Health Care Aide Certificate

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.

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:

• 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

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 these 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:

• A minimum overall grade of 70% in courses HCA 1001, HCA 1002, HCA1003, HCA1004, HCA 1006 and HCA1007.
• A grade of Credit/No Credit in all clinical placement courses, including courses HCA1005, HCA 1008 and HCA 1009.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Achieve 100% attendance during lab and practicum.
• 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 prevent you from receiving your certification.
• HCA students must achieve these minimum final grades and pass the provincial HCA Examination to graduate from the HCA Program and receive the Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Curriculum Certificate.
• NOTE: there is a $200.00 exam fee that is not included in the program costs or with student loans.

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.