COURSE CURRICULUM

The Health Care Assistant Certificate program provides students with a comprehensive foundation for supporting older adults and vulnerable individuals in a variety of healthcare settings, including group homes, community care facilities, and hospitals. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, covering essential topics such as concepts of practice, interpersonal communication, lifestyle and personal choice considerations, common health challenges, personal care and assistance, and cognitive or mental health challenges. Students also receive an introduction to the Health Care Assistant role, preparing them for the responsibilities and expectations of the profession. A critical component of the program is the minimum of 270 hours of supervised clinical practice, which allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings. This includes practice experiences in home support, assisted living, and group home environments, as well as opportunities in multi-level or complex care facilities, ensuring exposure to diverse patient populations and care scenarios. Through this combination of coursework and hands-on experience, students develop the skills, confidence, and professional judgment necessary to provide compassionate, effective, and person-centered care. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as Health Care Assistants, equipped with both the technical competence and interpersonal skills required to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.