Health Care Assistant - Introduction to Practice (Online Learning) Program Outline - July 2017 Updated

Aug 29, 2026

Health Care Assistant (HCA): Introduction to Practice (Online Learning) provides an introduction to the HCA role within the British Columbia health care system. The program familiarizes learners with the healthcare team, HCA roles and functions, and key themes including culture and diversity, effective communication, and ethical and legal responsibilities. Students build self-reflective skills, learn job search approaches, and apply person-centred care concepts through structured online learning modules.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Program Overview

Eligibility and Prior Learning Assessment

Program Length and Support

Start Dates and Contact Information

Campus Locations

Program Content

Program Learning Objectives

Program Evaluation Methods and Completion Credential

Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice (Online Learning) Program Outline The Health Care Assistant (HCA): Introduction to Practice Program (Online Learning) provides an introduction to the role of the Health Care Assistant within the British Columbia health care system and is adapted from the HCA: Introduction to Practice course from the Provincial Health Care Assistant curriculum. Students will be introduced to the healthcare team and the roles and functions ofthe HCA in British Columbia. Concepts related to culture & diversity and effective communication strategies will be explored. Students will have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice and will be introduced to effective job searchapproaches. This program may appeal to the following applicants; 1. Individuals seeking registration as a Health Care Assistant with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry who are; □ Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHP) □ Graduates of a HCA/PSW program in Canada, excluding British Columbia 2. Individuals seeking an introduction to healthcare assistant studies. A student who successfully completes thiscourse may use this course for prior learning assessment credit if enrolling in the Saint Elizabeth Health Career College, Health Care Assistant Diploma Program within one year ofcourse completion. Program Length This is a self-paced, online program and is comprised of 14 learning modules. Students must complete all program components within a maximum of 6 months from date of their program start (if a student requires extra time, a one-month extension is available at no additional cost). Students will have 24/7 online access to the course and be supported by a program specific distance education instructor. Students may also access direct support at our online learning centres located at our Vancouver and Victoria campus locations. Start Dates Ongoing. Please apply by sending an email inquiry to [sehcareercollege@saintelizabeth.com](sehcareercollege@saintelizabeth.com) or phone 1-855-447-3422 Campus Locations 1-855-447-3422 Vancouver 100 – 200 Nelson Street [sehcareercollege@saintelizabeth.com](sehcareercollege@saintelizabeth.com) Victoria 100- 3939 Quadra Street [www.saintelizabeth.com/careercollege](www.saintelizabeth.com/careercollege) Program Content | Module | | | --- | --- | | 1 | Introduction to the BC Care Aide & Community HealthWorkerRegistry– role & mandate | | 2 | Introduction to the Canadian Health Care System | | 3 | Team work in the HealthCare Setting | | 4 | Roles and Responsibilities of Health Care Assistantsin British Columbia | | 5 | Philosophy of Care – Person Centred Care | | 6 | Ethical and Legal responsibilities ofthe HCA | | 7 | InterpersonalCommunicationSkills | | 8 | Culture and Diversity | | 9 | Abuse Awareness and Prevention | | 10 | Role of Unionsin BC Health Care | | 11 | Time Management Skills | | 12 | Managing Stress | | 13 | Self-Reflective Practice | | 14 | Conducting a job search | Program Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course the student will be able to 1. Display an understanding of the role and responsibilities ofthe HCA within the Health Care System in British Columbia. 2. Contribute to the effective functioning of the health care team. 3. Function in a responsible and accountable fashion recognizing the legal and ethical parametersofthe HCA role. 4. Describe the principles of person centred care and promoting client independence 5. Identifythe characteristicsand qualities of effective interpersonal and culturally sensitive communication. 6. Display an understanding of culture and diversity in Canada today. 7. Identify risk factors for and prevention of abuse. 8. Apply self-reflection, and self-appraisal processes in order to recognize and respond to own selfdevelopment needs asa care provider. 9. Confidently conduct ajob-search process Program Evaluation Method

FAQs

Who is the program designed for and what eligibility options are available?

The program suits applicants seeking registration as an HCA with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, including internationally educated health professionals and graduates of HCA/PSW programs in Canada outside British Columbia. It also fits learners seeking an introduction to HCA studies, with options for prior learning assessment credit within one year at a related diploma program.

Aug 29, 2026

Upload by Oliver Hayes