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Health Care Assistant

Health Care Assistant

QUICK FACTS

Credential:
Certificate

Duration:
24 weeks

Format:
Full time

How to apply

Start date:
September, January 

Location:
Chilliwack campus at CEP

Cost:
(Details)

FEATURES:

  • Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
  • Graduates of the Health Care Assistant program are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
  • Program eligible for financial aid

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

As part of B.C.’s response to COVID-19, UFV has partnered with the Province of British Columbia to provide a coordinated employment and education pathway for Health Care Assistants (HCA). Those interested in beginning a career as an HCA will use the government process to apply to the Health Career Access Program and follow those requirements once accepted. UFV is not currently accepting applications directly for the Health Care Assistant certificate at this time. UFV’s regular application process will resume at the completion of the government initiative. More information of the Health Care Assistant program can be found at BC's Work in the health care sector site.

The demand for health care assistants is at an all-time high, particularly in the Fraser Valley with an aging population.

Start a career in this rewarding field and enjoy the job search advantage provided by top-notch training from a reputable school with UFV's Health Care Assistant (HCA) program. The 24-week program is designed to provide you with the opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as a front-line caregiver and respected member of the health care team, in community and facility settings.

Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, you learn to provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients, residents, or patients.

You explore the main areas of health and wellness, including:

  • Interpersonal communications
  • Lifestyle choices
  • Concepts for health and healing
  • The role of a health care assistant within a practice
  • Personal care skills
  • Special needs in home support, residential and acute care

In addition to classroom instruction, the Health Care Assistant program offers laboratory instruction, providing you with a variety of clinical experiences to get you job-ready. You also complete a practicum experience with a local health facility in the Fraser Valley to gain work experience and make connections in the industry.

See program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar

As a UFV graduate of the Health Care Assistant program, you are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. This 24-week certificate program is recognized as a five-year credential by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.

Application cut-off dates:

  • January start date (Applications due Sep 1, or until spots are filled)
  • September start date (Applications due May 1, or until spots are filled)

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

With an aging population, our graduates are in high demand. Our program trains you to provide daily, personal care for clients with chronic health problems. Many HCAs find employment in residential care facilities: Others find employment in home support, providing care in the individual’s house rather than an institutional setting. A small number of HCAs are employed in acute care areas in hospitals.

The First Nations Health Authority promotes opportunities for young, passionate, and educated BC First Nations and Aborignial youth. Check out their health careers guidebook for info about specific health careers.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

QUESTIONS?

Phone: 604-795-2841
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441, ext 2841
Fax: 604-858-4773
Email: healthstudies@ufv.ca
or ask online

“This program has helped me develop an understanding of the health care profession and opened doors into the industry. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to work directly with patients and make a difference in their lives.”

  • – Amanda Dyck
  •    Health Care Assistant grad

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