Community health care is an ideal career path for people looking to make a difference in the daily lives of others. Vancouver Career College's Community Health Care program prepares students to work in community centres, care facilities, schools and more.
This program teaches students how to run rehabilitation programs (including music and art therapy), plan recreational programs, and how to work with the elderly and people with special needs, including behavioural disabilities, mental health disorders, and developmental disorders.
Students will put these skills into practice as part of three separate practicum placements. Practicums allow students to gain hands-on experience in the areas of home support, assisted living, dementia care, complex care and adolescent care.
In addition to the Community Health Care Worker Diploma, graduates of this program will receive a Health Care Assistant Diploma, Standard First Aid Certificate, CPR "C" Certificate, a WHMIS Certificate, and a Food Safe Level 1 Certificate.
“I chose Vancouver Career College because it offers the Community Health Care Worker program. I enjoyed Anatomy and Physiology and the Clinical Skills modules the most. My instructors were all extremely helpful, beyond just classroom work. I liked the fast-paced environment and the information offered. And in the Clinical Skills, I liked seeing and doing the procedures that I would be taking into practicum.” - Tricia R., Vancouver Career College Graduate
This program is 43 weeks in length.
Job Opportunities
- Long-Term Care Aide
- Home Health Care Worker
- Residential Care Attendant
- Health Care Assistant
- Nursing Aide
- Classroom Attendant for Special Needs Children
- Community Recreation Assistant
- Mental Health Worker
Program Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia.
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| HCA100 |
Health and Healing: Concepts of Practice |
75 |
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- This course provides students with the opportunity to develop a theoretical framework for practice. Students will be introduced to the philosophical values and theoretical understandings that provide a foundation for competent practice as an HCA. The course focuses on concepts of caring and person-centred care, basic human needs and human development, family, and culture and diversity as they relate to health and healing. Students will also be introduced to a problem-solving model that will be critical to their practice.
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| HCA101 |
Health 1: Interpersonal Communications |
50 |
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- This course focuses on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others and development of effective interpersonal communication skills that can be used in a variety of care giving contexts. Students will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They will have opportunity to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect and active listening skills.
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| HCA102 |
Health 2: Lifestyle Choices |
25 |
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- This course introduces students to a holistic concept of health and the components of a health enhancing lifestyle. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices. Students will be introduced to a model that can be applied in other courses to understand the multi-faceted aspects of health and healing.
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| HCA200 |
HCA: Introduction to Practice |
25 |
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- This course provides an introduction to the role of the Health Care Assistant within the British Columbia healthcare system. Students will be introduced to the healthcare team and the roles and functions of HCA within the team. Students will also have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice.
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| HCA201 |
Healing 1: Caring for Individual Experiencing Common Health Challenges |
125 |
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- This course introduces students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes associated with aging. Students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students will also be encouraged to explore person-centred practice as it relates to the common challenges to health and, in particular, to end-of-life care.
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| HCA202 |
Healing 2: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive and Mental Challenges |
50 |
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- This course builds on content from other courses to assist students to explore concepts and care giving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental challenges. Emphasis is on recognizing behaviours and identifying person-centered intervention strategies.
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| HCA203 |
Healing 3: Personal Care and Assistance |
125 |
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- This practical course offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the HCA role. The course is comprised of class and supervised laboratory experiences which assist the student to integrate theory from other courses to develop care-giver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety and independence of individuals in community and facility contexts. During this module, students will receive their First Aid, CPR, WHMIS and Food Safe training certification.
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| HCA300 |
Home Support / Assisted Living Practicum |
80 |
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- This practice course provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses with individuals and families in a community setting. Opportunity will be provided for students to become more familiar with the role of the HCA within a home support agency and gain abilities that will prepare graduates to assume the role of a community health worker.
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| HCA400 |
Dementia Care and Complex Care Clinical |
200 |
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- This supervised practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals in a multi-level or complex care setting. A portion of this clinical experience will be devoted to working with individuals experiencing cognitive challenges. Opportunity will be provided for students to gain expertise and confidence with the role of the HCA within a continuing care facility.
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| HCA500 |
Career and Employment Strategies |
25 |
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- Students will have the opportunity to review and discuss the final practicum placement. Simulated practice may be given in panel interviews as well as practice scenarios for job interviews. Students will update their resumes and cover letters. Students will have use of a Job Search lab which has unlimited Internet access, a job search resource library and a fax machine and phone for contacting prospective employers. Students will obtain the necessary information required to register in the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker registry.
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| M1260 |
Teaching Life Skills / Group Process |
25 |
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- During this module students will be presented with a simulated experience in which they plan and teach some basic life skills for those who may be living with disability, disorder, or limited resources. Students will be challenged to apply knowledge of group work while remaining focused on the goals. Students will be required to facilitate and search out needed supports and resources to aid the family and/or the individual to meet their basic needs. This module will introduce the students to different roles played by individuals when working with a group.
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| M1263 |
Development Across the Lifespan - Birth to Adolescence |
50 |
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- This module will address human development from conception through adolescence. The psychology and physiology of growth and development are examined. Students will learn about fetal development and the effect of teratogens on an unborn child.
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| M1265 |
Working within the School System |
50 |
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- This module deals with physical, social and emotional growth and development during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Students will explore human needs in infancy, childhood, and adolescence. This module also introduces common disorders for school-aged children. Students will focus on various aspects of learning disabilities and mental challenges. Further exploration will lead the student into the world of autism and Aspergers Disorder with a brief look at Fetal Alcohol Effects. Emphasis will be placed on facilitating children with these disorders in a structured setting or classroom while maintaining the least restrictive environment.
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| M1270 |
Advanced Health Issues |
50 |
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- To aid in their understanding of developmental disabilities, this module starts with an introduction to genetics. Following the study of genetics, students will gain a better understanding of disorders such as Fragile X Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, and Down Syndrome. Knowledge of these disorders will aid those looking to pursue a career caring for individuals with developmental disorders.
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| M1280 |
Advanced Behaviour Management and Mental Health |
75 |
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- This module will address the philosophy of behavior management, non-aversive behaviour management, and non-violent intervention. There is a focus on the issues surrounding mental health, taking an extensive look at personality disorders and Schizophrenia. This module will develop the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career as a mental health worker.
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| M1295 |
Recreational Program Planning |
25 |
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- Facilitating recreational activities, using many different forms, are discussed in this module. Students learn to create program plans for various age groups and facility settings, utilizing appropriate therapeutic modes and maintaining a focus on emotional and cognitive goals of clients with special needs. This module takes a holistic view of assisting in the fulfillment of client needs.
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| M1299 |
Practicum III: Adolescent Care |
125 |
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- This five week, unsupervised learning experience will integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout this program. Students will work with children, adolescents, and/or young adults in non-clinical settings such as schools and community centers by providing physical and emotional management and support.
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| CESE |
Career and Employment Strategies |
25 |
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- Students will have the use of our Job Search lab which has unlimited Internet access, a job search resource library and a fax machine and phone for contacting prospective employers with your resume. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques, and to carry out mock interviews. Students review core program concepts and learning in order to market their skills effectively.