Graduates of HCA Programs (in Canada, Outside BC)
Did you graduate from a Health Care Assistant (or HCA equivalent) program in Canada?
Although HCAs are not regulated in BC, you must be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry in order to work for any publicly-funded health care employers.
Pathways to Registration
There are two main pathways to registration for Graduates of an HCA Program (or HCA equivalent) in Canada.
- Expedited Pathway
- HCA Competency Assessment Pathway (i.e., HCA Competency Assessment & Remedial Education)
- For applicants who DO NOT meet the requirements of the Expedited Pathway, or for applicants who choose the Competency Assessment Pathway.
Financial Supports
Consider integrating into the Canadian healthcare workforce more quickly as a Health Care Assistant.
Several financial support options are available through Health Match BC that can help you with costs associated with the registration pathway you choose.
- Expedited Registration Pathway Stipend
- HCA Bursary Program (HCA Competency Assessment & Remedial Education Bursaries)
- HCA Training Program – BC Care Providers Association provides free training at select post-secondary institutions for participants who are unemployed, precariously employed, or employed but requiring upskilling
Financial supports outside of Health Match BC include:
Education
British Columbia offers a free online, self-paced course that serves as a good introductory resource for HCAs. The Health Care Assistant Practice in British Columbia course provides an overview of information that is relevant to HCA practice in the province of British Columbia. This 5-hour course develops an awareness of HCA parameters of practice in BC and the different types of healthcare settings where HCAs work. It covers the importance of working collaboratively in the healthcare team and highlights key concepts such as person-centred care as well as legal, ethical and professional approaches to practice.
This course is available on the LearningHub.
For more information and a list of other Learning Hub Courses that may be of interest to HCAs, click here.
Employment
While you are in the process of getting your credentials recognized, you can put your HCA healthcare training and experience to immediate use. Your skills, such as the ability to work well with others, good communication skills, patience, compassion, and experience assisting the elderly in daily living activities, are needed in a variety of employment or volunteer opportunities. Below are some examples of positions you can explore, depending on your experience.
Acute/Hospital Facilities
Hospital Porter, Dialysis Technician, Unit Clerk, Housekeeper, Screener/Greeter*
Long-Term Care Homes / Assisted Living Residences
Housekeeper, Food Server, Laundry Attendant, Dietary Aide, Cook, Health Care Support Worker, Screener/Greeter*
Community-based
Private in-home Caregiver, Home Health Companion, Health Care Support Worker
Other
Community Support Worker, Mental Health Worker, Doula
On our Employment page, browse employment opportunities before and after registration in both public and private healthcare sectors.
Choose a Career in Providing Care
Site Map
Privacy Policy
Terms Of Use
Contact Us