Comprehensive Health Care Aide
International
Overview
Do you have what it takes to help those who need it most? Learn practical skills to care for patients and to communicate in a clinical setting. Help patients with their well-being and assist in managing their health care environment.
Support people who require help with their own care and who may have trouble with mobility, feeding and communication, as well as other needs. Be jobready through diverse practicum placements and hands-on experience.
The Comprehensive Health Care Aide program will give you opportunities to practice in a wide variety of health care settings. Your education will emphasize skills that future employers are looking for, including assisting with activities of daily living, meal and mobility assistance, and observation and reporting of patient conditions.
Upon graduation, you will be an important part of a health care team. You will provide much-needed personal support and services to the sick, disabled, elderly and chronically ill.
A certificate as a Comprehensive Health Care Aide can open the door to jobs for you in hospitals, personal care homes, acute and extended care, doctor’s offices, private care facilities, mental health settings and home care.
If you are not an international student, please refer to our Comprehensive Health Care Aide program page.
Admissions
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A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
-
IELTS Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no subscore less than 5.5 or equivalent score on other acceptable English Language Proficiency assessment.
You will be required to provide proof of relevant immunizations soon after you begin the program. Information will be given to you early in the program so you can plan to complete and pay for immunizations you do not currently have. Without all immunizations, you will not be allowed to attend practicum placements required for graduation.
International students enrolled in this program will complete BLS (basic life support) during the first three months of the program. You must successfully complete this training as a prerequisite for later courses.
Important to Note:
All tuition and fees for this program are required to be paid in full before your program begins. Tuition and fees are non-refundable.
International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Applicants prior to applying to this program.
Criminal Record Check/Abuse Registry Checks
While not required at time of admission, students in this program must obtain a valid and current Canadian criminal record vulnerable check, adult abuse registry check, and child abuse registry check prior to their clinical placements in the program. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they request, pay for, and obtain these checks in the necessary timeframes. Students in this program should inquire directly with the School of Nursing if they have further questions about these requirements for clinical placements:
- Current criminal record vulnerable sector check
- Current child abuse registry check
- Current adult abuse registry check
In some situations, students with a criminal record may be unable to complete the program. Students listed on the Adult Abuse Registry or Child Abuse Registry may be unable to complete the program.
Careers & Connections
Careers
Graduates will find employment in acute and extended care hospitals, personal care homes, private care facilities, mental health settings and home care.
See the National Occupation Code description for typical jobs here: Government of Canada National Occupation Code - Health Care Aide
CHCA jobs in rural Manitoba (not the Winnipeg area) are on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program In-Demand Occupations list.
The below video offers you an overview about career pathways in this field upon graduation to work as a Health Care Aides. Prairie Mountain Health is one such employer of Health Care Aides in Manitoba.
Tools & Supplies
Our labs simulate the health care setting, utilizing the most up to date equipment in order to accurately reflect potential situations in a variety of areas. Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. Textbooks are included in the cost of this program. However, there are some tools and supplies that will be required. Much of what you purchase you’ll be able to use after you graduate and begin your career.
Program Checklists:
Supply List:
At-Home Computing
Programs at Assiniboine have certain technology requirements. Students require access to computer devices at home and may be required to bring these on campus when instructed. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for more detailed information about the requirements for this program.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs (International students)
| Credits | Tuition | Course fees | Students' Association fees (includes health premium) | Required health insurance | Textbooks, tools & supplies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Health Care Aide | 55.5 | $17,995 | Included | Included | $1,000 | $800 |
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.
All tuition and fees are required to be paid in full before your program begins. Tuition and fees to this program are non-refundable and non-transferable. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Students may be required to purchase additional supplies for this program.
Courses
To graduate with a Comprehensive Health Care Aide certificate, students must successfully complete 49.5 academic credits and 6 practical credits. Students must pass the four IAPP courses (listed below in the Courses section) to progress in the program.
Courses
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BLS for Healthcare Provider (HLTH-0271)Designed to build participant confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills in a team environment for professionals with a duty to respond. Teaches the important steps to perform a rapid assessment, perform Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, and perform rapid defibrillation including use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy can also be added as additional certifications to this course. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Cdn Intercultural Awareness (IAPP-0002)This course is designed to assist international students to transition into, and succeed in, the diverse Canadian workplace. Cultural values and expectations in a professional environment are examined through a variety of methods. Students will explore the variety of cultures in Canada, including those of Indigeneous peoples. The possible effects of culture on the various roles and the scope of practice in their field of study are explored. Strategies to uccessfully begin a new job, to create effective working realtionships and to resolve conflict are discussed and practiced. Interpersonal and inter-professional communciation is reviewed. The importance of concepts such as non-verbal communicaton, personal and professional etiquette and working as |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Daily Living Laboratory (HLTH-0176)Corequisite: HLTH-0175 Daily Living Theory |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Daily Living Theory (HLTH-0175)Corequisite: HLTH-0176 Daily Living Laboratory |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Gerontology (HLTH-0004)This course enables the learner to explore their own attitudes towards old age and the aging process. It includes topics such as changes in normal aging, promoting wellness and independence, death and dying, and palliative care. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Growth and Development (HLTH-0003)This course provides a general overview of growth and development from infancy to late adulthood. Students examine normal physical, cognitive, social and emotional development through the stages of life. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Health Issues/Community Health (HLTH-0005)This course focuses on the basic structure and functions of the body systems. It involves topics that address problems affecting the following systems: respiratory, circulatory, neurological, musculoskeletal and endocrine. Cancer and the problems associated with this disease are discussed. Community health is discussed with a focus on agencies providing community health care, organization of work in community settings and assisting with elimination in the home care environment. This course provides for a campus laboratory component. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Health, Environment & Safety (WRKP-0002)This course introduces the learner to health care and its diverse environments. It includes topics such as the role of the health care aide, the health team, ethics and legal issues, organization for work and safety in the workplace. Topics such as infection control, providing a clean environment, communicable diseases, accident prevention, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and fire safety are also discussed. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Human Relations/Communication (COMM-0037)This course provides a general overview of the basic communication process. It includes effective and ineffective communication techniques and provides for communication practice sessions. The course also focuses on values and goals clarification and includes topics such as social and emotional needs of clients, stress, families and their members, and caring for culturally diverse client groups. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Mental Health (HLTH-0006)This course focuses on the general issues affecting mental health and mental illness. It includes topics such as personality and behaviour, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, abusive behaviours, psychogeriatrics, activities and therapies, and non-violent crisis intervention. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Nutrition (HLTH-0002)This course focuses on the basic principles of promoting and maintaining a client's health and wellness related to diet. It includes topics such as menu planning, special therapeutic diets, mealtime, food handling and storage. This course includes a campus laboratory component. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Practicum 1 - CHCA (PRAC-0074)Prerequisites: HLTH-0175 Daily Living Theory, HLTH-0176 Daily Living Laboratory, HLTH-0003 Growth and Development, WRKP-0002 Health, Environment & Safety, COMM-0037 Human Relations/Communications, HLTH-0002 Nutrition, Immunizations, proof of current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - Health Care provider Level C, current Criminal Record Check, current Child Abuse Registry Check and initial Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (Unit 1 through 10). |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Seminar (IAPP-0003)This course offers students an opportunity to apply the knowledge that they have acquired in previous courses. Learners will demonstrate research skills and the ability to cite sources. They will participate in case scenarios, using industry terminology, that utilize numeracy skills and problem based learning techniques to foster deep understanding of good client/customer service. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program. |
4.5 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Senior Practicum CHCA (PRAC-0040)Prerequisites: PRAC-0074 Practicum 1 - CHCA, HLTH-0003 Growth and Development, HLTH-0005 Health Issues/Community Health, HLTH-0006 Mental Health |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Student Success (IAPP-0001)This course integrates elements of student orientation including familiarization with college policies and improves the students’ |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Workplace Communication (IAPP-0004)This course is designed to provide international students with the communication skills required to transition successfully into the Canadian workplace. It will prepare learners to utilize effective communication skills both personally and professionally. Students will use a broad range of activities to develop proficiency in industry terminology, explore scenarios from the field, develop critical thinking skills, and develop effective strategies to enhance their skills in writing and oral communication. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Program Details
Please read and think about the following information below carefully to decide whether this program is a good fit for you. This information may change and is simply intended to offer you a helpful perspective on what you will experience in this program.
Program Schedule
- Theory and Lab Courses: Monday to Friday, 6 hours of class. (Day or evening classes are possible. Do not plan a job or other responsibilities until you receive your full schedule.
- Practicums: Various day or evening shifts, could include Monday to Sunday
What You’ll Study
- Canadian workplace culture, medical terminology, and student success skills.
- Activities of daily living, like toileting, bathing, feeding, movement and communication.
- Human growth/development, mental health, nutrition, gerontology (science of aging).
- Health issues and community health.
- Employability skills for health care, including human relations, teamwork, safety, communication.
How You’ll “Learn by Doing”
- Learn and practice daily living skills (examples: toileting, bathing, feeding, movement and communication) in health care lab
- Two 4-week unpaid practicum placements in long-term care and acute care facilities. As part of team, provide daily living care to patients who are sick, disabled, elderly and/or chronically ill.
What You’ll Need to Do for Success
General
- Attend all classes, labs and practicum shifts; arrive on time every day.
- Purchase all required books and supplies, including uniforms and shoes.
- Work co-operatively in teams and behave respectfully to all students, staff and clients.
- Dress appropriately, especially for labs and practicums.
- Maintain cleanliness of yourself and your uniform.
- Share work of keeping classroom, laboratory and practicum facility clean.
- Complete required immunizations, at your expense and on your own time—before first practicum.
- Complete clinical pre-requisites, at your expense and some on your own time—before first practicum.
Theory Courses
- Pass all theory classes with 80% minimum grade. Attendance, punctuality and professional behavior will be part of grades.
- Evaluation includes tests, group projects, presentations and research papers, so all English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) are important.
- Do your own work. Cheating or using other people’s work could result in failing grades/suspension.
Labs/Practicums
- Practice all skills in the lab until you can demonstrate “mastery”—do them correctly and quickly.
- Pass all lab skills testing.
- Manage physical demands like lifting, bending, using equipment, assisting clients with walking, cleaning beds and rooms.
- Appropriately and safely deal with blood, urine, faeces and other bodily fluids.
- Be patient and kind with clients, including those in poor mental and/or physical health.
How College Can Help You
- Trained instructors will share their knowledge and experience from health care workplaces, and will give you specific feedback on your theory and lab progress.
- Learning Curve staff available to assist with study skills, like test-taking and writing papers.
- Student advising staff can offer support for personal issues.
Job Options for Graduates
- Please see the National Occupation Code description for typical jobs.
- Please note, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program will accept CHCA jobs ONLY outside of Winnipeg and the surrounding area. If you want to use a CHCA job in a MPNP application, you will need to live and work in rural Manitoba, NOT in the Winnipeg area.Visit immigratemanitoba.com for more details.
- Work in personal care homes, hospitals, home care and related health care and social services organizations.
- Many jobs are part-time or casual.
Costs
- All tuition is payable before program start and is non-refundable. If you fail a course and must repeat it, you will pay tuition for that course when you repeat it.
- Health insurance is also required for all international students and must be paid before the first day of class.
- Uniforms and related supplies, vaccinations, and clinical pre-requisites: approximately $650. Purchased on your own, not payable to college. Required early in program.
- Transportation to and from college, and to and from practicum placements, is your responsibility.
- Living costs are your responsibility.
Other Important Information
You will require a “Co-op Work Permit” from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, before you can legally start your practicum. If you are applying for your study permit with ACC’s letter of acceptance, apply also for your co-op work permit at that time. If you already have a study permit, you will need to request a co-op letter from us when you start the program, and apply for the permit immediately after that.
If you fail any courses, or if you do not complete clinical pre-requisites before first practicum, you will have an interruption in study. A student cannot legally work during this interruption in study, and it would also be a problem for a post-graduate work permit application.
The CHCA—International program may not be available every year. Therefore, if you fail a course and/or cannot go on practicum, the college CANNOT guarantee a seat will be available in another intake, and you may not be able to graduate from the program.
Questions about the information on this page?
Contact Assiniboine International at international@assiniboine.net or 204.725.8700 ext. 6640.