Health Care Aide Certificate

This program prepares students to work as a Health Care Aide in acute care facilities, continuing care facilities, hospitals, as well as in clients' homes. A Health Care Aide assists individuals needing care in a variety of ways including: assisting with eating, dressing, washing and moving.

This program consists of a variety of learning approaches including online readings, assignments and lessons, in-person labs with a certified instructor, and in-person clinical placements. This program follows the Government of Alberta approved Health Care Aide 2019 curriculum and successful graduates are certified as Health Care Aides in Alberta.

 For course information please click here. 

Academic English Language Arts (ELA)

• English 20-1 or 20-2 with a minimum of 60% or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or

• English 30-1 or 30-2 with a minimum of 55% or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or

• Deemed equivalent by completion of ACCUPLACER (assessment placement test)

Note: Students who have not completed the ELA, 20-2 level requirement and achieved the minimum grade are subject to completing the ACCUPLACER assessment test. This can include students out of province, out of country or mature students that have been out of school for a significant length of time.

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Note: Test Currency - results must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program.

Note: Test Validity: IELTS (Academic) and TOEFL results are valid for two years from the day of testing. Results that expire prior to the Start Date of the program will not be accepted.

Digital literacy
Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program. Candidates must:

• Be able to communicate, research and understand information
• Know how to use computer to surf web, email
• Be able to critically evaluate and understand how technology can affect one’s behavior
• Be able to create, produce content and effectively communicate using email, media, internet

Health and Safety Requirements
The following health and safety requirements must be met to proceed to clinical placement.

• HSPnet Consent Form
• FOIP Consent to Release Form
• AHS Security & Confidentiality
• Police Information Check
• Immunization
• Yearly Influenza Immunization
• HSF-BLS Basic Life Support

More details and related forms are available at:

Health and Safety Requirements

The following requirements must be met in order for students to receive the Red Deer College Health Care Aide Certificate:

• A minimum overall grade of 70% in courses 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7.
• A successful grade in all clinical placement courses, including courses 5, 8 and 9.
• Completion/submission of all assignments, projects and exams is required. Late or incomplete submissions will result in a grade of 0% for that particular requirement. Incomplete projects, simulations, quizzes and exams may result in an incomplete grade.
• Achieve 100% attendance during all lab and clinical placements.

Health Care Aides may work in continuing care facilities, in clients' homes or in hospitals. They are also known as Health Care Assistants, Home Support Workers or Personal Care Attendants.