Concepts in Community Mental Health for HCAs (HLSC 613)

Course Name

Concepts in Community Mental Health for HCAs

Course Description

This course is intended for learners who have successfully completed an approved Health Care Assistant program and would like to review some of these skills prior to starting other health care courses, such as the Community Mental Health Worker program. 

Please note: 

HLSC 613 is not a prerequisite for any program in the Health Sciences Department.

HLSC 613 is not equivalent to the full Health Care Assistant Program. 

• For information about Douglas College's Health Sciences credit programs please visit the faculty's website. 
• For information about requirements to join the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry please visit their website.

Subject Code

HLSC 613

Learning Objectives

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

• demonstrate a basic understanding and knowledge of human needs, human growth and development, and common physiological disorders;
• describe the relationship between observable behaviours of the individual and changes in mental functioning;
• assess the effects of aging, loss, stress, and illness in relation to the care of individuals experiencing changes in mental functioning;
• demonstrate understanding of critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and
• demonstrate basic communication skills when working with clients.

Tuition

$159.00 (payable upon registration)

Pre-requisite

Proof of registration with the BC Care Aide Registry. 

Completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or proof of equivalent as outlined in detail here: https://www.douglascollege.ca/programs-courses/general-information/admissions.

Course Content

Topics covered include:

• Foundational Skills and Concepts;
• Interpersonal Communication;
• Cognitive Health Challenges; and
• Selected Physical Health Challenges.

Learning Resources

All required resources will be provided within the course.

The primary resource used is Mosby’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker (most recent 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.

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.

Assignments

Students will be expected to successfully complete assignments and quizzes.

Grading

This is a Mastery/Non-Mastery course.

Completion Time-frame

This is a self-paced course; students can complete at their own pace.  Maximum course time-frame is two months from course start date to complete 28 hours of course content.  

Registration 

Registration is easy; simply complete the CE-HS Registration Form and submit it to: cehsadmin@douglascollege.ca, with proof of completion of the pre-requisite requirements.  You will then be prompted for payment to the CE Registration office, to finalize your registration.