Health Care Support Work

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

• General College Admission Requirements
• FoodSafe Level 1
• Academic Requirements: English 11 (or equivalent) or Standardized English Language proficiency test score-as detailed below

Native English Speakers Requirments: (applies to individuals who have a minimum of 7 years of education in an English-speaking environment--see table below for details)

English 11 or equivalent

1. Evidence of one of the following with a minimum of C grade:

     -Proof of completion of Grade 11 English" OR

Composition 11,

Creative Writing 11,

Literary Studies 11,

New Media 11,

Spoken Language 11,

EFP Literary Studies and Writing 11,

EFP Literary Studies and New Media 11,

EFP Literary Studies and Spoken Language 11,

OR

Accuplacer Assessment (*):

      11 level or higher Reading Comprehension: 254

      Write placer: 4

*availability of this exam for assessment purposes, subject to change

2. Completion of Douglas College Self- Declaration Form

Non-native English Speakers Requirements:

Standardized English Language proficiency test score

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, with no score lower than 20 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing.

 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, with no section less than 50.

*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 HCSW 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 Authorities. 

Other:

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

Access to the Health Care Support Work Certificate Program for Douglas College Community Mental Health Work Graduates

Additional admission requirements:

In addition to the admission requirements for all HCSW program options, these admission requirements apply to Douglas College Community Mental Health Work program graduates who wish to access the Health Care Assisting component of the HCSW program and to receive credit for previous education and work experience.  Students will graduate with a HCSW certificate.

Practice Requirements:

1. Graduation from Douglas College Community Mental Health Work Program. (Note: the Introduction to Community Mental Health Certificate program offered through Douglas College Continuing Education is not equivalent to the Community Mental Health Work Certificate).
   AND
2. Current practice experience, such as working with persons with mental illness in a residential or community based facility for a minimum of 1,120 hours within four years of date of application. Submission of a letter from an agency/institution supporting this claim is required. 
   OR
   Graduation from Douglas College Community Mental Health Work Program within two years prior to the date of application.