Health Care Aide Certificate (Part-Time)

Upon completion of this part-time program, candidates will be awarded with a Bow Valley College/Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Certificate.

This program focuses on developing the core skills needed to care for clients in the health care field. Topics include personal care, assisting with mobility and feeding needs, communication, assisting with medication delivery, and clinical skills.

This self-paced program begins every 2 months and combines online learning, labs, and clinical experience. Students complete theory components online and lab components at the downtown Calgary campus. Learners also complete five weeks of full-time clinical practicum in long-term care, acute care and community/home care settings.

It is recommended that candidates complete 2-3 courses per four-month semester, which allows the program to be completed in 18 months. Depending on the course load, learners will need to attend on-campus labs 5-6 times per month.

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to travel to various locations in order to complete their clinical and practicum placements. Every effort is made to accommodate students in clinical placements within the time frame of the program, however in rare instances there may be a delay in program completion until a clinical placement can be arranged. Clinical shifts may include evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Tuition

Please refer the Program Tuition Fee Chart for tuition and fee details. Additional expenses will include the textbook (Mosby’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker), course modules, and police information check fees. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for advice on financing your education.

Courses in Program

Course	Credits	Hours
Communication in the Health Care Environment (HHC0291)	2	30
Structure and Function of the Human body - Health and Chronic Illness (HHC0248)	3	45
Working as a Health Care Aide (HHC0290)	3	45
Providing Client Care and Comfort (HHC0249)	4	60
Meeting Complex Care Needs (HHC0292)	3	45
Special Activities for Diverse Clients (HHC0293)	3	45
Assist with Medication Delivery (HHC0260)	1	15
Client Care Clinical Experience (HHC0252)	4	120
Client Care Practicum (HHC0251)	2	80

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Credit in either English 10-1 or 10-2 or equivalent

OR:

Successful completion of the General Equivalency Development test (GED) with a standard score of 450 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing

OR:

Satisfactory results on the BVC Admissions Test

English Language Proficiency Requirements

See English Language Proficiency Requirements for details.

Pre-Program Requirement

Current Police Information Check (PIC) with a vulnerable sector search must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of classes in order to maintain a seat in the program. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent practicum placement or professional registration. Updated PICs must be submitted every 6 months.

Pre-Practicum Requirements

Immunization Requirements must be met one month prior to first practicum placement. Detailed instructions will be provided to successful applicants in acceptance package.
A current CPR Healthcare Provider Level Certificate is recommended and often required by employers.
Applicants must be able to work shifts and weekends, be on their feet for extended periods of time, use their knees, back, and arms to move clients who have minimal body strength and function effectively in stressful situations.

Transferability

Bow Valley College - Health Care Aide Bridging to Practical Nurse Diploma Program
Bow Valley College - Recreation Therapy Aide