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Health Care Assistant Certificate

Credential
Certificate

Duration
8 month(s)

Talk to a student recruitment advisor
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Faculty
Education, Health & Human Development

School
School of Allied Health

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) certificate at CapU is accelerated career training that allows students to complete the program in 7 months.

The HCA program at CapU combines theory courses, lab skills and clinical practicums in real-world health care settings.

In the health care assistant program, you'll learn how to provide personal care to clients and residents in complex care, specialized dementia care, selected acute care settings and in the community.

You'll develop the knowledge and skills to work with patients who have specialized needs, with training in personal care nursing, common health challenges, and cognitive and mental health challenges.

Classes are taught by experienced Registered or Licensed Practical Nurses who share stories about their experiences in a variety of health care settings, including acute care, long-term care and home support.

Upon graduation, you'll be ready to get working in a secure and growing field with potential to advance.

Start an in-demand career in health care by training as an HCA at CapU. Learn more below or contact hca@capilanou.ca for more information.

Health Care Assistant students giving medications.

Graduate ready to be a health care assistant

You'll graduate with plenty of work experience, including two practicums, the first in multi-level care or complex care, and the second in home support or assisted living.

Health Care workers are needed now in B.C.

Currently, 95% of care homes and home support agencies in B.C. are facing major worker shortages. If you're looking to move into a rewarding career as part of a community health care team, this hands-on certificate is for you. 

*SafeCare BC. 2016. "SafeCare BC HR Survey Identifies Shortages of Workers." Burnaby, November 22.

Help seniors live their best lives

With thousands of seniors preferring to receive home care in their community over moving into long-term care, there is an immediate need for more health care assistants in B.C.

Recent surveys suggest an additional 17,900* HCAs are needed in the next ten years to match the growing demand for care aides and home support workers, with a yearly increase of 4.2%.

*WorkBC. 2019. British Columbia Labour Market Outlook: 2019 Edition. Victoria: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

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Information Sessions

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Intakes

Fall 2025

Location
North Vancouver

Course load
Full-time

Important dates

Applications open

Oct 1, 2024 – Aug 5, 2025

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jun 23, 2025

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 25, 2025

Fall 2025

Location
Sunshine Coast

Course load
Full-time

Important dates

Applications open

Oct 1, 2024 – Aug 5, 2025

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jun 23, 2025

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 25, 2025

NOTE: Important dates may change.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Review this program's admission requirements

Submit your application on EducationPlannerBC

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

Receive an acknowledgement email

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Submit your official transcripts

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Library Building, Room LB152
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Official university or college transcripts

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Certified documents

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

Original academic documents

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Get ready for your first day

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Library Building, Room LB152
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

New Students

Review this program's admission requirements

Learn about CapU's admission requirements and submit your application

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

Receive an acknowledgement email

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

Submit your official transcripts

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Official high school, university, or college transcripts

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Certified documents

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

Original academic documents

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Receive letter of offer

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

Receive letter of acceptance and apply for a study permit

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Get ready for your first day

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Admission notes

Applicants to the HCA program at Capilano University must meet the HCA English Language Competency (pdf).

All students who are interested in the HCA program are strongly encouraged to attend an information session.

A Criminal Record Clearance is required by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The required Criminal Record Check is arranged by Capilano University. Details will be provided at the information session.

After acceptance to the program, students will be required to submit additional documentation as required by relevant health authorities in order to participate in a practicum. Students must complete the practicum to be eligible for program completion. 
At a minimum, this includes the following:

  • First Aid Certification 
  • CPR Level “C” Certification or “Basic Life Support (BLS)” Certification 
  • Foodsafe Level 1 Certification
  • Completion of the Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) , which must include the following:
    • A signed checklist SPECO Checklist
    • Proof of meeting current immunizations / vaccinations as per health care organization policies / guidelines
    • Criminal record check (CRC) from the Criminal Records Review Program
    • Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum E-Learning Modules
    • WHMIS – Provincial Course
    • Completion of the Health Care Assistant Practice in BC E-Learning Modules
    • Completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Adult Abuse course 

The activities of the HCA program involve bending, lifting up to 23 Kg (50 lbs), squatting, standing and walking for extended periods (can be up to 8 hours). Additionally, during clinical practicums, students will care for clients who are at end of life and some who may be aggressive due to their cognitive status. 

The following is recommended:  

  • 40 hours of volunteer work at a Complex Care Unit. 

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $4,401 $1,792 $6,193
Total $4,401 $1,792 $6,193
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $19,707 $1,792 $21,499
Total $19,707 $1,792 $21,499

Tuition & Fees Estimator

Get a detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees for your program.

Calculate my fees

Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

See if I qualify

Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

Take me to the awards

On this page

Required Courses

Required Courses

Total credits: 30.00

Required:
HCA 100Lifestyle and Choices1.50 credits
HCA 101Concepts for Practice3.00 credits
HCA 102Interpersonal Communications3.00 credits
HCA 103Common Health Challenges4.50 credits
HCA 104Introduction to Practice1.50 credits
HCA 105Cognitive and/or Mental Health Challenges3.00 credits
HCA 106Personal Care and Assistance3.00 credits
HCA 110Practice Experience in Multi-level and/or Complex Care9.00 credits
HCA 112Practice Experience: Home Support/Assisted Living/Group Home1.50 credits

Total program credits: 30.00

Additional information

Graduation requirement: Students must obtain at least a B- grade in each theory course (HCA 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105) and a credit in HCA 106, 110 and 112.

Learning outcomes

  • Provide person-centred care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual client.
  • Use an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual health and well-being of clients and families.
  • Provide person-centred care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges.
  • Provide person-centred care and assistance for clients experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges.
  • Interact with other members of the health care team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
  • Communicate clearly, accurately, and sensitively with clients and families in a variety of community and facility contexts.
  • Provide personal care and assistance in a safe, competent, and organized manner.
  • Recognize and respond to own self-development, learning, and health enhancement needs.
  • Perform the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable, and professional manner.

How to Declare

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

School of Allied Health
604 984 4960
604 984 4993 (fax)
Cedar Building, room 342
hca@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca