If you’re looking for a job that offers you security and the satisfaction of helping others, considering a career as a health care assistant is a great idea. Health care assistant professionals are in huge demand across Canada due to the significant number of elderly. Similarly, as the younger generation is occupied with intense work schedules and household chores, taking care of their sick, disabled, and aging loved ones becomes a big challenge. This translates to a high demand for health care assistance, which means consistent job opportunities and appropriate pay for this occupation.
Besides these benefits, becoming a health care provider allows you to explore the medical field and exercise your desire to help those in need. In case you’re interested in taking up a career as a full-time health care assistant, Gateway College has listed the fundamental requirements to join this field, and how we prepare people for the job.
Education and courses
Applicants for a course in health care assistance must be at least nineteen years of age before the start of the study period or must be graduated from grade twelve or an equivalent course. They must also provide proof of meeting the English language competency requirement. This includes an IELTS, TOEFL, CLBPT, CELBAN, or CELPIP certification.
Graduates from Health Care Assistant (HCA) do not require any additional course to practice HCA in Canada. They receive all the appropriate certificates or diplomas after graduation to practice HCA.
Skills and capabilities
After completion of our health care assistance programs, we expect our graduates to be able to perform first-aid and CPR efficiently. They also need to be able to take care of Dementia patients, know how to handle chemicals, possess the ability to take care of patients that require acute care, and administer appropriate medications to the patient as needed.
Moreover, excellent communication skills, patience and calmness, companionship, good listening skills, an open mind, the ability to work with people of all ages and from all backgrounds, and an approachable nature are all essential skills to provide optimal care to clients with different conditions.
Growth opportunities
The average pay scale at the entry-level for a health care professional is approximately $18 to $23 an hour. But, just like every other profession out there, health care providers have room to grow in terms of pay and position at whatever facility or hospital they work at. The higher positions available include options like management roles and supervisory roles that can be explored with an increase in experience and education.
Career benefits
There is always a need for HCA professionals in our society, so getting a job is relatively easier than most professions. Graduates get various certificates after the completion of their graduation, and not just a diploma in HCA. After the completion of their course, certified HCA practitioners are well equipped to work in any facility or hospital as health care assistants due to proper and adequate training developed in College via exams, labs, and practicums.
Career challenges
When it comes to the health care industry, staying up-to-date is essential as medical procedures and technology keep evolving with new research. For this reason, some students who graduated a decade ago might be required to take extra courses to meet new health care standards. Over time, the courses may vary again, and practitioners might need to go back to school to update their HCA license when they want to change jobs. This can be seen as both a positive and a negative impact, depending on the student.
Irrespective of this little hurdle, taking care of those in need is a fulfilling job that has so much potential. If you’re looking to take up a career as a health care professional, reach out to Gateway College. As a leading health care assistant training college in Vancouver, BC, we provide our students with rigorous training and practicum before graduation. At the same time, they must go to a registered facility to practice the skills they’ve learned in class and lab before they are issued a Diploma in HCA.
At Gateway College, we help aspiring health care professionals become valuable members of the health-care team in private and public hospitals, long-term care, complex care, assisted living, independent living, specialized care, palliative care facilities as well as home support agencies. We provide them with adequate knowledge and skills in a learning environment that simulates actual health care situations. We also offer them sufficient resources and practical tests to sharpen their skill-set and the quality of their services.
To learn more about health care assistance as a profession and our training programs, visit our website or get in touch with us by clicking here.