6 reasons to take the Health Care Assistant program
With an aging population in B.C., there's an increasing demand for health care assistants to help out in hospitals, care facilities, senior homes and as home support. Capilano University's Health Care Assistant (HCA) program ensures that graduates gain the most current skills needed in the industry so that they're ready for the job market. Here are the top six reasons to take the program.
- Recognition by B.C. Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry. The HCA program gained five-year recognition status by B.C.’s top board, which means Capilano graduates can register with the database and find work straight away. The HCA program at the North Vancouver and Sunshine Coast campuses were found to be exceeding the standards set by the registry.
- Hands-on experience in the health lab. Students consistently rave about their time spent in the health labs on both campuses, which are equipped with 10 beds, lifts, mobility aids, mannequins and all the features that they might find at an outside facility. By practicing their skills in the health lab, students gain the confidence to perform during their work practicum. In fact, 98 per cent of Health Care Assistant grads report satisfaction with their education at Capilano University. *
- A close-knit cohort. With 20 students in the program each year, HCA students spend a lot of time working in pairs during their health lab classes and build strong friendships throughout the program.
- Personal reflection is key. The program introduces students to a holistic way of looking at health, which shapes their future work in the field. The "Lifestyle and Choices" course is instrumental in this by getting students to journal about their lifestyle and health and be self-reflexive in their approach to healthcare and understanding the patient’s perspective.
- A high job-success rate. HCA alumni made their connections through their practica and many are employed by Vancouver Coastal Health in residential care or home support. Graduates like Anya Garcia Sadler, Jan Seaman and Maegan Langridge are making their mark in a very rewarding career, and 92 per cent of Capilano University’s Health Care Assistant grads are employed in the field of their choosing. *
- A stepping stone to nursing. Many students get a feel for the health care environment they want to be in during the HCA program, especially during their practicum in hospitals and care facilities. Many have gone on to a Bachelor of Nursing degree or Licensed Practical Nursing.
Submitted by: Communications & Marketing