The Health Care Aide program focuses on developing the core skills needed for individuals with various health care needs.  Topics include personal care, assisting with mobility and nutrition, communication, assisting with medication delivery, and clinical skills.

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It is recommended that you apply at least 8 months prior to the program start date due to the popularity of the program.

During the course of the program, you will learn through a combination for on-campus labs, in-class learning, and clinical instruction.

Applicants considering this program 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 strengths; and function effectively in stressful situations.

Facilities

The Health Care Aide program includes hands-on lab time integrated into several courses.  There are seven healthcare labs laid out in a similar manner to healthcare facilities with equipment commonly used as well as manikins for you to practice your skills on.

Please note that your tuition will not cover items such as:

• Uniforms for lab courses & work integrated learning placements
• Shoes for lab courses & work integrated learning placements
• Lab kits
• Gloves
• Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS)
• Immunization assessment

*the estimated total cost for these course materials can be approximately $850 and are subject to change.

Graduation Requirements

In order to obtain your Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Curriculum 2019 Certificate, you will need to successfully complete the program, enroll in the Alberta Health Care Aide Directory, and pass the Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Examination.

Earn a Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Curriculum 2019 Certificate.

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Course Delivery

The Health Care Aide program is delivered through different pathways that are offered in person on campus and online synchronously. The Health Care Aide program is available in the following delivery options:

• The Main 2-term program is delivered face-to-face. Theory and lab courses are delivered in person at the Bow Valley College main campus in Calgary. All work integrated learning clinical and practicum placement courses are facilitated off site in Calgary and surrounding rural areas.
• The Blended 2-term program is delivered through a blended delivery mode. Theory courses are taught synchronously online through a virtual environment (MS Teams). All lab classes are delivered in person at the Bow Valley College main campus in Calgary. Students are required to attend all exams and in-person assessments at the main campus in Calgary. All work integrated learning clinical and practicum placement courses are facilitated off site in Calgary and surrounding rural areas.

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Practicum Placements (Work Integrated Learning)

You will be required to travel to various locations to complete your work integrated learning placements.  It is each student's responsibility to arrange travel to their clinical and/or practicum sites; placements may be outside the City of Calgary as well as in any area of Calgary.  Every effort is made to schedule student for Work Integrated Learning placements within the time frame of the program. In rare instances there may be a delay in program completion until a Work Integrated Learning placement can be arranged.

Placements may include day shifts, evening shifts, night shifts, and/or weekend shifts.  Shifts are determined by the placement sites and not the college.

A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to your first work integrated learning placement.  Please watch for information regarding submission deadlines for your PIC.  Your PIC will be valid for the duration of your program, unless there are changes to your PIC, in which case a new PIC will be required.  PICs must be dated no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the start of your program.

All students are required to complete an immunization assessment and provide proof of immunization. Students must meet site requirements for immunizations prior to the start of all clinical or practice placements. Not having immunizations could jeopardize your ability to be assigned to a placement and cause a deferral to another term. This may affect your program completion date.

It is recommended for students to have current CPR certification and it must be renewed annually.  Bow Valley College offers FACP9101: Basic Life Support CPR (Healthcare Provider Level) through Extended Education.

There will be an opportunity to get your required N95 mask fitting at the downtown campus before beginning your first placement.  You will be able to register for this course (SAFT9406: N95 Mask Fitting) through MyBVC (or your Regional Administrator) once your program begins.

International applicants will need to obtain a co-op permit prior to any Work Integrated Learning experience.  Please contact International Education for more information.

If students do not meet the requirements for Work Integrated Learning before their first day of placement, they will not be permitted to participate in Work Integrated Learning experiences for that term.