Comprehensive Health Care Aide
International
Overview
Our nine-month Comprehensive Health Care Aide program for international learners prepares graduates to care for patients in a clinical setting.
Health Care Aides assist nurses, hospital staff and physicians in the basic care of patients. They help patients with their well-being and assist in managing their health care environment, such as meal and mobility assistance, and observation and reporting of patient conditions.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates are able to:
-
Provide personal care and assistance in a safe, organized, and competent manner.
-
Provide person-centred care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual client.
-
Promote the physical, psychological, social, cognitive, and/or spiritual well-being of clients and families.
-
Provide care and assistance for clients experiencing health, cognitive and/or mental health challenges.
-
Interact with other members of the health care team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
-
Communicate clearly, accurately, and in sensitive ways with clients and families within a variety of contexts.
-
Recognize and respond to one’s own self-development, learning, and health enhancement needs.
-
Perform the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable, and professional and ethical manner.
Success Factors
You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy:
-
A career in the healthcare field.
-
Providing basic care and assistance to patients.
-
Working in a collaborative interdisciplinary team environment.
A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement.
The industry and program environment require individuals to:
-
Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work.
-
Communicate effectively with others including co-workers and patients.
-
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing environments and work-related challenges.
-
Evaluate the safety of a work site and potential hazards.
-
Listen to direction and act on that accordingly.
-
Move safely around the learning environment, skills lab, patient rooms and in a variety of clinical settings.
-
Safely perform procedures and delegated tasks as directed by nursing and hospital staff.
-
Safely perform static and physical tasks, such as standing, lifting, and kneeling.
-
Provide proof of up-to-date immunization, current (within 6 months) criminal record vulnerable sector check, current adult abuse registry check, and current child abuse registry check prior to practicum placement or working.
-
Work in shifts, schedules, and conditions that are unique to the industry.
If you are not an international student, please refer to our Comprehensive Health Care Aide program page.
Admissions
-
A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
-
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information. IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no subscore less than 5.5 (or equivalent) is acceptable for this program.
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.
Program Continuation Requirements
While not admission requirements, students in this program must be prepared to fulfill program continuation requirements. Students must obtain the following prior to their clinical placements in the program and these checks must be valid for the length of their clinical practicum placements.
It is the student's responsibility to ensure they request, pay for, and obtain these checks in the necessary time frames. If you have specific questions about these program continuation requirements, please contact our School of Nursing directly:
- Current Canadian criminal record vulnerable sector check
- Current adult abuse registry check
- Current child abuse registry check
- Up to date immunizations
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.
International Applicants
Please read our Helpful Information for International Applicants prior to applying to this 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
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 Checklist and Textbooks/Supplies
Program Checklists:
Booklist List:
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 | $18,195 | 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 and so you should not plan a job or other responsibilities until you receive your full class 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 the minimum grade. Attendance, punctuality and professional behaviour will be part of grades.
- Evaluation includes tests, group projects, presentations and research papers, so all English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) are important.
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.
Careers for Graduates
- Work in personal care homes, hospitals, home care and related health care and social services organizations
- Jobs may be full-time, 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 must be purchased on your own and are required early in program.
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 a letter of acceptance for our college, you must 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What immunizations are required and when do I need them for the CHCA program?
Please note that CHCA students are required to complete all immunizations. Use this Immunization Record to provide proof of up-to-date immunizations prior to practicum placement.
When you receive a letter from the Admissions department indicating your acceptance, you should begin the process of obtaining your immunizations, which will need to submit to the Practicum Coordinator (nursingdocuments@assiniboine.net).
Note to applicants requiring the Hepatitis B immunization: This immunization requires three doses spaced a number of months apart and requires a minimum of 6 months to complete. Your record can be submitted after you've received the 1st injection unless you are receiving the 2nd or 3rd injection prior to your program start date.