Health Care Assisting

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Program Code
CTHCA
Discontinued
No
Program
Faculty
Health Sciences
Department
Mental Health and Personal Support Work
Credential Type
Certificate
Transcript Title
Health Care Asst Certificate
Date of First Offering
Start Term
201520
End Term
202420
Credential
Certificate in Health Care Assisting
Length of Program
Two semesters
Credits
34.50
Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

Native English speakers (applies to individuals who have a minimum of 7 years of education in an English-speaking environment*)

Non-native English speakers

Requirements:

English 11 or equivalent

Requirements:

Standardized English Language proficiency test score

1. Evidence of one of the following:

     -Proof of completion of Grade 11 English with a minimum grade of "C"; OR

     -Accuplacer:
         Grade 11 level or higher
         Reading Comprehension: 65
         Writing placer: 4

2.  Completion of Douglas College Self- Declaration Form

Evidence of one of the following test scores:

 1.  The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): test must be within the last two years- minimum score of 80

 2.  International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or General- test must be within the last two years- minimum overall score of 6 with no band lower than 6

 3.  Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT): test must be taken within the past six months: Minimum test scores: Listening 8, Speaking 8, Reading 7 and Writing 7

 4.  Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): test must be within the last two years- minimum overall score of 60

*Countries with English language systems/ intuitions(Where English is a primary, official language and the language used for education)

American Samoa
Anguilla
Antigua
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands Cayman Island
Canada*

Dominica
Falkland Islands
Fiji
Ghana
Grenada
Guam
Guyana
Irish Republic
Jamaica
Kenya
Malta

Mauritius
Montserrat
New Zealand
Seychelles
Singapore
South Africa
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caico Islands

Uganda
United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
United States of America (USA)
US Virgin Islands

*Applicants educated in Quebec at an institution where the language of instruction was not English, must meet the current English Language proficiency requirements.

Upon Offer: 

  • A Criminal Record Check from the Ministry of Justice, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults will be required.  This must be done through Douglas College.  Specific Instructions will be provided by the program Admissions Officer.
  • Complete an Informed Medical Suitability Declaration (to be completed on Douglas College Form) and a physician's note may be required.
  • Submit a current record of immunity or immunization for Hepatitis B.
  • Submit proof of negative TB skin test or chest X-ray, taken within 4 months prior to starting the program and classes. This may need to be repeated if student was tested more than six months prior to the first clinical experience, or as required by Health Regions. 

*Updated immunizations for measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, varicella and rubella are strongly recommended.  Recommendations will change based on Health Region requirements.

Standard First Aid and CPR Level C

  • Certificate is required prior to the first clinical placement.

Non-Violence Crisis Intervention (NVCI):

  • NVCI is required prior to the first clinical placement.  NVCI course may be arranged through the HCSW program during program orientation.  

Other:

  • We strongly recommend you attend an information session.
  • A personal interview with the Program Coordinator may be requested.
Curriculum Framework

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of 34.50 credits
  • 50% (17 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College 
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of 34.50 credits
  • 50% (17 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
  • Graduate in Good Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA of 1.50 – See Academic Performance Policy)
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years

Course Requirements:

Course Number Course Title Credits

Semester I

   

HCSW 1101

Concepts for Practice

3.00

HCSW 1102

Lifestyle and Introduction to Practice

3.00

HCSW 1103

Interpersonal Communication

3.00

HCSW 1104

Health Challenges 1

3.00

HCSW 1105

Applied Practice Experiences 1

6.00

Semester II

   

HCSW 1106

Health Challenges 2

3.00

HCSW 1107

Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges

3.00

HCSW 1108

Applied Practice Experiences 2

6.75

HCSW 1109

Applied Practice Experiences 3

3.75

Total Credits

 

34.50