HCA students assisting patient in bed

Health Care Aide Certificate

Become an integral part of the health-care team as a Health Care Aide. In this rewarding field, you will work in acute care facilities, continuing care facilities, hospitals, as well as in client’s homes, providing high level front-line care to clients in need of assistance.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Open
Next Start date:
Certificate
1 year
Accepting International Students
Full-Time Blended

About the Health Care Aide Certificate

Experience the joy of helping others with a meaningful career as a Health Care Aide. You will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives every day by providing high-level front-line care to those in need, making a significant impact on their quality of life. 

As a Health Care Aide, you may work in acute care facilities, continuing care facilities, hospitals, as well as in clients' homes. You will assist individuals needing care in various ways including eating, dressing, washing and moving while establishing meaningful relationships with them and their families. 

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. 

This 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, Drumheller, Innisfail, Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, Stettler and Sundre. 

Work-integrated Learning

Students in the Health Care Aide program will participate in practicum placements to experience hands-on learning.  

Further Study

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. 

Intakes

Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2024
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Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2024
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Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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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. The Health Care Aide program is offered in multiple locations through our partnership with Campus Alberta Central.

Drumheller

First day of classes: September 2024

Domestic application deadline: September 2024

Olds

First day of classes: September 2024

Domestic application deadline: September 2024

Ponoka

First day of classes: January 2025

Domestic application deadline:

Red Deer

Spring 2024:

First day of classes: May 1, 2024

Domestic application deadline: April 29, 2024

International Application Deadline: January 31, 2024

Fall 2024:

First day of classes: September 2024

Domestic application deadline: September 2024

International Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

Winter 2025:

First day of classes: January 2025

Domestic application deadline: January 2025

International Application Deadline: September 1, 2024

Spring 2025

First day of classes: May 2025

Domestic application deadline: May 2025

International Application Deadline: January 31, 2024

Rocky Mountain House

First day of classes: September 2024

Domestic application deadline: September 2024

Stettler

First day of classes: January 2025

Domestic application deadline: January 2025

Sundre

Spring 2024

First day of classes: May 1, 2024

Domestic application deadline: April 29, 2024

Winter 2025:

First day of classes: January 2025

Domestic application deadline: January 2025

 

NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.   

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Eligibility for admission to the Health Care Aide Certificate program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Academic Requirements  

Students applying to Health Care Aide must have English Language Arts (ELA) with a minimum of 60% in:

  • English 20-1 or English 20-2, or Canadian Jurisdiction equivalent

OR

A minimum of 55% in:

  • English 30-1 or English 30-2, or Canadian Jurisdiction equivalent

OR

Deemed equivalent by completion of ACCUPLACER (assessment placement test)

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. 

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. 

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above. 

Study Permits

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. 

Technology

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 a computer to surf the web and 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 & Safety

Health workers are responsible to attain and maintain required health and safety certifications and maintain recommended immunization standards. 

For clinical and practicum placements, as a student of a Health program, you also are required to meet these standards of practice

These health and safety requirements do not need to be submitted as part of your application. However, failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program. 

View details about health & safety requirements for work-integrated learning (clinical and practicum) placements, including document submission deadlines.  

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Health Care Aide Certificate, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.   

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$9,452.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$27,622.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

Program Content

Health Care Aides must demonstrate competency as specified in the Alberta Health Care Aide Competency Profile. 

Graduation 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. 

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.