Program Description
The program is ideal for those who have prior learning or work experience in the field, and would like to refresh or update their skills and knowledge to meet and exceed the BC Provincial Standards. This 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. Under the direction and supervision of a regulated health professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual health and well-being of clients and families.
Upon completion of the HCA program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of practice settings including home support, assisted living, group homes, complex care, special care units, other home and community care settings, and acute care.
Admission Requirements
*Defined as three (3) years of full-time secondary and/or post-secondary education at a recognized institution on the list of Approved English Speaking Countries. Secondary education will be considered starting from grade 8. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses will not be considered.
* The standardized PLAR assessment required is the Inspire Global Assessments HCA Competency Assessment with a Remedial Education Referral Letter issued by the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry.
2024
October 14
2025
TBA
DOMESTIC
Non-refundable Application Fee: $250
Tuition: $3,085
Textbook: $145
Materials/Supplies: $570
Administration fee: $150
Assessment Fee: $150
Other fee: $355
INTERNATIONAL
Non-refundable Application Fee: $300
Tuition: $12,560
Materials/Supplies: $570
Textbook fee: $145
Administration fee: $150
Assessment fee: $150
Other fee: $186
** ALL FEES ARE SHOWN AS CANADIAN DOLLARS**
420 hours over 18 weeks (full-time) or over 25 weeks (part-time)
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be granted the following credentials*:
Health Care Assistant -Access Diploma
Dementia Certificate
Medication Assistance Certificate
Provincial Violence Prevention Certificate
WHMIS Certificate
*Graduates of the Health Care Assistant -Access delivered by Gateway College are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry
Combined Delivery: Online + On-site (face- to- face)
In-class instruction
Upon completion of the HCA program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of practice settings including home support, assisted living, group homes, complex care, special care units, other home and community care settings, and acute care.
English Language Competency Requirements
a. Completion of Grade 10 English (or higher). A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
b. Completion of college courses determined to be equivalent to Grade 10 English (or higher) by post-secondary institutions. A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
c. ACCUPLACER Next Generation Test Result: Reading (230), Writing (230), Writeplacer (4)
a. Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) or CLBPT Remote: Test in the last year. Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6 (Note: a CLB Report Card from a LINC Program indicating “Completing” CLB Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7 and Writing 7 AND “Recommended Class Placement” as Speaking 8, Listening 8, Reading 8 and Writing 8 may also be accepted.)
b. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General or CELPIP – Online): Test in the last two years, Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6
c. International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic, IETLS General or IETLS Academic Online): Test in the last two years: Overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing
d. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL or CAEL Online): Test in the last two years, Overall Score of 60, with no section less than 50
e. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home edition): Test in the last two years, Overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing
f. Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN): Test in the last two years, Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6
The following are to be completed prior to the first practice education experience:
• First Aid Certification
• CPR Level “C” Certification or “Basic Life Support (BLS)” Certification
• FoodSafe Level 1 Certification (or a certification course deemed equivalent)
• Completion of the Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) (available on the Learning Hub), which must include the following:
• A signed checklist SPECO Checklist. Pdf (phsa.ca)
• Proof of meeting current immunizations / vaccinations as per health care organization policies / guidelines (or signed vaccination exemption form, except TB)
• Criminal record check from the Criminal Records Review Program, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults*
• Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum E-Learning Modules
• WHMIS – Provincial Course
• Completion of the Health Care Assistant Practice in BC E-Learning Modules (LearningHub)
• Completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Adult Abuse course (learningHub)
* Additional Police Certificate from the country of origin, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults, is required for international students.