Approximately 8 months including theory learning, labs and practicum placement
(This credit program is offered through Continuing Education.)
RDP’s Health Care Aide program prepares students to be a part of a health-care team in a variety of different settings, providing high level of front-line care to clients in need of assistance.
As a Health Care Aide students may work 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.
The program uses 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 2020 curriculum and successful graduates are certified as Health Care Aides in Alberta.
Program Outcomes:
Health Care Aides must demonstrate competency as specified in the Alberta Health Care Aide Competency Profile.
For course information please click here.
The Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Curriculum 2019 Certificate is offered in a blended delivery format with lectures and class work being done online, and all practicum placements and labs being in person. This program is offered in multiple communities including: Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Ponoka, and Sundre.
Alberta Health implemented new policies and program standards for the HCA program. Please refer to the Health Care Aide Provincial Program Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Guide for Students.
English Language Arts (ELA)
Grade 11, 20-2 level course, with a minimum score of 60% achieved or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or
English 20-1 with a minimum of 60% achieved 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: Applicants 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.
Important Note for International Learners:
You must be physically present in Canada in order to study in the Health Care Aide Program. This program is delivered through a blended delivery method with some online learning and mandatory in-person components.
If you are seeking to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit upon completion of this program, please note that since less than 50% of the program is completed by distance learning a post-graduation work permit may be issued. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess each individual’s Post-Graduate Work Permit application individually and holds full decision making authority.
Current offerings:
Registration for the Health Care Aide program does not follow the admission deadlines outlined in the Red Deer Polytechnic Academic Calendar. Applications for Fall, Winter, and Spring intakes are now being accepted.
Program Start Date
Click here for full details on PLAR guidelines.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Applicants where English is a Second Language (ESL) must meet the English Language Proficiency requirement in addition to the Academic English requirement. Equivalencies are as follows: Required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of a minimum of 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and not an average of 7; or Completing high school in Canada. Studies must have been in English at an approved Canadian high school (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) with at least three consecutive years of full-time academic study; or Completing a recognized post-secondary degree or diploma program in Canada. The program must have involved at least two full years of full-time, consecutive academic study in English. Note: Test Currency: results must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program. 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:
Health and Safety Requirements
Health Care Aide learners and workers are responsible for completing the required health and safety certifications and recommended immunizations. These Health and Safety requirements do not need to be submitted as part of your application. You are encouraged to become familiar with the requirements as soon as possible to ensure completion prior to program start and before the first day of classes. Once you have been accepted into your program, please start submitting these Health and Safety requirements. For more information, including the required forms and instructions, please click on the following link Health and Safety Requirements
The following requirements must be met in order for students to receive the Red Deer Polytechnic Health Care Aide Certificate:
Health Care Aides work under the direct or indirect supervision of a regulated health professional, such as a nurse, in a variety of settings including: Home care, assisted living facilities, and long-term care.