The program includes six weeks of online training and a nine weeks paid work placement. The program can help accelerate the next step of your career if you choose to pursue further studies and become a Health Care Assistant.

The program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program and is part of Colleges and Institutes Canada’s (CICan) Building Capacity in Long-term Care project.

The program includes a nine-week paid work placement in a long-term or home care setting. You will gain experience to help prepare for a career in the sector while providing much needed support to long-term and home care staff. You will assist certified health care assistants and the health care team to support clients. The role involves performing non-clinical activities which could include:
•    Assisting with meals
•    Assisting with cleaning and disinfecting
•    Stocking materials required by clients and health care staff
•    Making clients’ beds, cleaning their rooms and other areas
•    Providing companionship, comfort, and support
•    Assisting with and accompanying clients as they move about
•    Participating in activities with clients

The six-week online training is divided into learning modules and will prepare you for your role as a supportive care assistant.

Modules include: Professionalism; Client and Family-centred Assistance; Communication; Supportive Assistance; and Infection Control and Safety. There is also a module related to your work placement that will be completed before, during, and after your placement. Each module will take approximately 20 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace over one week.

After completing the required modules, you will be connected to an employer who will provide 280 hours of paid employment (hours/schedule vary according to availability of placement.

Once you have successfully completed all the requirements, you will be granted a micro-credential. You may wish to further your studies to become a health care assistant. Please note that you will need to meet the admission requirements for that program.

In the next 30 years, the number of Canadians over the age of 85 is expected to triple and the demand for health care workers will increase. Completing the Supportive Care Assistant Micro-credential is a stepping stone towards a career in a growing sector.

The program is fully subsidized and flexible. You don’t have to pay tuition and the online training can be completed on your own schedule. The paid work placement will provide you with the opportunity to build new skills and get practical experience while earning a wage.

A career in long-term care can be challenging but rewarding. You can make a difference in the lives of others and create meaningful connections with older adults, other people requiring assistance, and their families. It’s a good career fit for people who are compassionate and like working with others.

This program could be right for you if you:

•    Enjoy working with older adults and other people requiring assistance
•    Can communicate effectively and have strong interpersonal skills
•    Are friendly, flexible, and can provide warm encouragement
•    Enjoy working with others and as a member of a team
•    Are trustworthy and honest
•    Are compassionate and have demonstrated empathy, resilience, and sensitivity
•    Have an interest in a career in health care

In addition to all of the exciting opportunities highlighted above, upon graduating from the Supportive Care Assistant Micro-credential you can also access an additional $5,000 stipend to further your studies to become a Health Care Assistant (HCA)!

The $5,000 will help cover costs associated with the new training and can be used for tuition, books, certifications, uniforms, transportation etc.

Please note that you would need to meet the admission requirements for the new program and apply separately. It is also recommended that you apply for the health care assistant program as soon as possible as spaces might be limited.

For more information and to learn the steps involved in applying, you can review the FAQs related to the stipend or contact us with any other questions. If you’re an SCA program graduate and are enrolled in a Health Care Assistant program, apply for the stipend now!

• BC secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.

Co-requisites:

• Evidence of a negative tuberculin (TB) test, taken no more than six months prior to the date of application (or evidence of appropriate follow-up if the test was positive).
• Proof of meeting current immunization/vaccination requirements as per health care organization policies and/or guidelines (or signed vaccination exemption form, except TB). Applicants are advised that if they are unable to provide proof of immunization or immunity, they may be restricted or even excluded from practice settings based on the health facility or health authority policies and procedures for non-immunized students on placement.
• A clear criminal record check from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline by which the College must receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate a criminal record check when instructed by Admissions.

There is no cost for tuition or to register for the Supportive Care Assistant Micro-credential. You may be expected to cover certain costs associated with the placement including a criminal record check or other employment requirements (ex. appropriate clothing or footwear).

The program is scheduled to run June 19 to Sept. 29, 2023. Apply ASAP or before June 12.

Note: There are a limited number of positions available - apply early to ensure your place.

Apply for the Supportive Care Assistant Micro-credential by emailing Leanne at lclare@okanagan.bc.ca.

For further information: https://www.careerlauncher.ca/job-seekers/care/

This course is fully online prior to the nine weeks of paid work placement.