Health Care Assistant Program

For complete program information see the online Okanagan College Calendar.

Our Program prepares both men and women for a career as a front line health care worker who is responsible for providing client care.  This includes assisting clients with activities of daily living such as daily personal hygiene, nutrition and mobility.

While providing activities of daily living, the Health Care Assistant promotes and maintains the health, safety, independence, comfort and wellbeing of the clients and their families.  Working collaboratively with other members of the health care team, they assist clients to achieve their optimal level of functioning and wellness.

A graduate from the Health Care Assistant program will be competent and confident in performing the skills in a variety of settings including health care facilities, private community agencies and individual homes.  While they primarily work with older individuals, this varies depending on the work setting.
                                                                  
Program Description

The curriculum for the Health Care Assistant program is 23 weeks in length and includes a combination of theory classes and clinical practicum designed to reflect the responsibility and requirements of the job.  The students are expected to actively engage in laboratory practice simulating caregiver/client situations which will prepare them for the consolidated 8 week clinical practicum covering areas of complex care, home support/assisted living and dementia care.

There are a number of intakes with various start dates across Okanagan College Campuses.  Clinical practicum sites are located throughout the Okanagan Valley and students are responsible for their own transportation to the clinical sites.

Qualities of a Certified Health Care Assistant

• Likes people
• Regards him/herself and others in a respectful manner
• Appreciates others and values their diversity
• Able to effectively communicate
• Demonstrates self-awareness, flexibility, responsive to change.  Open to innovative ways and means of learning new knowledge, values and skills.
• Is self motivated and assumes the responsibilities of the job
• Effectively organizes, plans and implements care
• Practices ethically, with honesty and integrity

Admission Requirements
For official admission requirements and other program information, please see the Okanagan College calender

How to Apply

Apply online or obtain an application form from any campus.  Return completed applications to Admissions, 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4X8, or to any Okanagan College campus.

For more information on this program, Financial Assistance or Student Residence call toll free: 1-877-755-2266