NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · CANADA
Health Care Assistant Certificate
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
30 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 52.00Credits
- 30 weeksProgram Duration
- Full-Time, Hybrid Option AvailableFormat
- Merritt, In CommunityDelivery Location
The Health Care Assistant program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide compassionate frontline care. You will learn to support the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being of clients and their families under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The program includes theory, laboratory practice, and clinical experience, preparing you for diverse healthcare settings.
Curriculum
The program is structured into two levels, each comprising theory, laboratory practice, and clinical components.
- Level 1
- Strategies for Success ISTSC 101
- Interpersonal CommunicationsHTCA 104
- Health: Lifestyles & ChoicesHTCA 111
- Introduction to HTCA PracticeHTCA 116
- Concepts for PracticeHTCA 121
- Personal Care Assistance IHTCA 126
- Clinical IHTCA 169
- Level 2
- Cognitive or Mental ChallengesHTCA 152
- Common Health ChallengesHTCA 153
- Personal Care Assistance IIHTCA 156
- Clinical IIHTCA 179
- Community PracticumHTCA 159
Careers
Graduates of the Health Care Assistant program are prepared to work in a variety of settings.
- Home support
- Assisted living
- Residential/complex care
- Special care units
- Community care settings
- Acute care
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Health Care Assistant Certificate program?
- Applicants must have completed Grade 10 or its equivalent. Mature student status is also accepted upon completion of an Accuplacer assessment.
- What English language proficiency tests are accepted for admission?
- Accepted tests include IELTS Academic/General/Online with an overall score of 6 (minimum 6 in Speaking & Listening, no lower than 5.5 in Reading & Writing) or TOEFL iBT with an overall score of 76 (minimum 20 in Speaking & Listening, minimum 18 in Reading & Writing).
- How long is the Health Care Assistant Certificate program?
- The program has a duration of 30 weeks and is offered in a full-time format, with a hybrid option available.
- What are the career opportunities for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in various settings, including home support, assisted living, residential/complex care, special care units, community care, and acute care.
- How do I apply to the Health Care Assistant program?
- Prospective students can apply online through Education Planner BC or by submitting a downloaded application form. It is recommended to book an appointment with a recruiter for admission inquiries.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Information on specific scholarships for this program is not provided. However, financial aid options such as scholarships, bursaries, and grants are generally available at the university.
Entry requirements
Grade 10 completion or equivalentor Mature student status (upon completion of Accuplacer assessment)
IELTS Academic/General/OnlineOverall 6, minimum 6 in Speaking & Listening, no lower than 5.5 in Reading & Writing
TOEFL iBTOverall 76, minimum 20 in Speaking & Listening, minimum 18 in Reading & Writing
English-speaking country instruction3 years full-time instruction starting from Grade 8 (secondary or post-secondary), with a minimum grade of C in English 10 or equivalent college-level English course, OR ACCUPLACER Next Generation Test Results: Reading 230, Writing 230, Writeplacer 4.
Internationally-educated applicants must also provide an official ICES report. Additional requirements for practicum placement include Standard First Aid with CPR Level C, BC Food Safe Level 1, immunizations, and a Criminal Record Check for the Vulnerable Sector.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Information on tuition fees and living costs is not provided on the program page. Financial aid options such as scholarships, bursaries, and grants are available.
How to apply
1. Choose ProgramBrowse available programs at NVIT. For admission requirement inquiries, book an appointment with a recruiter.
2. Submit ApplicationApply online via Education Planner BC or download and submit the application form.
3. Receive Offer LetterThe Registrar’s Office will send either a Conditional Offer Letter or a Full Offer Letter via email.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Health Care Assistant Certificate program?
+
Applicants must have completed Grade 10 or its equivalent. Mature student status is also accepted upon completion of an Accuplacer assessment.
What English language proficiency tests are accepted for admission?
+
Accepted tests include IELTS Academic/General/Online with an overall score of 6 (minimum 6 in Speaking & Listening, no lower than 5.5 in Reading & Writing) or TOEFL iBT with an overall score of 76 (minimum 20 in Speaking & Listening, minimum 18 in Reading & Writing).
How long is the Health Care Assistant Certificate program?
+
The program has a duration of 30 weeks and is offered in a full-time format, with a hybrid option available.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in various settings, including home support, assisted living, residential/complex care, special care units, community care, and acute care.
How do I apply to the Health Care Assistant program?
+
Prospective students can apply online through Education Planner BC or by submitting a downloaded application form. It is recommended to book an appointment with a recruiter for admission inquiries.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Information on specific scholarships for this program is not provided. However, financial aid options such as scholarships, bursaries, and grants are generally available at the university.