Health Career
Access Program
(HCAP)

HCAP is building bridges, from education to employment,
by reducing the financial cost for program participants.

The Health Career Access Program (HCAP) provides a path for applicants with little to no experience in the health care sector to get hired and receive paid training as part of their employment.

There are two HCAP pathways: you can train as a health care assistant or become a mental health and addictions worker.

The pathway for future Health Care Assistants (HCAs) to receive training and education as an HCA while working as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW). This initiative supports the increased need for additional staff in long-term care, assisted living and home and community care settings.

For more information about HCAP, the eligibility criteria and process, visit the Ministry of Health website.

If you are interested in participating in this program, your first step is to: Submit an Expression of Interest Now 

Qualified applicants will be invited to apply for health care support worker positions with employers in their preferred region or community.

For more information about the mental health and addictions support worker role, visit the Ministry of Health website.

 

 

Health Care Support Worker (HCSW)

Health care support workers are supervised by registered nurses or other regulated health care professionals. They provide a variety of critical non-clinical, non-direct care supports to patients and residents.

Typical duties include:

  • Participating as an integral member of a healthcare delivery team
  • Establishing a caring relationship with clients, residents and families
  • Providing support and assistance with mealtime activities
  • Providing support and assistance in carrying out activities
  • Performing housekeeping duties
  • Greeting and directing visitors
  • Restocking supplies
  • Completing and maintaining relevant records

 

Applicants who are required, as part of their enrollment to the HCAP program, to complete an English Language Proficiency Test may want to take English preparation courses such as LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada). This free resource is offered to newcomers by several organizations across BC, including:

    HCAP Application Process

    Submit your expression of interest

    Interview and selection process by health employer
    Receive and accept offer of employment by health employer
    Receive confirmation of enrollment in HCA Program at a recognized Post-Secondary Institution
    Complete Health Care Support Worker workplace orientation & onboarding
    Work as a Health Care Support Worker while receiving paid education and training
    Become a Health Care Assistant
    *This process may be different based on the employer, post-secondary institution and regional health authority.

    Financial Supports

    HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend

    If you are interested in becoming a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) and are selected to participate in the Health Career Access Program (HCAP), there may be financial support available for costs related to your application.

    To meet the eligibility requirements for the HCSW position under HCAP, applicants are required to complete a number of pre-requisite courses, some of which may come at a cost. These pre-requisites vary for each applicant, but include: FoodSafe and Standard First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

    Once conditionally accepted into the HCAP program and hired into an HCSW position, a stipend of $342.00 is available to support applicants with the costs related to the completion of pre-requisite courses for the HCAP program.

    Additional Funding: Applicants may be eligible for additional funding for English Language Proficiency Test, Accuplacer, a second Criminal Record Check, Immunizations, and Violence Prevention Program.

    How to Apply?

    For more details about the stipend and the application process, you must complete the online HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend Application Form. The Choose2Care team will be in touch with you directly to assist with next steps.

    Questions regarding eligibility or the application process for this stipend may be directed to:
    applications@choose2care.ca

    Start your HCAP Stipend application

    APPLY NOW

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