FULL-TIME | PORTAGE CAMPUS HEACF-CT Health Care Aide

Overview

• 20-week certificate
• Delivered at various campuses:
• Location open to applicants from all provinces:
• Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg, Manitoba – full-time | part-time
• These locations usually fill with Manitoba residents. Out-of-province applicants may apply to this program but will only be considered should seats be available three months prior to the program start date:
• Interlake Campus, Selkirk, Manitoba – full-time | part-time
• Peguis-Fisher River Campus, Arborg, Manitoba – full-time | part-time
• Portage Campus, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba – full-time | part-time
• Steinbach Campus, Steinbach, Manitoba – full-time | part-time
• Winkler Campus, Winkler, Manitoba – full-time | part-time
• Clinical work experience in health care facilities
• International applicants: Please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability and online application instructions
• If you have a criminal record you may not be able to complete this program. If you are listed on a Child Abuse Registry or Adult Abuse Registry you will not be able to complete this program. See the Program Progression Requirements section on the Admission Requirements page for more information. 

Description

This program develops the knowledge and skills you need to become a health care worker who, under the supervision of a nurse, assists hospital patients, personal care home residents, or home care clients. Health care aides help people to remain independent by assisting them with their physical, emotional, and social needs and their daily activities.

You will learn about the expectations and responsibilities of the role and the knowledge and skills required to be a health care aide. You will study related topics including interpersonal communications, growth and development, gerontological care, and home care.

You will have opportunities to gain experience in simulated laboratory settings at the College and in actual practice settings in health care agencies.

Admission Requirements

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements 

1. Grade 12
• Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
• Grade 12 English (40S)
• Grade 12 Math (40S)
• Grade 10, 11 or 12 Science (20F, 30S or 40S)
  
• If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
• If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
  and
2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
   
   Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
• Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
• If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
  or
• If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
  or 
• If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
• * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.
• * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.
  
  
• and
3. Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
• Submit a completed Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

1. Grade 10
• High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in Grade 10, including one credit in each of the following:
• Grade 10 English (20F)
  
• Grade 10 Math (20S)
  
• Grade 10 Science (20F)
  
• If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
• If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
  and
2. Meet Regular Admission Requirements 2 and 3

Program Progression Requirements
Program progression requirements are not due within 15 days of applying and should be submitted after you start classes.

• Criminal Record and Adult and Child Abuse Checks
• This program requires students to submit current original/official versions of one or more of the following checks:
• Criminal Record Check (CRC)
• Provincial Child Abuse Registry Check (CAR)
• Adult Abuse Registry Check (AAR)
  
• If you have a criminal record you may not be able to complete the program
• If you are listed on an Abuse Registry you will not be able to complete the program
• For details on this program's requirements, when to obtain and submit the documents, review the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
• These documents have expiration dates and should not be obtained prior to timeline indicated on the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents form
• For general information on why RRC requires these checks and for links to check providers such as the Winnipeg Police, visit our Criminal Record Checks webpage
• Submit your check documents to the RRC program contact listed on the Contact Information section of your program
  and
• Immunizations and Testing
• Review the Healthcare Program Immunizations information
• Submit your completed RRC Healthcare Program Questionnaire to RRC's Health Services 
• and
• First Aid Course
• Submit proof of current certification in the appropriate First Aid course.  To confirm which course you need to complete for this program click here
  and
• Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)
• Submit proof of successful completion of  Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) workshop attendance

Who Should Enrol?

Health Care Aide Requisite Skills and Abilities

There are a number of fundamental skills and abilities that a student must possess in order to work as a Health Care Aide. These essential skills are required in order to be able to work competently in a variety of settings. This information can be used by prospective students in order to determine whether they are able to meet the demands of this career.

The skills follow the five domains that the College of Registered Nurses uses in describing the requisite skills and abilities of potential nursing students. They have been amended to more clearly reflect the functions of a Health Care Aide. To view the original Requisite Skills and Abilities document please go to www.crnm.mb.ca CRNM and look under Interpretive Documents.

REQUISITE SKILL AND ABILITY EXAMPLES

1. Cognitive

Ability to perform skills which demonstrate thinking capacity:
• Recall information over time
• Demonstrate basic math skills
• Utilize a systematic problem solving approach
• Identify actions to rectify the problem
• Know when to consult with other members of health care team

Example: When transferring a client from the bed to a wheelchair, is able to remember the correct steps (recalls information). If difficulties arise during this process, knows what to do and whom to call in order to keep the client safe (problem solving, actions and who to consult with).

2. Communication and Interpersonal

Ability to express and receive written, verbal, or non-verbal language and has the capacity to interact with others in a respectful and professional manner:
• Read, write, speak and understand in the language of instruction
• Give and receive information in a positive manner
• Recognize own non-verbal communication and the ability to interpret non-verbal communication in others
• Document and report relevant information in a timely manner utilizing both paper and electronic means

Example: Able to communicate and respond to information from a client (conveyed both verbally and non-verbally) and share this information (give and receive information) with other health care providers either in person or through documentation on paper or electronically where indicated.

3. Behavioural

Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner:
• Accept uniqueness and diversity of all individuals
• Ability to perform under direction of healthcare professionals
• Conduct self in a professional manner
• Practice in a manner consistent with established patient safety policies and procedures
• Awareness of unpredictable environment
• Utilize time management skills

Example: Treats all clients in a professional manner despite differences (accepts uniqueness of all individuals). Is able to take direction from others in a courteous manner (perform under direction of healthcare providers) even when situation becomes stressful. Functions with frequent interruptions and remains calm in emergency situations.

4. Sensory

Ability to perceive with each of the following senses well enough to provide care:
• Sight
• Touch
• Hearing
• Smell
• Hand-eye coordination (manual dexterity)

Example: Can see well enough to read written information about client and the equipment at the bedside. Can feel differences in skin temperature with hand touch. Can hear clients’ voices without directly looking at them. Can hear alarms on equipment and patient call systems. Able to recognize abnormal odors. Can manage equipment (manual dexterity) used in providing care to clients (transfer devices, wheelchairs, and commodes).

5. Physical

Ability to perform each of the following skills well enough to provide safe care:
• Lift
• Carry
• Stand and maintain balance
• Perform repetitive actions
• Push and pull
• Climb
• Bend
• Reach
• Walk
• Move within small spaces

Example: Is able to reposition a client in bed or assist them when getting up. Can climb a flight of stairs unaided if working in a client’s home. Can move easily between a patient’s bed and equipment or in a small space such as a bathroom.

To be a successful health care worker, you must be a caring person who enjoys working with people of all ages. You should be flexible, and be able to think and act responsibly and with integrity.

As stated above, you will need good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills so you can develop effective relationships with clients and co-workers. You should be able to accept constructive criticism and improve your performance based on such guidance. You must be prepared to accept a schedule that involves evening and weekend work during your clinical practice experience in the program and in the workplace after you graduate.
 
Note: Following graduation, employers in health care settings may request security clearance through Criminal Record checks and the Child Abuse Registry. 

CO-OP/Practicum Information

The Health Care Aide Clinical Experience course provides you with the opportunity to apply, in the practice setting, the knowledge and skills learned in the theory courses. You are eligible for clinical practice after successfully completing all theory courses.

The clinical practice course is a minimum of six weeks (full-time) in length. You will have a three-week clinical experience in both an acute and a long-term care setting. This includes a short experience in a community (home care) setting. During clinical practice, you will practice directly with an experienced health care aide preceptor, under the supervision of a College clinical instructor.

Clinical practice is arranged by the College. Unit assignments and individual shift schedules will be arranged according to the guidelines agreed upon by RRC Polytech and the health care facility.

Note: The clinical practice course requires a BLS for Health Care Providers Certificate, proof of PHIA (Personal Health Information Act) workshop attendance, and RRC Polytech photo identification.

You must submit Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector and Provincial Child Abuse Registry check documents within six months of attending the clinical practice course.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.

Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, under the supervision of a nurse, will show evidence of a beginning ability to:

• Understand and use the theory that forms the basis of the responsibilities of the health care aide
• Recognize, understand, and respect the individuality, rights, and concerns of patients
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families
• Develop helping relationships with patients and their families
• Provide direct care that promotes the comfort and safety of patients
• Promote independence, particularly with activities of daily living, within patient capabilities
• Detect and report changes in the physical and emotional status of patients
• Respond to the physical and emotional needs of patients
• Recognize and report concerns associated with the sociocultural and spiritual needs of patients
• Follow the general scientific principles associated with theoretical concepts
• Follow institutional policies
• Perform manual skills safely and effectively
• Perform selected home management and maintenance tasks safely and efficiently
• Use a problem-solving approach
• Organize and prioritize own workload
• Document on patients' records appropriately
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient information
• Communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with other health care team members
• Participate as a member of the health care team
• Demonstrate responsibility in job performance

Recognition of Prior Learning

For more information contact:

Alison Fyfe- Carlson  RN BN MA-Ed
Chair, Nursing Affiliated Programs & International Partnerships and Interprofessional Education School of Health Sciences and Community Services
C620- 2055 Notre Dame Ave
204-632-2929
afyfecarlson@rrc.ca

Other Information

Health Care Aide Program Options

Full-time day program

• February and August entry dates
• Days, Monday to Friday
• 25 hours per week for 14 weeks
• Clinical practice: approximately 40 hours per week for six weeks; mainly days, a few evenings

For more information, contact:

Student Service Centres
204-632-2327

Part-time program - School of Continuing and Distance Education (C+DE)

• Evenings, weekends
• Offers nine theory courses
• Includes a three-day skills lab
• We would be pleased to discuss offering the Health Care Aide program at your off-campus location.

For more information, contact:

School of Continuing Education
204-694-1789

Regional campuses

• Full-time day and part-time programs

For more information, contact the regional campuses directly:

Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River Campus 204-785-5328
Portage la Prairie Campus 204-856-1914
Steinbach Campus 204-320-2500
Winkler Campus 204-325-9672

Note: The theory and clinical practice requirements are the same regardless of where the program is delivered.

Graduation Requirements

You must successfully complete all theory and practice components of the program. From the time of your initial registration, you must take no longer than 3 years to complete the program.

You must obtain a minimum grade of 70% (P) in each course to be successful in this program.

Students who are aware of the fact that they require learning support or assistance for physical or learning disabilities must make an appointment with Counselling and Accessibility Services(CAS) (D101) in advance of beginning the health care aide program. If a student is not sure whether they qualify for these services but think this may be a possibility, it is recommended that the student consult with the Counselling and Accessibility Services office so they can assess the situation and help the student make the decision. Ideally this would take place in May if a September admission is anticipated or November if a February start date is anticipated. This is important as the disability must be documented and the student must be assigned a counsellor from this office. Following this step, those students registered in the Health Care Aide day program at Notre Dame Campus, may then be referred to the Coordinator of Accommodation for Nursing and the Accommodation team, to explore what modifications are reasonable, given the demands of a health care aide and develop a plan. The accommodation required by the student must be reasonable and not cause undue hardship. Furthermore, clinical accommodations must be agreeable to the clinical placement sites. For further information about RRC Polytech’s accommodation process, see the Handbook for Students with Disabilities at: /Catalogue/files/file/disabilities/handbook.pdf

When you receive your certificate you will be invited to participate in one of the College's semi-annual Convocation ceremonies.

Employment Potential

Graduates of the Health Care Aide program will be eligible for employment in a variety of settings, including:

• Acute care hospitals
• Extended or long-term care hospitals
• Personal care homes
• Community or home care agencies