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Health Care Assistant

On Campus

About the Program

Vancouver Career College's Health Care Assistant Certificate prepares you to become a front-line caregiver supporting clients with their physical, emotional, and daily living needs. This 24-week in-person program at the Burnaby campus combines classroom learning, skills labs, and supervised practice in real care settings. Graduates are eligible to register with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn personal care and assistance skills that keep clients safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible in facility and community settings.
  • Gain specialized training in dementia care, palliative care, and supporting clients with cognitive and mental health challenges.
  • Develop person-centred communication and teamwork skills for working as part of BC's healthcare system.
  • Earn certifications including First Aid with CPR-C, FOODSAFE Level 1 equivalent, and WHMIS, then complete practicums in complex care and home support or assisted living.

Career Opportunities

Roles: Health Care Assistant, Residential Care Attendant, and Home Support Worker in long-term care, assisted living, and community care earning $45,000–$60,000

Why it matters: BC's aging population is driving steady demand for registered care aides, and over 89% of the college's graduates have found work in the field.

Student Loans and Grants

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*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.