Health Care Assistant

* Phase I courses must be successfully completed prior to starting Phase II.
** Phase II course must be successfully completed prior to starting Phase III.

• General Trades admission requirements apply.
• Successful completion of English 12 or equivalent.
• Meet the Minimum HCA Program Entry Requirements.
• Completion of the VIU Health Care Assistant Program's English Competency Self-Declaration form.
• Completion of a Personal Profile form.
• Interview with program faculty.

Notes on Admission

• Indigenous students can apply for reserved seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous students form.
• Fieldwork, practicums, or clinical practice will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students regarding the Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
• Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• Preference may be given to those with 30 hours or more volunteer service in a long-term care setting.
• The following documents are required by the first day of classes:
  • A completed Immunization Requirements Form.
  • Proof of W.H.M.I.S. training.
  • Foodsafe Level I certificate.
  • Standard First Aid certificate is required (that includes CPR Level "C").
• Additional prerequisites required prior to practice experience:
  • Completion of the Health Care Assistant Practice in BC E-Learning Modules (LearningHub).
  • Completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Adult Abuse course (LearningHub).
  • Completion of Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) (LearningHub).
• Not currently open to international students.

Recommended Personal Characteristics

Before applying for this program, students should learn as much as possible about this career. We encourage students to volunteer in a health care facility to familiarize themselves with the role of the Health Care Assistant.  The following traits are critical for student success:

• sensitivity to the needs of others
• trustworthiness, integrity, flexibility
• ability to perform physically demanding tasks within a variety of workspaces 
• ability to speak confidently with people of all ages
• ability to pay close attention to detail
• ability to work quickly with accuracy and efficiency
• ability to manage time effectively and handle responsibility
• ability to problem-solve effectively in a limited time span
• excellent oral and personal hygiene
• willingness to show commitment to program by regular attendance
• ability to be punctual on a consistent basis
• ability to participate in own learning by displaying preparedness for class and clinical settings
• ability to perform basic home management and cooking skills

The program prepares students for employment in complex care facilities, extended care units, acute care, home support agencies and residential settings. Graduates will work primarily with older adults.

Domestic (Canadian)