University Certificate in Health Care Assistant

Undergraduate Diploma 1 Year On-Campus Canada
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About This Programme

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) program is a full time certificate program. The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary to function as caregivers in a variety of healthcare settings. HCA's are part of a growing field with new job opportunities in new settings everyday. The program's courses and labs are enhanced by practice experiences in community complex care and home support facilities. During the final practicum component of the program, there is a distinct clinical opportunity to work and gain experience in an acute care setting. Students will be prepared to meet the care needs of adults who may be experiencing diverse and often complex health and illnesses. Students will be eligible to register with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry. KPU has partnered with the Province of British Columbia to reserve seats in each intake as part of a combined employment and education pathway for Health Care Assistants. In addition, three (3) seats will be reserved for graduates of KPU's Certificate in Health Care Assistant program, in both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (3) and the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Program (3). 

Career Path 

Career path includes Health Care Assistant (HCA), Nursing Support Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, Personal Support Worker (PSW), Residential Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Rehabilitation Support Worker, Learning Disability Support Worker, Maternity Support Worker, Pediatric Care Assistant, Dementia Care Assistant, Palliative Care Assistant, Senior HCA / Team Leader, Clinical Support Worker, Community Health Assistant, Outreach Support Worker, Supported Living Assistant, Day Centre Support Worker, Hospice Care Assistant. 

Eligibility Requirements
Limited Intake
We have a limited number of admissions for this course. We advise students to apply early. 
Post Study Work Visa
Post Study Work Visa availability - YES 
Admission Requirement

We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to Kwantlen Polytechnic University below 

1. WASSCE/A level Certificate (Biology, Chemistry) 

2. School Transcript 

3. Passport 

4. Recommendation Letter 

English Language Requirement

Kwantlen Polytechnic University will accept, for the purposes of meeting the English proficiency requirement, English taken in 12-year education, or English is designated as the primary and official language and the principal language of instruction. If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme with the university or submit  

1. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) or PTE Score or Duolingo English Test score before you start your course. 

Programme Details
Undergraduate Diploma Level
1 Year Duration
On-Campus Mode
Canada Country
Intakes
January, 2026
January, 2025 → September, 2025
Closed
September, 2026
May, 2025 → May, 2026
Open
January, 2027
January, 2026 → September, 2026
Open
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