<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

With the Health Care Assistant Certificate, you can start a fulfilling career supporting older adults and vulnerable individuals in healthcare settings like group homes, community care and hospitals. This certificate prepares you for diverse roles in the healthcare field. In this program, you’ll learn essential skills to support individuals with daily living tasks under the supervision of licensed nurses.

Health Care Assistant Certificate

North Island College

Config for institutions using the Transcript Delivery Service

Config for institutions using the Admission Service

Config for EPBC institutions using the Program Data Delivery Service

Config for EPBC institutions using the Application File Attachments Service

Config for institutions using the EPBC REST API

1. Complete the [English Competency Self-Declaration form](https://www.nic.bc.ca/_resources/pdf/declaration-of-english-language-competency-requirements-hca.pdf)
2. Complete the [HCA Intake Package](https://www.nic.bc.ca/_resources/pdf/hca-intake-pkg.pdf)
3. Applicants who have been educated in an English-speaking environment must provide proof of the following:
   * Minimum of 3 years of full time instruction in the English language at the secondary and/or post-secondary level at a recognized institution in a country on the list of approved English Speaking Countries
   * English 10 (C) or [equivalent](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=24\&navoid=10988)
4. Applicants who have not been educated in an English-speaking environment and cannot provide evidence of three years of full-time instruction in English are required to provide proof of one of the following standardized proficiency tests from an [authorized assessment agency](https://www.nic.bc.ca/programs/programs/health/health-care-assistant-certificate.html).

Academic Admission Requirement

1. The British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal has provided Special Program approval to allow priority admission for a selected number of self-declared Indigenous applicants to this program. Students with Indigenous ancestry may be eligible for a priority seat in the Health Care Assistant Certificate program. 
2. After acceptance and before classes begin, you will need the following:
   * Criminal Record Check
   * Completed immunization form (which must be validated by a Health Professional such as a family doctor or a public health nurse)
     Food Safe Level 1 Certificate (TFS-010)
   * The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) is mandatory for all staff and students who work in Health Authorities. Most of this training will be completed online through the Learning Hub. However, any students working in high-risk areas are required to complete **an additional 8-hour classroom module** at their own cost prior to their placement.&#x20;
   * Current Standard First Aid Certification with CPR Level C (FAC- 021 is offered at NIC) (must be maintained throughout the program)
   * Current FoodSafe Level 1 certificate or equivalent (TFS - 010 is offered at NIC) (must be maintained throughout the program)
3. If you do not meet the academic admission requirements, you have the option of taking upgrading courses at NIC to help you gain entry to the program.

Admission Advice

Applications may be submitted starting 11 months before the intended program start date. Early application is recommended. Applications are open on the first business day in October. Students are accepted on a first applied, first qualified basis.

Verify dates and deadlines directly with NIC.

When you are ready to apply, use our [pre-application checklist](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/go/resources) to make sure you have everything you need, and visit our [How-to guides page](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/help) for more information.


Application Deadline Advice

Health Care Assistant Programs

URL for Health Care Assistant Certificate

Health Care Assistant Certificate

North Island College

Overview

Work experience

QUICK LINKS

FIND YOUR PATH

Explore paths

Curious where your education can lead you? Have a dream job and unsure how to get there?