The Health Care Assistant program at Edison College exceeded my expectations with its comprehensive curriculum and expert faculty. The hands-on learning approach prepared me effectively for real-world challenges in patient care. Collaborations with classmates from diverse backgrounds enriched my learning experience. I feel fully equipped and confident to advance in my healthcare career.
Health Care Assistant with Co-op
62 Week Diploma Program (includes 600 hour co-op placement)
Hybrid in Victoria, BC
Program Description
Edison College Canada’s Health Care Assistant with Co-op program prepares students for diverse opportunities in the health care field. This program helps students develop the core skills needed to care for clients in a variety of care settings. Topics include personal care, assisting with mobility and feeding needs, communication, assisting with medication, and clinical skills related to palliative and acute care.
Graduates of our Health Care Assistant (HCA) program can work in a variety of health care environments such as: acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, group homes, assisted living facilities and in the community providing home care.
HCAs assist with promoting and maintaining the health, safety, independence, comfort, and well-being of their clients and their families. HCAs provide personal care assistance and services in a caring manner that recognizes and supports the unique care needs, abilities, and backgrounds of clients and their families. They work as members of a health care interdisciplinary team in a variety of settings with direction and supervision from regulated health care professionals.
The BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry reviews and recognizes Health Care Assistant (HCA) programs in B.C. to ensure that they are delivering the provincial curriculum, implementing a common set of training standards and graduating competent front-line health care providers. Confirming that HCAs meet registration requirements is integral to the Registry’s mandate of patient protection and improved standards of care.
This program has been reviewed and approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
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Admission Requirements
- Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or mature student status 19 years of age
- English as First Language Speakers: Evidence of one of the following:
- Proof of completion of Grade 10 English graduation. Applicants must produce transcripts as evidence of completion. A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
- College courses determined to be equivalent to completion of Grade 10 English (or higher) by post-secondary institutions. Applicants must produce transcripts as evidence of completion. A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
- ACCUPLACER Next Generation: Recommended minimum cut scores are as follows: Reading (230), Writing (230), Writeplacer (4)
- English as Second Language Speakers: Evidence of one of the following assessments, completed within the last two years:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): test must be within the last two years, IBT only – Overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or General — test must be within the last two years: Overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing
- Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT): test must be within the last year: Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6 – Note: a CLB Report Card from a LINC Program may also be accepted.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Academic or General — Academic: Aggregate score of 4L or better, with 4L or better in Speaking and Listening and 3H or better in Reading and Writing. General: CELPIP 7 or better in Speaking and Listening and CELPIP 6 in Reading and Writing
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall Score of 60, with no section less than 50
- Pre-Practice Experience Requirements:
- A clear criminal record check via the CRRP – Criminal Records Review Program.
- Immunizations as per Practice Education Guidelines:
- Provide proof of a negative reaction to a TB skin test or a chest x-ray with a note from a physician stating that you are not contagious.
- A note from a physician stating that you are mentally and physically able to perform duties normally associated with your chosen field.
- It is strongly recommended that student immunizations remain current for Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tetanus, Polio, and Diphtheria.
- Completion of Student Practice Education Core Orientation modules
- Completion of First Aid and CPR ‘C’ Certification
- Completion of Food Safe
- Completion of Workplace Violence Prevention Modules
- Successful completion of all theoretical courses with a minimum 70% grade in each course
- Successful demonstration of skills testing in preparation or practice experiences
COURSES
Phase I - Theoretical and Lab Application Courses Phase II - External Training Courses Phase III - Practice Experience Courses HCA-1: Introduction to HCA Practice FoodSafe™ Level I HCA-9: Clinical Placement in Multi-Level and/or Complex Care HCA-2: Concepts of Practice Standard First Aid with CPR C HCA-10 Practicum Experience in Home Support and/or Assisted Living HCA-3: Health 1 Interpersonal Communication Student Practice Education Core Orientation HCA-11: Job Preparation for Health Care Workers HCA-4: Health 2 Lifestyles and Choices Provincial Violence Prevention for Health Care Workers Modules Co-Op Placement HCA-5: Healing 1: Common Health Challenges HCA-6: Healing 2: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges HCA-7: Palliative Care HCA-8: Healing 3: Personal Care and Assistance
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The Health Care Assistant program at Edison College provided me with invaluable skills and knowledge for my career in healthcare. The classes were a lot of fun, and i also liked the flexibility of online and in-person hybrid learning. The instructors were knowledgeable and truly dedicated to student success. The events organized by the college includinbg lunches and pizza dinners were an added bonus
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Choosing the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Edison College has been a game-changer for me. The engaging courses, covering subjects like medical terminology and clinical microbiology, are taught by Kate who is amazing, and always available to provide guidance. I’m thrilled to be on this educational journey and can’t wait to contribute to the healthcare field.
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Studying in the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Edison College has been an incredible experience so far. The small class sizes create a supportive learning environment where I can interact closely with my instructors and fellow classmates. The program’s affiliation with LifeLabs is a fantastic opportunity for hands-on training during the practicum.
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I am currently enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Edison College, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The hybrid delivery, combining online and in-person classes, allows me to balance my studies with other responsibilities. The practical skills I’m learning, such as phlebotomy and clinical chemistry, make me feel confident about a successful career in the medical field.
CAREER & EMPLOYMENT
Complex Care Home Support Group Homes Acute Care Assisted Living Adult Day Care
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