Health Care Aide Program

Contact:
Sheila McKay
Chairperson

Program Information:
E-mail:  inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Phone: 403.342.3400  OR  1.888.732.4630

This program prepares the graduate to work in the full role of the Health Care Aide, in acute care facilities, continuing care facilities as well as in clients' homes.

Please check with the Registrar's Office for the dates of the next offering.

Related Careers

Health Care Aides may work in continuing care, in clients' homes or in hospital.

The Program

The HCA program consists of a variety of learning approaches including clinical practice supervised by a program instructor in a continued care facility. Following the supervised clinical practice students are required to complete a preceptored clinical experience.  Graduates complete the approved Alberta Health & Wellness Health Care Aide 2010 curriculum and are certified as Health Care Aides in Alberta.

Note:  HCA 130; HCA 131; HCA 132; and HCA 133 meet the "pre-service requirements as defined by Alberta Health and Wellness.

Admission Requirements

  1. Successful completion of ELA 10-1 or ELA 10-2 or an equivalent (or equivalency testing)  
    OR 
    G.E.D.
  2. Immunization to be completed prior to program start.

Note: While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check to agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a criminal record may prevent clinical placement, program completion and therefore, may affect employment prospects. It is each agency's or institution's decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the criminal record check. Prospective students who have a criminal record should discuss the matter with the department Chair prior to applying for admission.

Program Content

  • HCA 130  Safe Work Practices
  • HCA 131  Activities of Daily Living I
  • HCA 132  Medication Delivery
  • HCA 133  Dementia Care
  • HCA 134  Roles & Communications
  • HCA 135  Health, Aging & Illness
  • HCA 136  Activities of Daily Living II
  • HCA 137  Care for Complex Clients
  • HCA 138  Care for Diverse Clients
  • HCA 122 HCA Supervised Clinical Practice
  • HCA 123 HCA Preceptored Clinical Practice

Program Cost Estimate

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all required courses, including practicum and preceptorship, in order to graduate.