fbpx

Introduction to HCA Profession

Block
Program
Healthcare
Course Aim
To introduce students to Health Care Aide roles, functions, responsibilities, and the importance of the caring work of the HCA, working in a team environment, and employment opportunities in a variety of settings.
Of Interest To
Those actively pursuing Health Care Aide training as part of their life-long career journey, and to provide the opportunity for students to develop the skills required to provide personal support services to clients and their families, and residents in the community, at home, and in long-term care facilities and institutions.
Method of Delivery
Integrated Learning™ System Plus training facilitated by Academy of Learning Career College facilitators.

Course Introduction

Introduction to the HCA Profession is the initial stepping stone of the Health Care Aide (HCA) Program. It presents the basics of the Canada Health Act. It introduces students to HCA roles, functions, responsibilities, and the importance of the caring work of the HCA, working in a team environment, and employment opportunities in a variety of settings. Students will also have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice. The course focuses on concepts of caring and person-centred care, basic human needs, human development, family, culture, and diversity as they relate to health and healing. Students will also be introduced to a problem-solving model that will be critical to their practice. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices; students will be introduced to a model that can be applied in other courses to understand the multi-faceted aspects of health and healing.


Course Prerequisites

  • Adequate Level of Physical Health
  • Grade 12 diploma or equivalent or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)
  • Proof of meeting English Language Competency Requirements: English 10 or equivalent (for native speakers of English); Standardized English language proficiency test score (for non-native speakers of English)
  • Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Adult Clearance
  • Proof of TB test & other vaccinations
  • Standard First Aid
  • CPR Level “C” or “HCP”
  • Foodsafe Level 1

Course Notes

Students are supplied with text books for ongoing reference. In addition to daily quizzes, presentations, individual and group projects, and chapter exams, there is a final exam upon completion of the course. Students must achieve a mark of 75% to successfully complete the course.


Course Breakdown

The Role of the Support Worker: Discussing the importance of professionalism, compassion, sound decision-making, and problem solving.

The Canadian Healthcare System: Identifying the federal, provincial, and territorial roles in the healthcare system

Workplace Settings: Differentiating between community-based care and facilitybased care

Ethics: Explaining the purpose of a code of ethics, and differentiating between ethics and morals

Legislation: The Client’s Rights and Your Rights: Explaining the basic rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the provincial and territorial human rights code

Health, Wellness, Illness, and Disability: Describing the concept of holism and explain how it affects the role of the Health Care Aide

Components of Health and Lifestyle Change: Introducing a holistic concept of health and the components of health-enhancing lifestyle, and recognizing that challenges and resources can impact lifestyle choices.

Working with Others: Teamwork, Supervision, and Delegation: Listing the benefits and challenges with working on a healthcare team