Health Care Assistant Certificate

About this programme

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) program provides you with the skills to provide person-centered care to improve the daily life for your clients. The Health Care Assistant (HCA) program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively 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, social and spiritual well-being of clients/residents. The HCA program offers the theory and practice associated with providing personal care and support to individuals within the community and in residential facilities. Personal care and support includes: Theory and practice are planned to prepare graduates to work as caring individuals who assist clients/residents to achieve maximum independence in daily living. This program is founded on concepts of caring, safety, critical thinking and decision making, and professional approaches to practice. These provide the underpinnings for the knowledge and skills that learners gain within the program. Some courses are shared with other programs in the University to increase options for students who wish to further their education. This multidisciplinary approach promotes readiness for employment in the community by developing the student’s ability to function effectively within inter-professional teams.