Certificate Health Care Aide

Through a variety of delivery options at Bow Valley College, you can earn a Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Curriculum 2019 Certificate.

Due to the popularity of this program, we recommend you apply at least eight months prior to the program start date.

The Health Care Aide Certificate is available in the following delivery options:

• Full-time: on-campus study over an eight-month (2-term) period.
• Part-time: on-campus over a five-term period. 
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): you may be eligible to challenge the courses in the Health Care Aide (HCA) program if you have work experience as a health care aide or caregiver and wish to meet provincial health care aide certification requirements. The tuition for this pathway is $4112.00. The PLAR HCA pathway is only offered through the Calgary downtown campus and not through the Regional campuses.
• Heath Care Aide for English Language Learners: this pathway program is for learners with minimal English Language proficiency skills. To learn more to see if this is better suited for you, please visit the program page.
• Regional Learners: see below for more information.

This program focuses on developing the core skills needed to care for individuals with various health care needs. Topics include personal care, assisting with mobility and nutrition, communication, assisting with medication delivery, and clinical skills. 

You will learn in a combination of on-campus labs, in-class learning, and clinical instruction in continuing care, acute care, and community/home care settings. Clinical shifts may include days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends.