PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
NIC's Health Care Assistant certificate gives you the knowledge, skills and understanding to provide frontline personal care and service to individuals unable to care for themselves. As a respected member of a health care team, you will provide hands-on support while receiving direction and supervision from licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and other health professionals.
You will participate in a range of classroom activities and practice experiences. Working collaboratively with your peers and your instructor, you will master essential critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills.
The classroom is seen as a microcosm of the workplace where your commitment to personal participation, punctuality and responsibility will carry you effectively into the work force. Classes may be scheduled during the day, in the evening and/or on weekends.
Clinical practice experiences occur outside of the college setting. You will have two clinical courses in residential/complex care, where you will refine your ability to care for clients in a respectful, safe, competent and organized manner. During the community component of your practice experience, you will participate in community home support services that are designed to meet the health needs of older adults and others.
Recent updates were made to the HCA Provincial Curriculum and the 2015 provincial curriculum will be implemented September 2016. This ensures that you receive the most relevant, up-to-date curriculum to prepare you for your career.
Upon graduation, you will qualify for registration with BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry. You will be able to competently carry out the roles and responsibilities of a health care assistant in the community or in care facilities; a role that is in high demand across the health sector.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to work in a variety of settings. Health care assistants work in community home support agencies, complex care and assisted living facilities, group homes and adult day programs. Program graduates continue to be in high demand.
Practice Experience
Student practice experiences in health agencies are essential to the program.
You will be placed in complex care facilities that provide residential care and support for a primarily older adult population. In community settings you will provide services and supports to adults living in their own homes. The majority of practice placements are in centres close to NIC campus communities, however it may be necessary to participate in placements in other Vancouver Island communities. You must arrange your own transportation and assume related costs. You may be required to work a variety of shifts; four, six eight and/or 12 hours shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.