COURSE CURRICULUM

The Health Care Assistant Certificate program requires the completion of 33 credits, with students needing to achieve a minimum grade of C in all required courses. The program is structured into two terms, each designed to progressively build the knowledge and skills essential for effective caregiving. In the first term, students complete 17 credits, beginning with courses such as Interpersonal Communication, which focuses on essential communication skills for working with clients and healthcare teams. They also study Common Health Challenges and Lifestyle and Choices, providing foundational knowledge about typical health issues and factors affecting wellness. Practical skills are developed through courses like Personal Care and Assistance and Concepts for Practice. The term concludes with a five-credit Practice Education Experience, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. The second term consists of 16 credits and delves deeper into complex caregiving topics. Students take courses like Complex Health Challenges and Cognitive and/or Mental Health Challenges to better understand the diverse needs of clients. Advanced Personal Care and Assistance further develops hands-on skills, while Introduction to Practice prepares students for their final practicum. The program culminates in a Final Practice Education Experience worth five credits, providing an intensive clinical placement where students gain valuable experience working with clients facing complex health and mental health challenges. Overall, the curriculum balances theory and practical training, equipping graduates with the competence and confidence to work effectively in various healthcare environments.