Are you an internationally educated healthcare professional looking to launch your career in Canada? Then look no further than Sprott Shaw College’s Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated – Co-op program. This unique program combines classroom learning with practical work experience in medical settings, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the healthcare industry. With a high demand for healthcare assistants in Canada, this program can help you kick-start your career and create a positive impact on the lives of others!
About the Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated – Co-op Program
The Health Care Assistant (HCA) Internationally Educated – Co-op program at Sprott Shaw College is designed for students whose first language is not English, providing students with a comprehensive education. It is meant to cover the theoretical and practical aspects of healthcare while providing English (ESL) language support. The program is accredited by the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, which is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the certification and registration of healthcare assistants in British Columbia.
The program is divided into two parts: the first part covers the theoretical aspects of healthcare. The second part includes a healthcare co-op education placement where students can gain practical work experience in a healthcare setting. The co-op placement will provide students with an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, as well as to network with professionals in the healthcare field.
Important Program Components
In addition to covering a range of topics related to healthcare, students will also receive Basic and Advanced Hospice Palliative Care Training, Crisis Prevention Training, Introduction to RAI Observation Tool Training, Acute Care Skills, Medication Administration Assistance, Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED, Foodsafe, WHMIS and Student Practice Education ‘Core’ Orientation (SPECO).
Co-op Program
The co-op placement is a key feature of the program, providing students with an opportunity to gain practical work experience and develop their professional skills in a healthcare setting. The college has partnerships with various healthcare organizations, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers, where students can complete their co-op placements.
Students can apply to the co-op education portion (600 hours) once they have completed all coursework and education components of the HCA ESL with Co-op program. Upon completion of the program, students can apply for registration with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, which is necessary to work as a healthcare assistant in British Columbia.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the program, students must meet the admission requirements and demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Before acceptance:
- Grade 12 / GED or mature student status (all transcripts must be “true certified copies” or originals)
- Applicants must complete the admissions interview
- One of the following Language Competency Requirements for students whose first language is not English:
- Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT): test within the last year: Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6 Note: a CLB Report Card from a LINC Program may also be accepted
OR
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP – General): test within the last two years, Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6
OR
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or General test within the last two years: Overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing
OR
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) test within the last two years: Overall Score of 60, with no section less than 50
OR
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): test within the last two years, IBT only — Overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the HCA ESL with Co-op program have the option of pursuing further education and training in the healthcare field, such as licensed practical nursing (LPNs) or registered nursing (RNs). For those looking to jump right into work, there are plenty of career paths to choose from:
- Healthcare Assistant
- Home Support Worker
- Community Health Worker
- Resident Care Aide
- Personal Support Worker
Benefits of Becoming a Caregiver
On February 10, 2023, it was announced that the amount of work experience in Canada required for a caregiver to qualify for permanent residence is being reduced from 24 months to 12 months. This change will accelerate your process of getting permanent residence and enable you and your family to settle in Canada successfully.
See IRCC Newsroom for more detail.
The healthcare industry is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for healthcare assistants so students can be assured their knowledge, skills, and practical experience are valuable for succeeding in this challenging yet rewarding career path.
See here for more information about the program.
Source: Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated – Co-op, Health Care Assistant Careers, Canada to reduce work experience requirements for caregivers and provide pathways to permanent residence
