HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT DIPLOMA

The Health Care Assistant Diploma program delivered by Universal Learning Institute is recognized by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. Graduates of the Health Care Assistant Diploma program delivered by Universal Learning Institute are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.

"This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Admission
Requirements

Proof of Grade 10 completion (or equivalent)
Proof of meeting HCA Program Entry- English Language Competency Requirements:
1. For applicants with three years of full-time instruction** in English (English 10 completion or equivalent)
  - Completion of Grade 10 English (or higher). A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
  - Completion of college courses determined to be equivalent to Grade 10 English (or higher) by post-secondary institutions. A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
  - ACCUPLACER Next Generation Test Results: Reading 230, Writing 230 and Writeplacer 4
    
    Note:
    **Three years of full-time instruction in English is defined as three (3) years of full-time secondary and/or postsecondary education in the English language at a recognized institution on the list of Approved English-Speaking Countries. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses will not be considered.
  1. For applicants with less than three years of full-time instruction in English. (Standardized English language proficiency test score)
    - Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) or CLBPT Remote. Test in the last year. Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6.
    - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General or CELPIP Online). Test in the last two years. Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6.
    - International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic, IELTS General or IELTS Academic Online). Test in 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 Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL or CAEL Online). Test in the last two years. Overall Score of 60, with no section less than 50.
    - The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition). Test in the last two years. Overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing.
    - In cases where applicants already hold Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for nurses (CELBAN) results. Test in the last 2 years. Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 6, Writing 6.
      
      Note: CLB Report Card from a LINC Program indicating “Completing” CLB Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7 and Writing 7 AND “Recommended Class Placement” as Speaking 8, Listening 8, Reading 8 and Writing 8 is also acceptable.
For international students, a clear police certificate from country of origin.

Program Description

The Health Care Assistant program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and approaches necessary to function effectively as front-line care-givers, and respected members of the healthcare team, in community and facility settings. Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being of clients/residents.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of practice settings including multi-level or complex care setting, Home Support Agency, Assisted Living Facility and or a Group Home.

Upon completion of the HCA Program, graduates will be able to:

Provide person-centred care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual client.
Use an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, social, cognitive and spiritual well-being of clients and families.
Provide care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges.
Provide care and assistance for clients experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges.
Interact with other members of the health care team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
Communicate clearly, accurately and in sensitive ways with clients and families within a variety of community and facility contexts.
Provide personal care and assistance in a safe, competent and organized manner.
Recognize and respond to own self-development, learning and health enhancement needs.
Perform the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable and professional manner

HCA Hours of Distribution

Concepts for Practice

70 hours

Interpersonal Communications

50 hours

Lifestyle and Choices

30 hours

Introduction to Practice

30 hours

Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges

115 hours

Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive or Mental Challenges

60 hours

Personal Care and Assistance Theory

120 hours (including 78 hours of Lab Practice)

Practice Education Experience: Multi-level/Complex Care Facility

150 hours of Instructor-led Clinical

60 hours of Practicum/Preceptorship

Practice Education Experience: Home Support/ Assisted Living/ Group Homes