COURSE CURRICULUM

The Health Care Assistant program is designed to provide students with the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver person-centered care across a variety of healthcare settings. In the first term, students build a strong foundation with courses such as Foundations, Communications for Health Care Assistants, Information Technologies for Health Sciences, Interpersonal Communications, Concepts for Practice, Lifestyle and Choices, and Common Health Challenges 1, totaling 15.5 credits. Term two focuses on advancing communication skills, understanding the impacts of colonization on Indigenous health and wellbeing, personal care and assistance, common health challenges 2, and clinical experience, totaling 16.5 credits. The third term emphasizes communication for health care assistants, cognitive and mental health challenges, personal care and assistance, common health challenges 3, and an extended clinical practicum, amounting to 16 credits. In the final term, students refine advanced communication skills for cognitive and mental health challenges, further explore common health challenges 4, and participate in a community practicum alongside clinical practice, completing 16 credits. Overall, the program comprises 64 credits that integrate theoretical learning with hands-on clinical practice, preparing graduates to provide compassionate, competent care tailored to the physical, psychological, social, cognitive, and spiritual needs of clients. Emphasis is placed on communication, cultural sensitivity, self-reflection, and professional accountability to equip students to excel in diverse healthcare environments and work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.