Body mechanics and client mobility (HLSC 610)

Course nameBody Mechanics and Client Mobility
Course description

This fully on-line course is intended for Health Care Assistants (HCAs) or prospective HCAs in British Columbia (BC). The course covers content from the BC Health Care Assistant Program Provincial Curriculum Guide (2023) related to the HCA’s role in facilitating safe client transfers, ambulation and positioning, and the proper use of body mechanics.

 

This course is also suitable for friends or family members of individuals who require assistance with mobility.

Subject codeHLSC 610
Learning objectives

By the end of this course, student will be able to: 

 

  • provide care and assistance in ways that maintain safety for self and others in a variety of contexts
  • assist the client with movement and ambulation; and
  • apply an informed problem-solving process related to assisting the client with movement and ambulation.
Tuition$217.00
Prerequisite

Completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or proof of equivalent as outlined in detail on the General Admission Information page. 

 

Students who register are understood to be confirming successful completion of this requirement. Proof of successful completion is not required on registration but may be requested by Douglas College.

Course content

Topics covered include:

 

  • assessing the person and the situation prior to commencing care;
  • identifying unsafe environments or situations;
  • checking equipment for safety and functionality;
  • reporting equipment malfunction;
  • body mechanics;
  • turning and moving a person in a hospital or regular bed;
  • using positioning devices;
  • transferring a person to a stretcher;
  • moving a person to the side of a bed and assisting them to sit;
  • transferring a person from a bed to a chair or wheelchair and back;
  • transferring a person from a wheelchair to a bath chair or toilet;
  • using mechanical lifts including ceiling lifts; and
  • assisting with ambulation, including the use of walking devices; and
  • dealing with falls
Learning resources

All required resources will be provided within the course.

 

The primary resource used is Sorrentino's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker (5th Canadian Edition). It is available through the Douglas College Bookstore for anyone wishing to order a copy. It may also be available at public college libraries throughout BC where the Health Care Assistant Program is offered. This textbook is used by HCA programs throughout BC, and most of Canada. It is a good resource for anyone working as an HCA in BC.

Instruction method

Interactive online course, delivered through Blackboard. Self-paced and instructor supported. 

 

Due to the nature of an online delivery, the student will be expected be proficient in computer skills including email, adding attachments, navigating the internet etc. Resources for getting started with Blackboard are available online to help get the student comfortable in the Blackboard environment.

AssignmentsStudents will complete short quizzes and assignments throughout the course. Students will require access to a digital camera, smart phone, tablet, or laptop, et cetera, in order to create and upload short video clips.
Grading

The course is graded as Mastery/Non-mastery.

 

Successful course completion proven with official transcript request.

Completion timeframeTwo (2) months (7 hours) from course start date. Students can also expect to spend additional time on assigned readings and assignments.
Registration and course start

Registration is easy: simply call CE Registration at 604 527 5472 and quote the CRN (below). Payment of the tuition fee must accompany registration.

 

Instructions on how to access your course materials will be emailed to you by the Program Assistant the Friday prior to your chosen course start date.

CRN: 21187

Start DateDeadline to Register
Weekly, MondayWednesday prior