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Health Care Assistant Certificate

Grad cap icon Certificate
icon Priority admission for Indigenous students 
icon International applicants welcome - PGWP eligible | CIP code 51.3902

This is an academic credit program offered through the Faculty of Health and Human Services.

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Location

Length

Delivery
Campbell River
Fall 		6 months In-person
Full-time
Comox Valley
 WinterSummer		 6 months In-person
Full-time
Port Alberni
 Summer		 8 months In-person
Part-time

Overview

The Health Care Assistant Program at NIC is your pathway to a fulfilling career in healthcare. In this program, you’ll learn essential skills to support individuals with daily living tasks under the supervision of licensed nurses. Throughout the program, you’ll:

  • Develop practical skills in areas like bathing, dressing and mobility
  • Gain theoretical knowledge through classroom activities and labs
  • Participate in two clinical placements in multi-level care and community settings
  • Have opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) to possibly cover up to 50% of the program based on prior experience

Upon completion, you'll be eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, opening doors to high-demand careers in residential care, home-based community care and hospitals.

Apply now

Requirements and courses

Practicum

Student practice experiences in health agencies are essential to the program. You'll gain hands-on experience through placements in complex care facilities and community settings, working with older adults and individuals in their own homes. Most placements are close to the NIC campus, but you may need to travel to other Vancouver Island communities. You'll arrange your own transportation and cover related costs, and be prepared for various shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Careers

Graduates can look for work as nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in the health sector.

$52,140*

Annual median estimated earnings for nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in BC.

Career profile
*based on WorkBC data

Costs

Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

Success in the program requires basic computer skills, strong attendance, professionalism, and access to transportation for clinical practice placements. 

Before starting the program, you must: 

  1. Complete and submit a Criminal Record Check form (sent to you by Admissions upon acceptance).
  2. Submit a completed Personal Immunization form, validated by a healthcare professional.
  3. Ensure you hold and submit a current Standard First Aid with CPR Level C certificate (valid throughout the program).
  4. Ensure you hold and submit a valid Food Safe Level 1 certificate (valid throughout the program). 

These processes (Criminal Record Check, immunization form, and certification submission) may take some time. It is recommended to begin the steps as soon as you are offered a seat in the program to ensure everything is in place before clinical placements begin. 

Yes, a Criminal Record Check is required. You will receive the necessary form from Admissions once you are accepted into the program.

Yes, you must provide certifications for Standard First Aid with CPR Level C and Food Safe Level 1 (or equivalent) before starting the program. These certifications should remain valid throughout the program. 
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