Working as an integral member of an interpersonal health care team, Supportive Care Assistants (SCA) help clients and other health care staff with non-clinical needs like meal planning and preparation, participating in social activities, tidying rooms, stocking required materials, companionship, and other daily living needs. Their support enables clients to maintain independence while under care.

The Supportive Care Assistant micro-credential is designed to train new workers and provide much-needed support to those living and working in long-term care facilities. It is offered at no cost to students and consists of six weeks of online training followed by a paid work placement.

This program provides an entry-point, exposure, and pathway into the Health Care Aide program for interested students who meet admission criteria. Bow Valley College facilitates the student’s work placement with one of our existing supportive living partners in the community before instruction even begins, or we assist learners to pursue a placement with an organization they wish to work with.

This micro-credential aims to help students discover a new career and learn in-demand skills while serving an increasing need within society. The program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program and is part of CICan’s (Colleges and Institutes Canada) Building Capacity in Long-term Care project.

Who is this course for?

Individuals seeking:

• A career in health care
• Career re-training into a rapidly growing field
• A pathway into the Health Care Aide program

This micro-credential will give you the experience to perform the following job functions:

• Supportive Care Assistant
• Supportive Care Aide

Admissions Requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada (international students or those on work visas cannot register)
• You must be legally entitled to work in Canada according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations
• For English as a second language speakers, it is recommended your English language skills meet or exceed IELTS 6.0; CLB 6; CEFR B2 or equivalent
• You must be able to pass a vulnerable sector police check

Recommended experience and preparation:

• Interest in working with older adults and those requiring assistance
• Ability to communicate effectively with strong interpersonal skills
• Strengths including empathy, resilience, and sensitivity
• Regular access to a computer with an internet connection and recent versions of Google Chrome or Internet Explorer installed
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to learn independently
• Access to transportation for work placement(s)
• Availability to work shifts (evening/nights/weekends)
• Physically able to stand/walk with some bending, twisting and lifting

Course length and commitments: 

6 weeks online followed by 9 weeks (315 hours) of paid work placement.

Interested? Get in touch with us at study@bowvalleycollege.ca!