The RCA Program consists of 10 courses, which will be taught 5 hours per day, for a total of 25 hours. Eight of the 10 resident care courses are experiential classroom based lectures and workshops. The last two courses consist of 5 weeks of clinical placement and 2 weeks of preceptorship, whereby each student will be at various government, non-profit, and community care facilities within the lower mainland.
This course focuses on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others and development of effective interpersonal communication skills that can be used in a variety of care giving contexts. Students will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They will have opportunity to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect and active listening skills.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Communications, Active listening, Self Awareness
Medical Terminology covers the broad base for medical terminology, abbreviations and the systems of the body. Students will learn to build medical words using the key components which also include the correct pronunciation and spelling of each term. Students also gain the understanding of proper utilization of terms to describe medical conditions and disease states.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Language Skills, Spelling Skills, Communications, Writing
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 RCA 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 provides students with the opportunity to develop a theoretical framework for practice. Students will be introduced to the philosophical values and theoretical understandings that provide a foundation for competent practice as a RCA. The course focuses on the concepts of caring and person-centered care; basic human needs and human development; family, culture and diversity as they relate to health and healing. Students will also be introduced to a problem-solving model that will be critical to their practice.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Empathy, Problem Solving, Communications
This course introduces students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes associated with aging. Students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students will also be encouraged to explore person-centered practice as it relates to the common challenges to health and, in particular, to end-of-life care.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Symptom Identification, Problem Solving, Empathy
This course builds on content from other courses to assist students to explore concepts and care giving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental challenges. Emphasis is on recognizing behaviors and identifying person-centered intervention strategies.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Symptom Identification, Solution Development, Empathy
This practical course offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the RCA role. The course comprises of class and supervised laboratory experiences which assist the student to integrate theory from other courses to develop care-giver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety and independence of individuals in community and facility contexts.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Lab Skills, Communication, Situation Analysis
An on-site clinical placement provides the students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical skills learned in the classroom. The practicum offers the student experience and allows them to perform appropriate care to 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.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Communication, Workplace Skills, Situational Problem Solving
The preceptorship involves a period of final work experience required for graduation from the RCA program in which students perform actual clinical or other professional care-giving procedures in an appropriate healthcare setting under the immediate supervision of a single, fully qualified individual. The instructor is readily available for consultation with either the student or preceptor.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Communication, Workplace Skills, Situational Problem Solving
Job-hunting is serious business. To be successful, a job seeker will need to organize the job search like a business. Students will develop a resume, a cover letter, and interview skills specified in healthcare area.
NOTE: Students are expected to attend during the Placement host hours of operation. This may be morning, afternoon evenings, overnights and weekends. While on practicum reliable transportation is required.
Skills and Benefits Acquired - Writing, Editing, Job Search Skills, Interview Skills
