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, for a combined total of 10 weeks. The first practicum placement is in a non-clinical care facility such as a community centre; the second takes place in an intermediate care facility; and a third placement gives students experience in an extended care facility.
In addition to the Community Health Care Worker Diploma, graduates of this program will receive a Long Term Geriatric Care Aid Certificate, Resident Care Attendant Diploma, Alzheimer's Certificate, Mental Health Community Care Certificate, Basics of Medications Certificate, Standard First Aid Certificate, CPR "C" Certificate, Food Safe Level 1 Certificate and a WHMIS 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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| M1280 |
Advanced Behaviour Management and Mental Health |
75 |
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- This module will address the philosophy of behaviour management, non-aversive behaviour management and non-violent crisis intervention. The second and third week of this module will focus on issues surrounding mental health taking an extensive look at personality disorders and Schizophrenia. The mental health component will develop students’ knowledge and skills to work as Mental Health Workers.
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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, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Bifida and Down’s syndrome. Knowledge of these disorders will aid those wishing to pursue a career caring for those with developmental disabilities.
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| M1263 |
Development Across the Lifespan - Birth to Adolescence |
50 |
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- In this module, students will gain an understanding of human development from birth through adolescence. Students will also cover the psychology of growth in humans.
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| M1300 |
Job Search for CHC |
25 |
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- Students will have the opportunity to review and discuss the final practicum placement. Theory that has been presented throughout the program will be revisited and students will complete review assignments and a final competency exam. Simulated practice will be given in panel interviews as well as practice scenarios for job interviews. Students will update their resumes and cover letters. Students will have the 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.
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| M1299 |
Practicum III: Adolescent Care |
120 |
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- A 3-week (120 hours) non-supervised learning position with children,adolescents and young adults in non-clinical settings such as schoolsand community centres by providing physical and emotionalmanagement and support.
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| M1330 |
Preceptorship II |
80 |
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| M1295 |
Recreational Program Planning |
25 |
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- Facilitating recreational activities, using arts and crafts and musictherapy are topics discussed in this module. Students learn to createprogram plans including the setting of short and long-term physical,cognitive and emotional goals for clients with special needs. Thismodule takes a holistic view of assisting in the fulfillment of clientneeds.
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| M1260 |
Teaching Life Skills / Group Process |
25 |
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- During this module students will be presented with a simulatedexperience in which they plan and teach some basic life skills for thosewho may be living with disability, disorder, or limited resources.Students will be challenged to apply knowledge of group work whileremaining focused on the goals. Students will be required to facilitateand search out needed supports and resources to aid the family and orthe individual to meet their basic needs. This module will introduce thestudents to different roles played by individuals when working with agroup.
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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.