HCA 110
2 credits
Health I: Interpersonal Communications
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health Care Assistant program
This course focuses on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others, and development of effective interpersonal communication skills that can be applied in a variety of care-giving contexts. Students will become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They will have opportunity to develop and apply communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect, and active listening skills.
HCA 111
1 credit
Health II: Lifestyle and Choices
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health Care Assistant program.
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 challenges and resources 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.
HCA 112
7 credits
Healing I: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health Care Assistant program.
This course introduces students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes 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.
HCA 113
2 credits
Healing II: Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health Care Assistant program.
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. The emphasis in this course is on supporting clients with dementia, recognizing responsive behaviours, and identifying person-centered intervention strategies.
HCA 114
4 credits
Health and Healing: Concepts for Practice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health Care Assistant program.
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 Health Care Assistant. The course focuses on: concepts of caring and person-centered care, basic human needs, human growth and development; and 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.
HCA 115
1 credit
Introduction to Practice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health Care Assistant program.
This course provides an introduction to the role of the Health Care Assistant within the British Columbia health care system. Students are introduced to the health care team and the roles and functions of Health Care Assistants within the team. Students will also have opportunity to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice. They are introduced to effective job searching approaches.
HCA 120
3 credits
Healing III: Personal Care and Assistance
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health Care Assistant program.
This practical course offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the Health Care Assistant role. The course is comprised of class and supervised laboratory experiences which assist the student to integrate theory from other courses, and develop care-giver skills which maintain and promote the comfort, safety and independence of individuals, in community and facility contexts.
HCA 130
3.5 credits
Complex Care Practice
Prerequisite(s): HCA 120.
This supervised practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals in a multi-level or complex care setting. Opportunity will be provided for students to gain expertise and confidence with the role of the Health Care Assistant within a residential care facility.
HCA 131
2 credits
Specialized Dementia Care Practice
Prerequisite(s): HCA 120 and HCA 130.
This supervised practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals in a multi-level or complex care setting. A portion of this clinical experience will be devoted to working with individuals experiencing cognitive challenges. Opportunity will be provided for students to gain expertise and confidence with the role of the Health Care Assistant within a residential care facility.
HCA 132
1.5 credits
Community Setting Preceptorship
Prerequisite(s): HCA 110, HCA 111, HCA 112, HCA 113, HCA 114, HCA 115, HCA 120, HCA 130, and HCA 131.
This practice course provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals and families in a community setting. Students will become more familiar with the role of the Health Care Assistant within a home support agency, assisted living facility, or group home and gain abilities that will prepare them for employment in these settings. It is important that students understand the philosophy of community settings and its emphasis on client choice and independence.
