Health & Health Technology

During the final clinical placement, students in the College’s HCA Certification program step into the role of an HCA under the guidance of an industry HCA (buddy). BVC instructors observed that there are variations in guidance that students received across facilities. This is specifically influenced by the culture of the placement organizations, staffing burdens, and individual attitudes. This variability, coupled with the absence of standardized training for industry HCAs, is recognized as a hindrance to achieving optimal learning outcomes.

The research project is now complete, and the results presented to CLPNA, the project funder. Recommendations are to develop a standardized training/education for equipping HCAs with the skills needed for guiding students during clinical placement. HCAs come from extraordinarily diverse experience and educational background and the program should fit the needs.