Registration
To be eligible to work as an HCA in a publicly funded healthcare setting in BC, applicants must be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
Internationally Educated Health Care Professional
Depending on your existing education and experience, you may be eligible for the HCA Competency Assessment Pathway (i.e., HCA Competency Assessment & Remedial Education). Other pathway options include: Completing a recognized HCA Program or applying for the Health Career Access Program (HCAP).
Graduate of an HCA Program in Other Province
Depending on your existing education and experience, you may be eligible for the Expedited Pathway.
You may also be eligible for the HCA Competency Assessment Pathway (i.e., HCA Competency Assessment & Remedial Education).
Graduate of an HCA Program in BC
Upon successful completion of a recognized HCA program, you can register as an HCA. Visit our Education page for a complete list of public and private institutions in BC that offer recognized Health Care Assistant programs.
Nursing Student in Canada
Students enrolled in nursing programs in Canada may be eligible to register, depending on the amount of training completed.
Canadian-licensed LPN, RN, or RPN
Licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, or registered psychiatric nurses licensed to practice in Canada may be eligible to register.
Health Career Access Program (HCAP)
This program provides a path for applicants with no health care experience to get hired and receive paid employer-sponsored health care assistant training as part of their employment. For more information, visit our HCAP page.
- Submit an expression of interest through The Ministry of Health.
- Qualified applicants will be invited to apply for Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) positions with employers in their preferred region or community.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply to the Registry?
All Health Care Assistants (HCA’s) seeking employment in a publicly funded healthcare setting in BC need to apply for registration with BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry.
Why register?
To be eligible to work in a publicly funded healthcare setting in BC, Health Care Assistants must be registered with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry.
What is the purpose of the Registry?
By creating a Registry for all care aides and community health workers in BC, the Ministry of Health establishes and improves standards of care.
The Registry was also created to serve and protect vulnerable patients, residents, and clients receiving care from Health Care Assistants in the province.
Who is eligible to be on the Registry?
- Graduates of Health Care Assistant programs in BC
- Graduates of Health Care Assistant programs in Canada (outside of BC)
- Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Registered Psychiatric Nurses who are licensed to practice in Canada. (Nurses educated outside of Canada and not licensed to practice in Canada must apply as internationally educated health care professionals.)
- Students enrolled in nursing programs in Canada
- Internationally educated health care professionals (IEHCPs)
How much does it cost to register?
Who can access the Registry?
Publicly funded employers wanting to hire registered Health Care Assistants.
I am a health care assistant employed in a private facility in BC. I want to register. Can I?
Yes, with proof of successful completion of a recognized training program for Health Care Assistants. If your education credential is more than 3 years old, you will be asked to provide a resume outlining your recent and relevant health care assistant work experience. Depending on your situation, you may be required to take a HCA competency evaluation.
How do I know if my position is included in the scope of the Registry?
What are the advantages of registering as a Health Care Assistant for internationally educated nurses?
Working as an HCA, you will gain valuable Canadian healthcare experience and keep your skills in practice. You will also have access to a comprehensive salary and benefits package while building seniority with an employer and accumulate work hours to improve your eligibility for transitional education programs.
I’m an LPN, and I work full-time (or part-time) as a Health Care Assistant. Am I eligible to register?
Yes, anyone classified and working as either a full-time or part-time Health Care Assistant is eligible to apply for registration by providing the requested credentials.
Choose a Career in Providing Care
Site Map
Privacy Policy
Terms Of Use
Contact Us