Get Trained to Become a Certified Health Care Assistant
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is offering a training program for people in rural and remote Alberta to become certified health care assistants. Students in the program will be able to "earn" while completing their post-secondary health care assistant certification. Throughout the program, students will receive support, training and mentoring from a team of professional nurses.
Who is eligible for the program?
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, be proficient in English, and live in a rural and remote area to qualify. You do not need a certificate or previous health care experience.
Where does the training take place?
Training takes place both online and in person at the AHS site. Students in the program will complete online assignments outside of work hours.
Why Apply?
This program offers a unique opportunity for people interested in starting a career in healthcare that will be extremely rewarding. As a Medical Assistant in this program, you will:
Make a difference in the lives of patients, families, and communities
Get paid while earning your certification
Get support from your team and healthcare professionals
Opportunities to grow your career
Receive great benefits
What does a Health Care Assistant do?
Home Care Assistants (HCAs) are valuable members of the health care team, which includes nurses, physicians, and other professionals.
They spend a significant amount of time working directly with patients, helping them with daily activities that are critical to their health and well-being.
Home Care Assistants work in many different settings, serving people of all ages.
How to become an HCA in Alberta?
To become an HCA in Alberta, you have 4 options:
Complete an HCA program in Alberta and must pass the Alberta HCA exam to receive the Alberta HCA credential.
If your previous education and training is comparable to the Alberta HCA program, you can receive the Alberta HCA credential by taking the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Assessment and passing the Alberta HCA exam. Some post-secondary institutions that hold licenses for HCA programs offer this assessment for a fee.
If you have similar educational experience to an HCA, have worked as a health care provider, internationally educated nurse, or nursing student, you can complete a Substantial Equivalence Evaluation.
Some employers hire HCAs and use the provincial competency assessment tool to assess their skills and abilities. Employers provide appropriate training to HCAs. These HCAs will be considered "qualified."