Health Care Aide Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

If you have prior work experience as a Health Care Aide (HCA) and wish to meet provincial HCA certification requirements, you may be eligible to challenge the courses in the Health Care Aide program through a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

Challenging the 8 courses in the HCA program involves a high degree of independent study and can take up to 18 months. The process is self-paced and involves challenging lab exams and online theory exams.

PLAR Checklist

1. Apply for the Health Care Aide PLAR Program in-person at the Registrar’s Office on the 3rd floor of our Calgary North Campus. Please bring the following:

$60 application fee
Completed Application Form
Detailed high school transcripts
Proof of meeting English Language Proficiency Requirements

2. Upon acceptance, complete the PLAR Performance Checklist
3. Meet with a coordinator and develop an individualized plan
4. Challenge the HCA courses while taking the mandatory course

Tuition

The cost of challenging all of the HCA courses is approximately $1100. Additional expenses will include the textbook (Mosby’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker), course modules, and police information check fees.

Courses in Program

All candidates take the following mandatory course:

Working as a Health Care Aide (HHC0290)

Candidates will challenge the following 10 courses:

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.

Additional 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 Certificate