Why Get Certificate Health Care Assistant at North Island College Canada?

Certificate Health Care Assistant at North Island College Canada

Written by Dhiraj Kandel

Health Care Assistant

North Island College (NIC) boasts a vibrant and welcoming campus that is nestled in the picturesque region of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The campus is surrounded by natural beauty, including lush forests, mountains, and coastal landscapes, providing an inspiring and serene environment for students. 

The college features modern buildings equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources to support a wide range of academic programs. NIC’s campus is designed to foster a sense of community, with numerous common areas where students can study, relax, and socialize.

The college is committed to sustainability, incorporating green practices and eco-friendly initiatives throughout the campus. North Island College offers a variety of top-notch facilities to enhance the student experience.  A comprehensive resource center with access to books, digital media, and online databases.

The library also provides study spaces and academic support services. Equipped with the latest software and technology, these labs are available for student use, providing essential tools for coursework and research.

Specialized labs for science, health, and technology programs, offering hands-on learning experiences with advanced equipment.  Comfortable spaces for students to relax, study, and collaborate on projects. Including a gym, fitness classes, and outdoor recreational areas to promote physical wellness.

Offering a variety of nutritious meal options and a place for students to gather and enjoy meals together. Well-equipped spaces for creative programs, provide students with the tools and environment needed to pursue their artistic endeavor

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Diploma from North Island College (British Columbia) – Apply here

Course Description 

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) program at North Island College is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the healthcare field. This comprehensive program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to offer high-quality care and support to individuals in a variety of healthcare settings.

The curriculum covers key topics such as personal care, common health challenges, cognitive and mental health issues, and effective communication strategies. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on clinical practice, students develop the competencies required to excel as healthcare assistants.

Program Details 

The Health Care Assistant program at North Island College includes the following courses:

  • HCA 100 – Concepts for Practice: Introduction to the foundational concepts and principles of healthcare practice.
  • HCA 105 – Interpersonal Communications: Development of effective communication skills essential for interacting with patients and healthcare teams.
  • HCA 110 – Lifestyle and Choices: Examination of lifestyle factors and their impact on health and well-being.
  • HCA 115 – Common Health Challenges: Overview of common health issues and conditions encountered in healthcare settings.
  • HCA 120 – Personal Care and Assistance: Training in personal care techniques and assistance strategies.
  • HCA 125 – Cognitive and/or Mental Health Challenges: Focus on understanding and addressing cognitive and mental health challenges.
  • HCA 130 – Introduction to HCA: Comprehensive introduction to the role and responsibilities of healthcare assistants.

The program also includes a minimum of 270 hours of clinical practice experience, divided into three parts:

  • HCA 140 – Practice Experience in Multi-Level and/or Complex Care 1: Initial hands-on experience in multi-level and complex care environments.
  • HCA 145 – Practice Experience in Home Support, Assisted Living, and/or Group Home Setting: Experience in various community-based healthcare settings.
  • HCA 150 – Practice Experience in Multi-Level and/or Complex Care 2: Advanced clinical practice in complex care facilities.

Students graduate from the HCA program with a solid foundation in both theory and practice, ready to enter the workforce as competent and compassionate healthcare assistants.

Course Overview

Program Code HCA
Program Category Name Health, Wellness and Sciences.
Program LevelCertificate
CampusComox Valley Campus
Duration1 year(s)
Fees in CADCAD$ 14,000 (approx.)

Course Requirements

CodeCourse Name
HCA – 100Concepts for Practice
HCA – 105Interpersonal Communications
HCA – 110Lifestyle and Choices
HCA – 115Common Health Challenges
HCA – 120Personal Care and Assistance
HCA – 125Cognitive and/or Mental Health Challenges
HCA – 130Introduction to HCA
Includes a minimum of 270 hours of clinical practice experience:
HCA – 140Practice Experience in Multi-Level and/or Complex Care – 1
HCA – 145Practice Experience in Home Support, Assisted Living, and/or Group Home Setting
HCA – 150Practice Experience in Multi-Level and/or Complex Care – 2

IELTS Requirement 

READINGWRITINGLISTENINGSPEAKINGOVERALL
6.06.05.55.56.0

TOEFL Requirement 

READINGWRITINGLISTENINGSPEAKINGOVERALL
2020202080

PTE Requirement 

READINGWRITINGLISTENINGSPEAKINGOVERALL
5555555558

Academic Qualifications and Requirements 

To enroll in this  Health Care Assistant certificate level, you must possess the following qualifications and minimum marks.

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS    

– Bachelor’s degree with 60% or above in the relevant course      

– IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual score less than 6.0. (Recommended IELTS 7.0 not less than 6.0 and 65 -70 % or above in Degree) 

ADVANCED DIP / DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

– IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual score less than 5.5.

– Students with 5.5 bands in Writing and reading are not eligible for admission. (Recommended IELTS 6.5 not less than 6.0 and 65 -70 % or above in 12th Grade)  

BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMS

– IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual score less than 6.0.

– Minimum 65% average scores required.

Benefits of studying Health Care Assistant 

Here are the benefits of studying health care assistant at NIC.

  1. The program covers essential topics such as personal care, mental health challenges, and common health issues, ensuring students are well-prepared for various healthcare settings.
  2. Students gain practical experience through a minimum of 270 hours of clinical practice, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
  3. The program includes practice experiences in multi-level and complex care facilities, home support, assisted living, and group home settings, providing exposure to different aspects of healthcare.
  4. Courses like Interpersonal Communications help students develop effective communication skills, which are crucial for working with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
  5. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to start their careers immediately, with a strong foundation in both practical and theoretical aspects of healthcare assistance.
  6. North Island College offers a supportive and inclusive environment with experienced instructors who provide personalized attention and guidance.
  7. The demand for healthcare assistants is high, and graduates from NIC have strong employment prospects in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community care.
  8. Clinical placements and interactions with healthcare professionals provide valuable networking opportunities, helping students build connections that can assist in their job search after graduation.
  9. The program is designed to accommodate different learning styles and schedules, with options for part-time and full-time study.
  10. Students have the opportunity to engage with the local community through their clinical practice, making a positive impact and gaining a deeper understanding of community healthcare needs.

Required Document Lists

  1. Certificate of completion of 10+2 standard from a recognized board
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Letters of Recommendation
  4. Writing Sample (if required)
  5. IELTS/TOEFL scorecards
  6. CV or Resume
  7. Proof of funding
  8. Passport
  9. Student visa

Career Options for Graduates 

  1. Health Care Assistant (HCA)
  2. Personal Support Worker (PSW)
  3. Home Support Worker
  4. Residential Care Aide
  5. Community Support Worker
  6. Rehabilitation Assistant
  7. Palliative Care Aide
  8. Long-Term Care Aide
  9. Acute Care Aide
  10. Specialized Care Assistant

Fundamental Job Skills

Fundamental job skills that are crucial for Health Care Assistants (HCAs) include:

  1. Compassion and Empathy: Ability to empathize with patients and provide compassionate care, understanding their needs and concerns.
  2. Communication Skills: Effective verbal and non-verbal communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members, ensuring clear understanding and collaboration.
  3. Personal Care: Skill in assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, respecting patient dignity and privacy.
  4. Safety and Infection Control: Knowledge and practice of safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques, infection control measures, and maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
  5. Observation and Reporting: Ability to observe patient conditions, changes in health status, and report findings accurately to healthcare professionals.
  6. Teamwork: Collaboration with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care and support for patients.
  7. Organization and Time Management: Efficient management of tasks, prioritizing patient needs, and ensuring timely completion of responsibilities.
  8. Empowerment and Support: Supporting patient autonomy and independence, encouraging self-care when possible, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.
  9. Ethical and Professional Behavior: Upholding ethical standards, confidentiality, and professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.
  10. Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of patients, healthcare settings, and diverse patient populations, adjusting care approaches accordingly.

These fundamental skills enable Health Care Assistants to deliver high-quality care, maintain patient comfort and safety, and contribute positively to the healthcare team’s efforts in providing holistic patient-centered care.

Things To Know About Study In Canada Before Enrolling at North Island College (British Columbia)

  • Study Abroad
  • Intakes In Canada
  • Short-term courses in Canada
  • IELTS band requirement for Canada student visa
  • IELTS band score
  • Cost of studying in Canada
  • Cost of living in Canada
  • Part-time jobs in Canada
  • PGWP in Canada
  • Canada student visa
  • Canada visa interview questions
  • Canada visa rejection reasons
  • Study permit extension
  • Canada spouse visa
  • IELTS score for Canada PR
  • Student accommodation in Canada

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