Health Care Aide Distance Study

The Health Care Aide program allows graduates to work in home care, long term care facilities and hospital settings.

If you are a caring person who likes to help people, the Health Care Aide (HCA) program may be for you. As a HCA, you will help the health-care team provide care to clients who need assistance. NorQuest’s Health Care Aide program helps learners gain the skills they need to become part of an effective health care team. This program provides the hands-on experience employers are looking for.

In this method of program delivery you will use course materials, skills videos and skill practice kits. Some workshops are presented by Internet. You can use your home computer or access one at YREC.

You will be involved in self-directed study and attend weekend workshops to practice skills. Instructor help is available by phone or e-mail. 

Career Potential

Ninety-nine percent of our HCA graduates find jobs in the field. You will be able to find a job in continuing care institutions, home care agencies, group homes, lodges, assisted living centers, acute care or private care situations.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• English 10-1 (English 10), English 10-2 (English 13) or equivalent
• Completion of health status questionnaire
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required to be a health care provider
• Current CPR Basic Rescuer Certificate Level C, for practicum
• Clear criminal record check
• Up-to-date immunization including Hepatitis B
• TABE reading and critical thinking tests (done at YREC)
• Once your application has been submitted, a package will be sent to your home with all the necessary paper work to be completed for acceptance into the program

If you do not have the academic requirements, you may request a skills appraisal test.

Dates:

FALL: August 30, 2010 - February 4, 2011

WINTER: January 3, 2011 - May 27, 2011 

*Please note this program has fixed start and end dates.

Attendance is mandatory at weekend lab sessions to practice skills. (Some lab sessions may have guest speakers.)

There will be five weeks of full-time pre-arranged clinical practicum at a facility in your community with an assigned clinical facilitator.

Fees

Application: $50.00
Tuition: $2268.00
Deposit: $200.00 (non-refundable, amount will be deducted from your tuition cost)
Program & Supplies: $372.00
Student Association: $51.00
Book Purchase: $269.00
Additional Fees: $180.00 (approximately) 
Approximate Total Cost: $3190.00

Course Descriptions

Principles of Client Care PCCA-1000
Learn the principles of effective communication, client safety, client comfort, and laws and ethical practices. This course will prepare you for client contact and safe client care.

Role and Responsibilities of the Health Care Aide - RRHB-1000
Learn about the role and responsibilities of health care aides in the Canadian health care system, providing basic care to clients. Explore the work of the health care aides as a care provider, employee and team member. Learn about the importance of maintaining your own personal health and well-being while working as a HCA.

Focusing on the Client -  FOCC-1000
Acquire a general understanding of the basic needs common to all human beings, the normal structure and function of the human body, normal development throughout the life cycle, aging, functional impairments and disability, and the special needs of the client and his or her family. This course prepares you to focus on the needs of the client and to be more sensitive to the unique needs of each individual.

Assisting with Basic Care Needs - BCND-1000
Gain an understanding of the basic daily care that clients require. Learn the knowledge and skills related to observing and reporting client care concerns and assisting with activities of daily living.

Assisting with Specific Care Activities -SCAE-1000
Acquire a basic knowledge of the specific care procedures that you may be asked to assist with in a variety of settings. Learn about your role in carrying your delegated tasks.

Assisting with Specific Care Situations - SCSF-1000
Gain a basic knowledge of the challenges and care strategies you can use to support clients who need assistance with altered behaviors, dementia, palliative care, child care and home care.

Dementia Education - DEMC - 1000
Learn the best practices in providing care and support to clients with dementia. Strategies for supporting the client's family will also be discussed. This requirement can be fulfilled with DEMC 1001 or Supportive Pathways. 

Clinical Practicum UHCA-1000
Apply your new knowledge and skills in a four week-instructor-led clinical practice experience.