This two-year diploma program for international students is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the field of health care and community support.

Tailored to meet the unique needs of international students, this program combines theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experiences to foster a holistic understanding of health care practices and community engagement. Participants will gain expertise in providing assistance to individuals in various health care settings, including long-term care facilities and community organizations.

The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence and an understanding of diverse health care systems, preparing students to thrive in multicultural environments. Graduates of this program emerge with the necessary qualifications and confidence to contribute positively to health care and community support services.

English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate proficiency in English as outlined by the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, including standardized proficiency assessments and required scores in all four language skills areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Minimum Program Entry Requirements

Special Costs and Travel

Students are required to have uniforms and footwear that comply with WorkSafeBC standards. This can be purchased after arrival in Canada. In addition, students must be prepared to travel to clinical practice agencies. Access to a reliable vehicle is necessary. Students are required to possess a valid BC driver’s license by the start of HCA 107.

Clinical and practicum placements are arranged on the basis of student learning needs and available learning experiences. It is not possible to comply with the personal and travel requirements of individual students.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Provide person‐centred care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual client

2. Use an informed problem‐solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual health and well‐being of clients and families

3. Provide person‐centred care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges

4. Provide person‐centred care and assistance for clients experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges

5. Interact with other members of the health care team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals

6. Communicate clearly, accurately, and sensitively with clients and families in a variety of community and facility contexts

7. Provide personal care and assistance in a safe, competent, and organized manner

8. Recognize and respond to own self‐development, learning, and health enhancement needs

9. Perform the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable, and professional manner

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following Health Care Assistant Program requirements to be considered qualified for conditional acceptance and receive a seat offer:In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following Health Care Assistant Program requirements to be considered qualified for conditional acceptance and receive a seat offer:

a) Proof of Grade 10 completion (or equivalent) OR mature student status

b) Proof of meeting HCA Program Entry English Language Competency Requirements

(i) For applicants with three years of full-time instruction in English*: English 10 completion or equivalent

(ii) For applicants with less than three years of full-time instruction in English*: Standardized English language proficiency test score

*Defined as three (3) years of full-time secondary and/or post-secondary education at a recognized institution3 on the list of Approved English-Speaking Countries. Secondary education will be considered starting from grade 8. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses will not be considered.

Additional Requirements

All applicants must submit:

Completed HCA program application form.
Completed computer knowledge self-assessment form. To be successful in coursework and support job readiness, students need to possess basic computer skills including navigation of the internet, file management, accessing online information, email, and word processing.
Three completed personal references from counsellors, employers, instructors, or supervisors.
Official transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary education; an interim transcript statement is acceptable if the applicant is currently taking a prerequisite.
Domestic students must submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC) clearance letter by the Criminal Record Check from the Criminal Records Review Program, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults.
International students must submit a clear police certificate from the country of origin prior to acceptance given that HCA students provide care to vulnerable clients within the practice education portion of the program. To avoid potential hardship for students arriving from another country, the police certificate is an admission requirement. For further information, see information provided at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates/how.html.

Graduation and Promotion

Promotion to Semester 2 requires satisfactory completion of all courses in Semester 1. Semester 3 requires satisfactory completion of all courses in Semester 2, Semester 4 requires satisfactory completion of all courses in Semester 3.

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