Health Programs

Health Care Assistant

• 24–Week Certificate Program
• Offered at the Nanaimo, Cowichan and Powell River campuses
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

Note: VIU also offers a Health Care Assistant - Aboriginal Focus certificate.

Note: The Health Care Assistant program was formerly called the Home Support/Resident Care Attendant program.

The Program

This program is designed to provide students with the theory and skills required to become a caregiver. The major focus is in providing care for people experiencing changes in their functional abilities. This program is offered full-time.

Career Opportunities

The program prepares students for employment in complex care facilities, extended care units, home support agencies and residential settings. Graduates will work primarily with older adults.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• English 12 or equivalent, or assessment test at the Grade 12 level.
• Completion of a Personal Profile form.
• Interview with program faculty.

Notes on Admission

• All admission requirements must be completed and submitted to the Registration Centre before an application will be processed.
• Note: The following documents are required by the first day of classes.
• A completed Immunization Requirements Form.
• Standard First Aid is required (which includes CPR Level "C"). Courses are offered through VIU's Continuing Education for Nanaimo, Duncan, and Powell River.
• Proof of W.H.M.I.S. training. Courses are offered through VIU's Continuing Education for Nanaimo, Duncan, and Powell River.
• Foodsafe Level I certificate. Courses are offered through VIU's Continuing Education for Nanaimo, Duncan, and Powell River.
• Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork, practicums, or clinical practice will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU and processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
• Students with back problems or an inability to work freely in confined spaces may have difficulty meeting the physical demands of this profession.
• Admission to the HCA – Aboriginal Focus program: when offered, admission of qualified applicants who have stated Aboriginal ancestry will be given priority.

Recommended Personal Characteristics

Before applying for this program, students should learn as much as possible about this career. We encourage students to volunteer in a health care facility to familiarize themselves with the role of the Health Care Assistant. The following traits are critical for student success:

• sensitivity to the needs of others;
• ability to move freely in confined spaces;
• ability to speak confidently with people of all ages;
• ability to pay close attention to detail;
• ability to work quickly with accuracy and efficiency;
• ability to manage time effectively and handle responsibility;
• ability to problem-solve effectively in a limited time span;
• excellent oral and personal hygiene;
• willingness to show commitment to program by regular attendance;
• ability to be punctual on a consistent basis;
• ability to participate in own learning by displaying preparedness for class and clinical settings;
• ability to perform basic home management and cooking skills.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Usual start dates for the Nanaimo campus are September and February. Start dates may vary at the Cowichan and Powell River campuses. For further information regarding intake dates and program contacts check the Program Availability List for the Nanaimo, Cowichan, and Powell River campuses.

Program Outline

* Phase I courses must be successfully completed prior to starting Phase II.
** Phase II course must be successfully completed prior to starting Phase III.

Health Care Assistant – Aboriginal Focus

• 28–Week Certificate Program
• Offered at the Cowichan campus
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students

Start Date and Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Start dates for Cowichan campus are February and September 2012. For further information regarding intake dates and program contacts check the Program Availability List for Cowichan campus.

Program Outline

* Phase I courses must be successfully completed prior to starting Phase II.
** Phase II course must be successfully completed prior to starting Phase III.

Updated December 9, 2011