Life at RDC

Home > Academic Departments > Nursing > Health Care Aide Certificate > FAQ

FAQ

Health Care Aide Program

1. What is the number of students accepted each year?

There are 25 seats in this program. Applications open on October 2 of each year for the following September.

2. Can a student start in January?

Students are admitted in September only. The program is offered on a part time basis and runs from September to May.

3. Program Costs

4. What will my schedule look like?

Classes and labs are offered in the evenings 2 to 3 times a week as well as on an occasional Saturday.

Clinical experience is offered on a part time basis spread over several months - the exact schedule will be provided when you start your course in September.

5. Will I have to travel for any of the clinical practicum experiences?

All students require access to reliable transportation that will enable them to complete the requirements in clinical courses, in the event that clinical occurs outside the Red Deer area.

Students are responsible for any associated travel costs.

6. Are there opportunities for me to bridge into the LPN program?

We do not have a formal bridging program here at RDC (you can check with the Bow Valley College in Calgary or Norquest College in Edmonton)

For further information contact: Maureen Matejka, Chairperson, Nursing Programs 403.314.2451 or Program Assistant, Nursing Programs 403.342.3261

7. Do I have to provide a Criminal Record Check?

While not an admission requirement for the program: applicants are advised they will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check to some agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences.The existence of a criminal record may prevent clinical placement, program completion, and professional licensure therefore affecting 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. Students who do not have a clear criminal record should discuss the matter with the department Chair prior to applying for admission. CRC must be issued no earlier thatn August 1, 2012 for September 2012 program start date.