Capilano University

Health Care Assistant

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Program Information

School:Capilano University
Faculty:Faculty of Education, Health and Human Development, School of Allied Health
Degree:Certificate
Field of Study:Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Home Health Aide/Home Attendant
Description:The Health Care Assistant (HCA) program combines theory courses, lab skills and clinical practicums in real-world health care settings.

Students learn to provide personal care to clients and residents in complex care, specialized dementia care, selected acute care settings and in the community.

You’ll gain the skills to work with patients who have specialized needs, with training in personal care nursing, common health challenges and cognitive and mental health challenges.

The HCA certificate is normally an 8-month full-time program offered in an accelerated format that allows students to complete the program in 7 months. Classes are taught by experienced health professionals who share their stories about clinical practice.

Applications for the Fall 2022 intake at our North Vancouver and kálax-ay Sunshine Coast campuses are currently reserved for participants in the provincial government’s Health Career Access program (HCAP), which is designed to increase the number of health care assistants in long-term care and assisted living services.

The HCAP program provides a path for applicants with no health care experience to get hired and receive paid employer-sponsored health care assistant training at an approved post-secondary institution such as CapU as part of their employment.

To apply for this program, see the provincial government’s HCAP program.
URL:Health Care Assistant at Capilano University
Length:8 Month(s)
Cost per year:*
International: $20,632

Cost includes fees.
Careers:Nurses Aides and OrderliesPersonal Support WorkerVisiting Homemakers

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.

    • High school graduation or

    • Be a minimum of 18 years of age with a minimum of Grade 10 English

    Application Notes :

    • Applicants must meet the English Language Competency requirements as specified by the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry

    • Applicants may be required to attend an interview

    • Cover letter

    • Resume

    • 3 written reference letters

    • Criminal record check

    • Applicants to the HCA program at Capilano University must meet the English Language Competency HCA Program Entry (pdf).
    • All students who are interested in the HCA program are strongly encouraged to attend an information session.

    A Criminal Record Clearance is required by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The required Criminal Record Check is arranged by Capilano University. Details will be provided at the information session.


    After acceptance to the program, students will be required to submit additional documentation as required by relevant health authorities in order to participate in a practicum. Students must complete the practicum to be eligible for program completion.

    At a minimum, this includes the following:



    • Standard first aid including CPR (level C) with Automated External Defibrillator (AED);
    • TB skin test and/or chest x-ray to rule out active TB;
    • Successful completion of Food Safe Level 1 within 3 years prior to program commencement;
    • Up to date Immunizations in accordance with Practice Education Guidelines of BC.

    The activities of the HCA program involve bending, lifting up to 23 Kg (50 lbs), squatting, standing and walking for extended periods (can be up to 8 hours). Additionally, during clinical practicums, students will care for clients who are at end of life and some who may be aggressive due to their cognitive status.

    The following is recommended:



    • 40 hours of volunteer work at a Complex Care Unit.


    • English Language Competency requirements - see Admission Notes
    • Covering letter - state reasons for wishing to apply to this program
    • Criminal record check - see Admission Notes
    Additional Admission Requirements:

      Current Grade 12 students can be conditionally accepted based on final Grade 11 grades or interim Grade 12 grades. Students can upload proof of grades (e.g. unofficial transcripts, copies of report cards) through EducationPlannerBC when applying to Capilano University. Final acceptance will be based on high school graduation and having met the program specific requirements.

      Note: All B.C. applicants must release their grades to CapU via the BC Ministry of Education at Student Transcripts Services (STS). Please do this as soon as possible.

      * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

      Modified on September 08, 2022