The Health Care Assistant Program consists of 8 courses, which are delivered at 22 hours per week. 7 of the 8 healthcare courses are a combination of experiential classroom based lectures, workshops and e learning. The last course consists of 7 weeks of clinical placement in the healthcare industry, whereby each student will gain experience within various government, non-profit, and community care facilities within the lower mainland.
Students will learn how to communicate effectively with clients and their families using verbal and non-verbal methods. They will be able to identify communication barriers associated with hearing and vision loss and know how to apply techniques for effective conflict resolution.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Communications, Conflict Resolution, Empathy
This course provides an introduction to the role of the HCA within the British Columbia Health Care system. Students will be introduced to the healthcare team and the roles and functions of HCAs within the team. Students will also have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice and will be introduced to effective job-finding approaches.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Teamwork, Job Search Strategies, Self Reflection
This course focuses on the roles of the care attendant in the community as well as in the nursing facilities. Students will be able to understand the Canadian health care system and its operations. They will be able to apply critical thinking during emergency situations. The course familiarizes students with ongoing research and its impact on nursing and its practice.Students will complete problem solving assignments that will be critical to their practice. Topics include, pain management in elderly patients, stages of grief and loss and stresses in life and its impact to on health.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Research
This course introduces students to a holistic concept of health and the components of a health enhancing lifestyle. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing issues that can impact lifestyle choices. Students will be introduced to a model that can be applied in other courses to understand the multi-faceted aspects of health and healing.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Self Reflection, Problem Identification, Situation Evaluation
This course focuses on basic anatomy and its physiological components in the most common illnesses affecting the elderly specific to each human system. Students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students will learn terminology associated with cells, tissues, organs and the effects of normal aging. After this course, students will be able to better understand the process of aging and common difficult behaviors of the elderly.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Language, Communications, Scientific Knowledge
This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of Mental Health Disorders and the effects on the patient, family and other caregivers. Students will be able to identify the signs and symptoms of the more common mental health disorders and provide appropriate care with respect and dignity to the individual.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Symptom Identification, Empathy, Problem Solving
In this course students will be taught nursing skills based on the nurse aide’s scope of practice. Topics includes bedside care (including perianal care for both male/female), bed making, catheter care, wound care, mobility and transfers, application of ted stockings, gloving, de gloving and gowning, Oral care, urine bag to leg bag, urostomy and colostomy care, feeding, bed positioning, use of various lifts, use of cane, wheelchair, bedpans, commodes and raised toilet seats.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Clinical Skills, Communications, Problem Solving
An on-site practicum/perceptorship provides the students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical skills learned in the classroom. The practicum offers students the chance to perform appropriate care with their assigned residents. Students will receive an opportunity to observe professionals in practical situations. Students will acquire situational-specific skills and identify areas that may need to be developed further. Students will receive feedback and evaluation of their performance and gain valuable contacts in this diverse field.
NOTE: Students are expected to attend during the Practicum hosts hours of operation. This may be morning, afternoon evenings, overnights and weekends. While on practicum reliable transportation is required.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Communication, Workplace Skills, Situational Problem Solving
