Health Care Assistant Aboriginal Focus
28-week program - September 3, 2013
Health Care Assistant (Aboriginal Focus)
The Health Care Assistant Aboriginal Focus Program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to work with and support the needs of First Nations people within a variety of health care settings. As an HCA, you will be able to use your hands, heart and mind to help and support adults experiencing changes in their functional abilities. You will be assisting to provide and support their basic needs through maximizing their strengths and encouraging their independence. You will experience classroom discussion, hands on experience in the nursing lab, as well as in the clinical setting. The learning environment is safe, innovative and fun!
Academic and practical course work will be delivered with a First Nations cultural perspective on the roles and responsibilities of a care giver. This cultural focus will include: Hul'q'umi'num' Language training, Elders' Teachings, Guest Speakers from the community, and class activities/assignments that require application of First Nations Teachings and cultural values within the context of an HCAS work environment.
Career Opportunities
Employment prospects are good in intermediate care facilities, extended care units, home support agencies and residential settings, beginning with casual/on call positions. The HCAS certificate is recognized in British Columbia and Western Canadian provinces, which makes job mobility possible. If you worked elsewhere, your certificate would need to be evaluated.
All interested persons are encouraged to apply to this certificate program; however eligible applicants of Aboriginal ancestry will be given priority for admission.
Admission Requirements
- English 12 or successful completion of HCAS placement test through Student Services.
Application Checklist
- Completed Application for Admission form.
- Completed Personal Profile form (available from the Registration Centre or at www.viu.ca/forms).
- Payment of tuition fees or completed Sponsor Application form
(for students being funded).
- Either copy of official transcripts showing proof of English
12 or equivalent, or HCAS placement test completion.
- Interview with program faculty.
By first day of class
- Food Safe Level I Certificate.
- Standard First Aid (two day course with CPR C) required.
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
- Completed Immunization form.
- Health History form (available from the Registration Centre).
Notes: A criminal record check will be required for some agencies/facilities. Students with back problems or an inability to work freely in confined spaces may have difficulty meeting the physical demands of this profession.
Recommended Personal Characteristics
Before applying for this program, students should learn as much as possible about this career. We encourage students to volunteer in a health care facility to familiarize themselves with the role of the HCAS. The following traits are critical for student success:
- sensitivity to the needs of others;
- ability to move freely in confined spaces;
- ability to speak confidently with people of all ages;
- ability to pay close attention to detail;
- ability to work quickly with accuracy and efficiency;
- ability to manage time effectively and handle responsibility;
- ability to problem-solve effectively in a limited time span;
- excellent oral and personal hygiene;
- willingness to show commitment to program by regular attendance;
- ability to be punctual on a consistent basis;
- ability to participate in own learning by displaying preparedness
for class and clinical settings;
- ability to perform basic home management and cooking skills.
Financial Assistance
Information on financial aid is available from the Cowichan Campus Student Services department, (250) 746-3509. If you will be sponsored by a First Nations Band or any other agency, you should start communicating with the sponsoring agency as soon as possible.
Program Outline
HCAA 101T Health: Interpersonal Communications
An exploration of the development of self-awareness and increased understanding of others, including basic communication concepts and practical skills that contribute to effective interpersonal relationships. HCAS 101T was formerly called HSRC 104T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
HCAA 102T Health: Lifestyle and Choices
An introduction to the concept of health and the components of a health-enhancing lifestyle. Topics include self-reflection of personal health experiences, recognizing challenges and resources that may impact lifestyle choices and, consequently, the health of an individual. HCAS 102T was formerly called HSRC 105T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
HCAA 103T Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice
An introduction to developing a theoretical framework for practice. Topics include student examination of the significant philosophical beliefs and theoretical understanding underlying competent practice. HCAS 103T was formerly called HSRC 107T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
HCAA 104T Health and Healing: Concepts of Growth and Development
An exploration of the normal pattern of an individual's life cycle from conception to death, to aid in understanding physical growth and corresponding developmental tasks for individuals as well as families. HCAS 104T was formerly called HSRC 130T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
HCAA 105T Healing: Common Health Challenges
A study of the structure and function of the body and changes that normally occur with aging. Topics include chronic diseases/injuries and their impact on meeting basic human needs. HCAS 105T was formerly called HSRC 156T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
HCAA 106T Healing: Cognitive or Mental Challenges
An exploration of the care of clients experiencing dementia and/or other changes in cognitive or mental functioning. HCAS 106T was formerly called HSRC 109T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
HCAA 107T Healing: Personal Care and Assistance
An introduction to personal care skills that are aimed at maintaining and promoting comfort, safety, and independence in a variety of care settings. HCAS 107T was formerly called HSRC 108T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
HCAA 111T Practice Experience I
An introductory experience to practice, focusing on the application of knowledge and skills with selected individuals in a variety of settings. HCAS 111T was formerly called HSRC 114T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
HCAA 121T Practice Experience II
An opportunity to practice consolidating knowledge and skills in multi-level and/or complex care settings and apply a holistic, caring philosophy while making the transition from the role of student to Health Care Assistant. HCAS 121T was formerly called HSRC 115T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Phase I.
HCAA 131T Practice Experience III
An opportunity to apply knowledge and skills with individuals and families in community settings such as home support and/or assisted living. HCAS 131T was formerly called HSRC 116T; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Phase II.