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

The Health Care Assistant certificate provides the knowledge and skills needed to provide person-centered care and promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients in continuing care environments. The program consists of theory, laboratory practice, and practice education experiences in complex care facilities and community care sites. 

Click [here](https://www.vcc.ca/international/programs/program-areas/health-sciences/health-care-assistant/) for information about the international intake for this program.

Health Care Assistant Certificate

Vancouver Community 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

**Domestic Applicants**

1. Grade 10 completion or equivalent.
2. English 10 completion or equivalent if you have three years of full-time instruction in English, as per BC Care Aide Registry. 
3. Proof of meeting the minimum English language competency requirements as set by BC Care Aide and Home Support Worker Registry if you have less than three years of full-time instruction in English.
4. Completion of the VCC HCA English Competency Declaration form
5. Standard First Aid (Red Cross or St. John Ambulance) including current CPR level C or BLS
6. CPR certificates expire one year from the date of issue. Current status is required for all clinical and practicum experiences. 
7. BC FOODSAFE Certificate Level 1

**International Applicants**

1. High School Graduation
2. 18 years of age or older 
3. For applicants with less than three years of full-time instruction in English: Standardized English language proficiency test score, as per BC Care Aide Registry. 
4. For applicants with three years of full-time instruction in English: English 10 with a minimum ‘C’ grade or equivalent, as per BC Care Aide Registry
5. Completion of the VCC HCA English Competency Declaration form
6. A police check from the applicant's country of origin, issued within 12 months before the program start date
To be Completed During Term 1:

- Standard First Aid
- BC FOODSAFE Certificate Level 1

Academic Admission Requirement

**All Applicants**

1. Upon acceptance, you must: 

    - submit a successful Criminal Record Search (CRC) (you are responsible for the cost of the CRC; this must be received by the Registrar's Office before the first day of classes. Conviction for relevant offenses may prevent entry to the program)
    - provide proof of a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray.
    - provide a completed immunization record; the following immunizations are strongly recommended and may be required for practicum placements:
    - Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
    - Polio
    - Measles, Mumps & Rubella
    - Varicella (Chicken pox)
    - Hepatitis B
    - Influenza (annually)
    - be properly fitted for an N95 respiratory mask (you are responsible for the cost of mask fitting; see Respiratory Mask Fit Testing Information)

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

**Domestic Applicants**

1. Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
2. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
3. Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program.

**International Applicants**

1. International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
2. Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
3. All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program.

**All Applicants**
Recommended Characteristics:

- Ability to work under direction and to act with initiative as a member of the health care team
- A genuine concern for the well-being of others
- Patience and perseverance
- Flexibility, trustworthiness, and dependability
- Ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English
- High standard of personal hygiene and grooming
- Ability to use problem-solving approach
- Physical stamina
- No sensitivity or allergy to latex

Admission Advice

Applications should be submitted as early as possible. Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
International students may refer to the VCC International page for details on admission deadlines. You can find the program availability status [here](https://www.vcc.ca/international/programs/program-availability/availability-status/)

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.

Vancouver Community College

Health Care Assistant Certificate

Overview

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