Health Care Aide Certificate (Full-Time)

After 4 months of full-time on-campus study, candidates will earn a Bow Valley College / Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Certificate.

This program focuses on developing the core skills needed to care for clients in the health care field. Topics include personal care, assisting with mobility and feeding needs, communication, assisting with medication delivery, and clinical skills.

Program delivery combines on-campus labs, classroom learning, and clinical instruction in long-term care, acute care and community/home care settings. Clinical shifts may include days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Due to the popularity of this program, it is recommended to apply at least 4 months prior to the program start date.

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to travel to various locations in order to complete their clinical and practicum placements. Every effort is made to accommodate students in clinical placements within the time frame of the program, however in rare instances there may be a delay in program completion until a clinical placement can be arranged.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Refer to the Program Tuition Fee Chart for an estimate of the cost of completing a Bow Valley College career program. When creating a budget, consider the costs of tuition, student fees, textbooks, learning materials, and police information check fees. Attend a Financial Aid Information Session for advice on financing a Bow Valley College education.

Courses in Program

Curriculum is subject to change.

Course	Credits	Hours
Communication in the Health Care Environment (HHC0291)	2	30
Structure and Function of the Human Body - Health and Chronic Illness (HHC0248)	3	45
Working as a Health Care Aide (HHC0290)	3	45
Providing Client Care and Comfort (HHC0249)	4	60
Meeting Complex Care Needs (HHC0292)	3	45
Special Activities for Diverse Clients (HHC0293)	3	45
Assist with Medication Delivery (HHC0260)	1	15
Client Care Clinical Experience (HHC0252)	4	120
Client Care Practicum (HHC0251)	2	80

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Credit in either English 10-1 or 10-2 or equivalent

OR:

Successful completion of the General Equivalency Development test (GED) with a standard score of 450 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing

OR:

Satisfactory results on the BVC Admissions Test

English Language Proficiency Requirements

See English Language Proficiency Requirements for details.

Pre-Program Requirement

Current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date in order to maintain a seat in the program. The existence of a criminal record will likely postpone or prevent practicum placement or employment as a Health Care Aide. Updated PICs must be submitted every 6 months.

Pre-Practicum Requirement

Immunization Requirements must be met prior to participating in practicum placements. Details will be provided after being accepted into the program. Up-to-date immunizations are valid for the duration of the program.

Additional Recommendations

A current CPR Healthcare Provider Level Certificate is recommended and often required by employers.
Applicants 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 strength and function effectively in stressful situations.

Transferability

Bow Valley College - Health Care Aide Bridging to Practical Nurse Diploma Program (upon completion of 1,900 hours of work experience as a Health Care Aide)
Bow Valley College - Recreation Therapy Aide Certificate Program