PART-TIME | PORTAGE CAMPUS HEACP-CT Health Care Aide

An error has occurred

Overview

  • Certificate program
  • 240-hour (six-week) clinical practicum
  • Available by distance delivery; some courses available by classroom delivery
  • Entry dates vary by campus:

Effective February 1, 2024 - due to limited demand, the part-time Health Care Aide program through the Winnipeg Campus is currently not offering courses.  Please refer to Health Care Aide: RRC Polytech: Program Explorer for information about the full-time program. For those students currently in the part time HCA program with the Winnipeg Campus, please reach out to the Continuing Education Health Sciences Program Facilitator as we will continue to work with you to complete your program.

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.

You must complete the program within 36 months.

You must attend a Personal Health Information Act session prior to registering for the Health Care Aide Clinical Experience. Please bring your Red River College student ID card to the session.

Note: Clinical practicums placements cannot be guaranteed as spaces are limited and available on a fluctuating basis. There may be a waiting period for practicum registrations and placements.

Immunizations and Testing

Admission Requirements

Note: Applicants must submit academic credentials and Canadian Language Benchmarks for approval prior to registering in the Health Care Delivery course (first course of study)

Regular Admission Requirements
1. Successful completion of Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
- Grade 12 English
- Grade 12 Math
- Grade 10, 11 or 12 Science
and

Meet English Language Proficiency Requirements 
English is the language of instruction at the College. Applicants to the College are responsible for a level of English proficiency that is sufficient to participate in all aspects of College study, including lectures, reading, writing, and discussion.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to meet one of the following English language proficiency requirements:

a.. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Listening 6; Speaking 6; Reading 6; Writing 6
b. Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees(CanTEST) Listening 4; Speaking 4; Reading 4; Writing 3.5

*To make an appointment to complete the Canadian Language Benchmark assessments, contact:
 
Red River College
Language Training Centre
300-123 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB  R3C 1A3
204-945-6151


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 the time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.  

1. Successful completion of Grade 10, including one credit in each of the following:
- Grade 10 English
- Grade 10 Math
- Grade 10 Science
and

2. Meet English Language Proficiency Requirements.

English Language Assessments

English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
60506060
Communication for Health Professions (RRC Pathway)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
7777
Communication for Internationally Educ Health Prof (RRC Pathway)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
7777
IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
6.06.06.06.0
Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
6.06.06.06.0
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
6.06.06.06.0
TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
19181821

Who Should Enrol?

To be a successful health care worker, you must be a caring, flexible person. It is important that you enjoy working with people of all ages and that you are able to think and act responsibly and with integrity.

Skill in oral, written and interpersonal communication is essential for developing effective relationships with clients and co-workers.

You will need to be able to accept constructive criticism and improve performance based on such criticism.

You must be prepared to accept a schedule that involves evening and weekend work during your practical experience in the program and in the workplace after you graduate. 

Program Outline

This program must be completed within 36-months. The passing grade for each course is 70%.

First Course of Study:

  • Health Care Delivery - D
Core Courses: 
The following courses may be taken in conjunction with the Health Care Delivery Course:
  • Safety in Health Care Settings  - D
  • Growth and Development     -  D
  • Interpersonal Relationships  -  D
  • Introduction to Gerontology  -  D

The following courses have pre-requisites and should be taken in the following order:

  • Activities of Daily Living Part 1 - D
  • Activities of Daily Living Part 2 - D
  • Long Term Care - D
  • Caring for Clients in the Community - D
  • Health Care Aid Skills Lab - C

Last Course of Study:

  • *Health Care Aide Clinical Practice - Off Campus

* For additional information and Clinical Practice requirements, please see "CO-OP/Practicum Information"


Legend:

  • C/D - Classroom or Distance Delivery
  • C - Classroom Delivery
  • D - Distance Delivery

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
HCAP-1000Activities of Daily Living, Part 1
More Information

Gain the knowledge and skills to assist clients with daily activities. Learn more about mobility, hygiene and grooming. You must also complete the skills lab.

Prerequisites:
HCAP-1001Activities of Daily Living, Part 2
More Information

Continue to develop the knowledge and skills you'll need to assist clients with activities of daily living. Topics include nutrition, circulation, respiration, and elimination. You must also complete the skills lab.

Prerequisites:
HCAP-1006Introduction to Gerontology
More Information

Explore the concepts of the aging process. Examine the critical issues that affect aging, personal adaptation to aging, and community resources. Topics include the demography of aging, societal and personal attitudes to aging, major theories of aging, physical aging, psycho-social aging, economic, social and political factors.

HCAP-1131Caring for Clients in the Community
More Information

Examine home care and other community agencies and the services they provide to clients in the community. Discover the differences in caring for clients in community settings, and the special skills needed by direct service workers.

Prerequisites:
All Health Care Aide courses must be completed prior to taking this course
HCAP-1132Growth and Development
More Information

Explore the concepts of a family unit and the role that each member plays. Examine the various stages of growth and development throughout the life cycle. The issue of domestic violence will also be addressed.

Prerequisites:
HCAP-1133Long-Term Care
More Information

Identify role change and other tasks associated with the long-term care. Common health problems will be discussed. Rehabilitation and the promotion of independence are stressed. Other topics include mental health and illness, informal care giving, institutionalization and end-of-life care.

Prerequisites:
HEAL-1001Interpersonal Relationships
More Information

Examine the process of communication and develop interpersonal communication skills. Learn how concepts such as basic human needs, the helping relationship, mental health and stress impact interpersonal relationships.  Explore theory and practice related to written communication, job search skills and the use of medical terminology.

HEAL-1036Health Care Aide Skills Lab
More Information

This course is for students who have taken the following courses through distance delivery: Activities of Daily Living, Part 1, Activities of Daily Living, Part 2, and Safety in Health Care Settings. Students will develop and demonstrate skills in a practice setting.

Prerequisites:
HEAL-1831Safety in Health Care Settings
More Information

Discuss principles of medical asepsis, infection control and the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases. Accident and fire prevention, and the role of the health care aid/health unit clerk in an emergency are stressed.

Prerequisites:
HEAL-1845Health Care Delivery
More Information

Cultivate an understanding of the Manitoba health care system. Topics include the roles of individual members of the health care team, multiculturalism, ethical and legal considerations, problem-solving and the organization of workload, and the role of the health care aide in admitting, transferring and discharging patients.

Prerequisites:
HEAL-1845 Health Care Delivery can be taken in conjunction with HEAL-1001, HCAP-1006, HCAP-1132, HEAL-1831 and SEMR-9078
PRAC-1130Health Care Aide Clinical Experience
More Information

The clinical practice course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply, in the practice setting, the knowledge and skills learned in the theory courses. Students 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. Students will have a three-week clinical experience in both an acute and a long-term care setting.  During clinical practice, students will practice directly with an experienced health care aide preceptor, under the supervision of a RRC clinical instructor. Clinical practice is arranged by Red River College. Unit assignments and individual shift schedules will be arranged according to the guidelines agreed upon by RRC and the health care facility. Please note that the clinical practice course requires a BLS for Health Care Provider certificate, proof of PHIA attendance, and RRC photo identification. Students must submit an Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector (ACRVS) check and a Provincial Child Abuse Registry (PCAR) check within six months prior to the start date of clinical.

SEMR-9078Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (r) Training Program
More Information

The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (R) Program is a safe, non-harmful behaviour management system designed to aid human service professionals in the management of disruptive and assaultive people, even during the most violent moments. It has been developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute, a training organization devoted to training staff in the safe management of potentially violent individuals.

WRKS-1330BLS Provider
More Information

The BLS Provider Course is designed to prepare healthcare professionals to recognize several life-threatening emergencies and to provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely, and effective manner as per the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This course includes adult, child and infant rescue skills in both out of hospital and in-hospital settings.


Click the "More Info" link beside the course's name to view the description of the course.

Course Dates and Fees

2025 Winter Term
HEAL-1845 Health Care Deliverymore info
Location: Selkirk
DatesClass DaysTimeDeliveryInstructorSectionCostActions
Jan 27, 25 - Jun 13, 25  TBA267542$418
Location: Selkirk
Dates
Jan 27, 25 - Jun 13, 25
Class days
 
 
Delivery
Instructor
TBA
Section
267542
Cost
$418
HEAL-1001 Interpersonal Relationshipsmore info
Location: Selkirk
DatesClass DaysTimeDeliveryInstructorSectionCostActions
Jan 27, 25 - Jun 13, 25  TBA267536$558
Location: Selkirk
Dates
Jan 27, 25 - Jun 13, 25
Class days
 
 
Delivery
Instructor
TBA
Section
267536
Cost
$558
SEMR-9078 Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (r) Training Programmore info
Location: Selkirk
DatesClass DaysTimeDeliveryInstructorSectionCostActions
Jan 27, 25 - Jun 13, 25  TBA267544$335
Location: Selkirk
Dates
Jan 27, 25 - Jun 13, 25
Class days
 
 
Delivery
Instructor
TBA
Section
267544
Cost
$335
HEAL-1831 Safety in Health Care Settingsmore info
Location: Selkirk
DatesClass DaysTimeDeliveryInstructorSectionCostActions
Jan 27, 25 - Jun 13, 25  TBA267541$418
Location: Selkirk
Dates
Jan 27, 25 - Jun 13, 25
Class days
 
 
Delivery
Instructor
TBA
Section
267541
Cost
$418

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 and all practicum requirements.
 
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 and will take place in Winnipeg. Unit assignments and individual shift schedules will be arranged according to the guidelines agreed upon by RRC and the health care facility. You must be available for day, evening and/or weekend shifts for a six-week period.

Registration deadline for the clinical practicum is three weeks prior to the start date of the practicum.

You must submit the following documents a minimum of four weeks prior to the start date of the practicum:

1. Immunization Testing

2. Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector (ACRVS), Adult Abuse Registry (AAR) and Provincial Child Abuse Registry (PCAR) checks conducted no more than six months prior to you attending the clinical practice. You must submit original documents. For more information, see: Police Information Check  

3. Copy of  a Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider (formerly BLS for Health Care Providers) - Level C (must be current within one (1) year prior to you attending the practicum). The course must comply with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada guidelines.

4. Proof of attendance at a PHIA information session

5. Copy of your RRC Photo Identification

6. Proof of completion in the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention ® Training Program (program must be current; taken within one year prior to attending practicum)

7. Proof of N95 mask fitting. You will be responsible for any associated fees.


If you have any questions or concerns about practicum/entrance requirements or document submission please contact the Program Facilitator @ schuhai@rrc.ca.

Note: Placements cannot be guaranteed as spaces are limited and available on a fluctuating basis. There may be a waiting period for practicum registrations and placements.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

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

Upon successful completion of the Health Care Aide Program, under the supervision of a nurse, you will show evidence of a beginning ability to:

  • Use the theoretical knowledge base underlying the tasks and responsibilities associated with the role of the health care aide
  • Recognize, understand and respect the individuality, rights and concerns of clients
  • Communicate effectively with clients and their families
  • Develop helping relationships with clients and their families
  • Provide direct care which promotes the comfort and safety of clients
  • Promote independence, particularly with activities of daily living, within client capabilities
  • Detect and report changes in the physical and emotional status of clients
  • Respond to the physical and emotional needs of clients
  • Recognize and report concerns associated with the sociocultural and spiritual needs of clients
  • Follow the general scientific principles associated with theoretical concepts
  • Follow institutional policies
  • Perform skills safely and effectively
  • Perform selected home management and maintenance tasks safely and efficiently
  • Use a problem-solving approach
  • Organize and prioritize his/her own workload
  • Record on clients' records/charts appropriately
  • Maintain confidentiality of all client 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 this program, you may be eligible for RPL if:

  • You have successfully completed another course or program of study that included content equivalent to or exceeding that of the RRC Health Care Aide program

or

  • You are currently employed as a Health Care Aide in a hospital or personal care home

or

  • You have completed a substantial portion of a Canadian Registered Nurse (RN) or Baccalaureate Nursing (BN) program

For more information contact:

Joanna Simons-Swinden
Coordinator - Student Advisement
Nursing Department
204-632-3019
jswinden@rrc.ca

Graduation Requirements

You must successfully complete your part-time program with in 36 months from the start of the first course of the program unless otherwise stated in the program outline. You must obtain a minimum grade of 70% (B) in each course to be successful in this program.

When you have successfully completed all the required courses in this program, be sure to apply for your certificate. For complete details and forms, see rrc.ca/convocation

You will not be granted more than 75% of your credit requirements for graduation through transfer of credit. Questions about graduation? Please call 204-694-1789 or 1-866-242-7073 for assistance.

Employment Potential

Graduates of this 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
Page produced on 2024-12-28 20:06:41
Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.