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Health Care Assistant Certificate

Please Note: This program is currently in development and not all of the courses are available for registration. At this time, students are only able to register in HLTH 1051, HLTH 1001, HLTH 1011, HLTH 1101 and HLTH 1201.

* Program is available to applicants residing in British Columbia

This 30 credit certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to become successful health care workers promoting the health, independence, safety and well-being of older adults. Through a hands-on approach, the program teaches the fundamentals of a person-centered approach to health care based on individual needs, respectful communication and ethical, caring practice. As members of a health care team, Health Care Assistants may work in a variety of residential care facilities or in home/community settings.

Admission Requirements

Open admission – All persons are eligible for general admission to Open Learning and can apply for HLTH 1051, Health 1: Interpersonal Communications and HLTH 1001, Health2: Lifestyle and Choices.

Program admission requirements include:

  1. Educational and Experiential Requirements
    • Grade 11 is recommended
    • Satisfactory completion of English Assessment, as per TRU-OL guidelines, is recommended
    • Volunteer experience or experience working with the elderly is recommended
  2. General Admission Requirements (Pre-Program Admission)
    • Ability to use the computer and Internet at a basic skill level is strongly recommended
    • Program discussion with Health Care Assistant Coordinator is strongly recommended
  3. Additional Admission Requirements
    • Criminal Records Check (conducted annually) is required*(PDF form writable PDF Document) 
    • Red Cross Emergency First Aid with CPR Level C (or equivalent) or CPR-HCP, Health Status Self-Declaration (Medical) is required
    • Up-to-date immunizations are required
    • Food Safe Certificate is required
    • WHMIS Certificate is required

* A criminal records check is a pre-practicum and pre-employment requirement for most agencies. Please be advised that a criminal record may limit practicum placement and prevent program completion.

It is suggested that the student should be in good physical health and capable of carrying out the skills required of a Health Care Assistant (HCA) to provide care to clients. It is important that the prospective HCA demonstrates a caring and interested attitude toward older adults and physically challenged persons and be willing to work with these clients and their families to encourage independence. Flexibility and maturity are desirable. The prospective student is strongly advised to volunteer in a residential care facility and to talk to a Home Support Worker before registering for the program.

Note: Students may be enrolled in theory-based courses, but will not be formally admitted to the program until all admission requirements are met. Students can’t take lab practice or practicum courses until requirements for formal admission to the program are complete.

The following requirements/certificates must be current for entry into lab practice and practicum settings:

  • Red Cross Emergency First Aid with CPR (or equivalent) or CPR-HCP
  • Food Safe certificate
  • WHMIS
  • Up-to-date immunization
  • Criminal Record Check

An official record of immunizations is required (immunizations and official record/s may be obtained from a physician, nurse practitioner or local health unit). Required immunization as per current BC Health recommendations.

Certificate Requirements

A minimum of 30 credits are required for certificate completion. The grading scale will follow TRU Grading Systems Policy for vocational programs. Students must achieve a C grade (70%) in each required course to pass. Students must pass each course to continue in the program.

Residency Requirements

13 credits of TRU coursework: specifically HLTH 1153, HLTH 1155, HLTH 1301, HLTH 1251

Note:
Courses with practicum activities are held in BC and are available only to students residing in BC. Applicants residing outside BC who want to complete the program may participate at practicum sites in BC if appropriate arrangements can be made. Punctual attendance and active participation is required. Students are responsible for all costs associated with labs and practice activities. Labs and practica activities may be limited by geographic location, time of year, space and enrolment. Practica placements cannot be guaranteed in the student's home region.