Health Care Assistant

Program Delivery Location

Merritt Campus
Community Based Delivery

Department Coordinator

Marti Harder

Faculty

Marti Harder
Camilla Williams

Programs in this department

Health Care Assistant

The Health Care Assistant Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively as frontline care-givers and respected members of the healthcare team, in community and facility settings. Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, graduates provide person-centered 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, and complex care (including special care units).

This program is offered over seven (7) months. NVIT places students in two clinicals and upon completion of these clinicals, students return to the classroom.

Estimated tuition: $2090 based on 28 credits at 74.63/credit.

Entrance Requirements

• Grade 10 graduation or equivalent, including English 10 and Math 10
• Emergency First Aid (Red Cross or St. John Ambulance)
• BC Food Safe Certificate Level 1
• Proof of negative TB skin test, in case of a positive TB skin test, a negative TB chest x-ray report in required
• Criminal Record Search (RCMP and Solicitor General) that reveals the absence of a relevant criminal record
• Updated immunizations - measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, and current influenza vaccination.

Program Duration

The Health Care Assistant Program is twenty-eight weeks in length.

Program Structure

Level One (10 weeks) is taught primarily in the classroom, laboratory, and intermediate care clinical, and provides a basic framework for the caregiving practice. The concept of caring is the focus. Students are introduced to the continuing care setting in this level.

Level two (12 weeks) builds on the basic knowledge and skills developed in Level One. Focus is on special areas of care such as the person with dementia and home management. Clinical practice, includes a special care unit, and a community setting.

Level Three (6 weeks) consists of clinical experience in a complex care facility.

Goals
Upon completion of the Health Care Assistant Program, graduates will be able to:

1. Provide person-centered care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual resident of client.

2. Use an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, social, cognitive and spiritual well-being of clients/residents and families

3. Provide care and assistance for clients/residents experiencing complex health challenges

4. Provide care and assistance for clients/residents cognitive and/or mental health challenges

5. Interact with other members of the health care team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

6. Communicate clearly, accurately and in sensitive ways with clients/residents and families within a variety of community and facility contexts.

7. Provide personal care and assistance in a safe, competent and organized manner.

8. Recognize and respond to own self-development, learning and health enhancement needs.

9. Perform the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable and professional manner.