Health Sciences

Health Care Assistant certificate

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as front-line caregivers and respected members of the health care team, in community and facility settings. Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients/residents.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work in any level of continuing care, including home support, adult day care, assisted living, complex care (including special care units), and some acute care settings.

The program is based on the 2015 provincial curriculum and includes classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as practicum experience in a variety of settings throughout the Fraser Valley. This is a full-time program with daily attendance expected. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Entrance requirements

1. One of the following:
   • Successful completion of Grade 11 with one of Composition 11, Creative Writing 11, Literary Studies 11, New Media 11, Spoken Language 11, English First Peoples 11, English 11, or ENGL 081.
   • B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
   • Completion of a minimum of six credits at post-secondary level.
   • Mature students, 19 years or older, will be considered if they meet the prerequisites for ENGL 091, ENGL 099, or ENGL 105.
2. One of the following:
   • Applicants whose first language is English: seven years of education in an English-speaking environment (can be acquired in either consecutive or non-consecutive years). Applicants who have had four consecutive years of secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking environment will be given consideration to meet the English as a first language requirement.
   • Applicants whose first language is not English: required to complete one of the following English language competencies:
     • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IBT only: overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing. Test must have been within the last two years.
     • International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic or General: overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing. Test must have been within the last two years.
     • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT): Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6, and Writing 6. Test must have been within the last year.
     • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): overall Score of 60, with no section less than 50. Test must have been within the last two years.

Other requirements

1. Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C or Emergency First Aid with CPR-C or with CPR-HCP.
2. Submission of a signed health assessment indicating physical fitness and emotional stability. (Form will be provided at interview.)
3. Completion of an immunization program prior to the start date. Immunization forms will be included with the letter of acceptance. Proof of immunization must be received by the date specified.
4. Satisfactory interview with a program faculty member who may accept or defer acceptance based on:
   • Knowledge of and motivation toward a career as a health care assistant
   • Financial preparation
   • Communication skills
5. Satisfactory written reference (work or personal).
6. Successful completion of a criminal record check form, which will be included with letter of notification of acceptance to the program. A Criminal Record Clearance is required by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Additional information:

• A valid driver’s licence and access to personal transport is normally required for the practicum course and other practice experience components. If students are unable to drive, they will be unable to meet the Health Care Assistant program requirements.
• Students must be familiar with computers and associated technology to answer emails, access course documents, complete assignments, and access online workplace training orientation modules.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Students may apply to the program prior to the completion of all entrance requirements. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.
2. The following documents must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in order to process an application:
   • Proof of academic prerequisites (transcript required; see Note)
   • Completion of non-native English speaker requirement as necessary

     Note: For applicants currently enrolled in Grade 12, a letter is required from their school counsellor, stating that they are making satisfactory progress towards meeting the educational requirements for Grade 12 graduation.

   Once these documents have been received by the Office of the Registrar, the application will be forwarded to the Health Care Assistant program.
3. The following documents must be submitted to the School of Health Studies, Chilliwack campus:
   • Health Care Assistant application form (available at ufv.ca/registrar/forms)
   • Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C or Emergency First Aid with CPR-C or with CPR-HCP
   • Proof of valid driver’s licence (learner’s licence is not acceptable) (see Note)

   Note: A valid driver’s licence and access to personal transport is normally required for the practicum course and other practice experience components. If students are unable to drive, they will be unable to meet the Health Care Assistant program requirements.

   • Work or personal reference

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • UFV application form
   • Health Care Assistant program application form
   • Proof of academic prerequisites (transcript required)
   • Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C or Emergency First Aid with CPR-C or with CPR-HCP
   • Work or personal reference
   • Proof of valid driver’s licence (learner’s licence is not acceptable) (see Note)

   Note: A valid driver’s licence and access to personal transport is normally required for the practicum course and other practice experience components. If students are unable to drive, they will be unable to meet the Health Care Assistant program requirements.

4. Once "complete applicant" status has been obtained, applicants will be notified of and expected to attend a program information session. Failure to attend the information session may delay entry to the program. Applicants will be contacted when dates and times have been established; a health questionnaire will be provided and must be returned to the School of Health Studies prior to interview.
5. Applicants to be interviewed will be notified.
6. Applicants will be notified in writing regarding their acceptance. Upon admission to the program applicants will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required by a specified date in order to reserve a seat in the program. This money will be applied toward tuition fees. If applicants do not register for courses and pay the deposit, a place will no longer be held for them.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Additional books, supplies, and field trips will cost about $250. Uniform(s) and white duty shoes will cost approximately $200. The costs of parking and travelling to and from practicum locations are the responsibility of the student.

Dates and location

This is a 24-week program which starts in either September or January. Classes are located at the CEP, Chilliwack campus. Approximately one-half of the program takes place in a variety of facilities throughout the Fraser Valley.

Program outline

Program continuance

Due to the integrated nature of the courses, progression through the program requires successful completion of each course. Successful completion of each theory course requires a grade of 65% or better. Lab and clinical courses are graded as credit or no credit.

Students who withdraw or fail may re-apply to the program. The HCA courses are closely related and are considered co-requisites. Failure in one course may necessitate retaking of previously completed courses. Each student will receive a UFV HCA Student Guidelines & Policy Manual which further explains the program's continuance requirements and polices.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.