical settings.
Continuous English language skill instruction and support, aligned with expected language outcomes and standards at the target CLB levels, is provided throughout the program as students acquire the skills of a Health Care Assistant.
Level One (16 weeks) is taught primarily in the classroom, laboratory, and intermediate care clinical, and provides a basic framework for the caregiving practice. The concept of caring is the focus. Students are introduced to the continuing care setting in this level.
Level Two (15 weeks) builds on the basic knowledge and skills developed in Level One. Focus is on special areas of care such as the person with dementia and home management. Clinical practice in a special care unit is provided.
Level Three (9 weeks) consists of clinical experience in a complex care facility and a practicum in a community setting.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
All BC Health Care Assistant program applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency as set by the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry. VCC will adhere to the entry requirements set out by the Registry at: https://www.cachwr.bc.ca/Documents/Educators/English-Language-Competency_HCA-Program-Entry_2018.aspx.
- Completion of VCC Health Care Assistant Program’s Self-Declaration form
- English Language Proficiency: The VCC HCA/EAL program requires higher Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) scores for admission than are listed in the Registry document. The CLBPT must have been completed within the last year with a Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 6 and Writing 5.
- Standard First Aid (Red Cross or St. John Ambulance) including current CPR level C or CPR Basic Life Support (BLS).
- CPR certificates expire one year from the date of issue. Current status is required for all clinical and practicum experiences.
- BC Food Safe Certificate Level 1.
Upon Acceptance:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- 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.
- TB Screening
- Within six months of beginning practice education, students must submit a negative TB skin test. If the TB skin test is positive, a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
- Immunizations
- An Immunization Record must be completed
- Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and in some case may be required for practicum placements:
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Varicella (Chicken pox)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (annually)
- 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.
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
- 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, perseverance and dependability
- Ability to use a problem-solving approach
- Physical stamina
- Flexible, adaptable and non-judgmental in adjusting to a variety of working environments
Courses *
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the exception of clinical/practicum experiences. Students will be advised of their clinical/practicum hours once registered and attending the program.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ELSK 0701 | English Language Skills 1 | 7.5 |
| HRCA 1103 | Lifestyle and Choices | 1.5 |
| HRCA 1105 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| HRCA 1120 | Introduction to Practice | 1.5 |
| HRCA 1122 | Personal Care and Assistance 1 | 2.5 |
| HRCA 1135 | Clinical 1 | 2 |
| HRCA 1130 | Health and Healing 1 | 3 |
| HRCA 1140 | Common Health Challenges 1 | 1.5 |
| Credits | 22.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| ELSK 0702 | English Language Skills 2 | 6 |
| HRCA 1224 | Cognitive or Mental Challenges | 3 |
| HRCA 1227 | Clinical 2 | 2 |
| HRCA 1230 | Health and Healing 2 | 1.5 |
| HRCA 1240 | Common Health Challenges 2 | 4.5 |
| HRCA 1232 | Personal Care and Assistance 2 | 3.5 |
| Credits | 20.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| ELSK 0703 | English Language Skills 3 | 3 |
| HRCA 1329 | Clinical 3 | 5 |
| HRCA 1328 | Community Practicum | 2 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 53 | |
* 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 | 5229 | |
| Student union | 192 | |
| College initiative | 151 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 210 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 275 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 487 | |
| 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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Attend an Information Session
Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.