Health Care Assistants (HCAs) are prepared to work in both healthcare facilities and community agencies. In these roles, they are important and valued members of the health care team. They promote and maintain the health, safety, independence, comfort and well-being of individuals and families. HCAs provide personal care assistance and services in a caring manner that recognizes and supports the unique needs, abilities, and backgrounds of clients. They work as members of a health care team in a variety of settings with direction and supervision from other health professionals.The work done by HCAs is based on a set of fundamental values, beliefs and ethical principles that are consistently reflected in all aspects of their work with clients, families, team members and others. Amongst these core values, beliefs and principles, which serve as foundations of HCA practice, are those related to:Human BeingsOlder AdultsHealth and HealingHealthcareCaring and CaregivingThe Family in Health and HealingUnderstanding Culture and DiversityThe HCA Internationally Educated Program is designed for the student whose first language is not English. This program provides the student with additional language support by front-loading foundational and functional English language at the beginning of the program and will continue to support academic success throughout the program. The HCA Internationally Educated 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 healthcare team, in community and facility settings. Under the direction and supervision of a regulated health care professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-[1]being of clients. The ESL support will be provided by a qualified ESL instructor who will work closely with the HCA instructional team to promote student learning.Other components of the HCA Program are Basic and Advanced Hospice Palliative Care Training, Crisis Prevention Training, Introduction to RAI Observation Tool Training, Acute Care Skills, Standard First Aid with CPR -C or Standard First Aid with BLS, Foodsafe, WHMIS and Student Practice Education ‘Core’ Orientation (SPECO). These will be completed during the program and are included in program costs. All of these additional certifications are valued by today’s employers. Students will participate in 8 weeks of clinical andor practicum training. A directorinstructor interview may be required.The co-operative education portion of this program (600 hours) exceeds the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry educational requirements for registration. Students enrolling in the Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated with Co-op program will be eligible to apply for registration when they have completed all course work and required practice education components of the Health Care Assistant ESL with Co-op program.

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