School of Health & Community Services

You will be required to submit official transcripts showing credit in:

1. Academic English Language Arts (ELA):

• English 20-1 or 20-2 with a minimum score of 60% achieved or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or
• English 30-1 or 30-2 with a minimum of 55% or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent, such as a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development-test (GED); or
• Deemed equivalent by completion of Next-Generation ACCUPLACER (assessment placement test) reading and writing tests, with a minimum score of 237 in each category. The math test is not required.

Note: Students who have not met the ELA requirement (i.e., 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, or 30-2 English level) with the minimum grade are subject to completing the Next- Generation 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.

2. English Language Proficiency (ELP)

Candidates 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:

• By presenting a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development-test (GED), or
• By attending 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
• Providing evidence of attending two consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English in a subject other than a HCA program at a Canadian institution; or
• By completing an Approved ELP Test with the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB): A minimum CLB of 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and not an average of 7.
• Official test results must be submitted directly to the PSI.

PSIs will accept submissions from any one of the following approved ELP tests:

1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 6 (no section score below 5.5);
2. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Testing (TOEFL iBT): 71;
3. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General: 7 (with no section score below 6);
4. Canadian Language Benchmarks/Milestones Test (7 in each strand, not an average of 7);
5. Duolingo English Test*
6. Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN): 7 in each area of listening, reading, writing and speaking, not an average of 7.

Notes:

• 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.

3. 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

Semester 1 (16 weeks)

• HCAP 140 - Health Care Aide Role & Responsibility
• HCAP 141 - The Human Body, Health & Chronic Illness
• HCAP 142 - Communication & Documentation in the Health Care Environment
• HCAP 143 - Providing Person-Centered Care & Comfort
• HCAP 144 - Clinical Placement I

Semester 2 (16 weeks)

• HCAP 145 - Meeting Complex Care Needs
• HCAP 146 - Special Activities for Clients with Various Health Conditions
• HCAP 147 - Clinical Experience II (Instructor-Led)
• HCAP 148 - Consolidated Clinical Placement

SEE COURSE DETAILS HERE

You must submit the following documentation prior to the first day of classes: 

• CPR (Renewal required on a yearly basis)
• Emergency Contact and Health Form
• Police Information Check (including vulnerable sectors check)
• Immunization records (deficiencies must be addressed or in the process of being addressed prior to clinical/practicum placement)
• N95 Mask Fit Testing (Please email HStudiesInquiries@mhc.ab.ca for detailed information.)

Graduates of the program will find employment opportunities with:

• Continuing Care Facilities
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Community Agencies - both private and government
• Private individuals