HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT
Program Description
Program Design
The program was designed with the idea that Health Care Assistants (HCAs) require basic theoretical knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, disease processes pertaining to the elderly, hospital procedures and a large dose of practical application, supervised site experience.
A Unique Structure
Based on the above premise, the program is designed a little differently from other training programs. During the first four weeks of the 27-week program, students acquire basic knowledge, including CPR, which will be required for them to start their site experiences in the third week of the program. In other words, they learn the appropriate tasks and then they go out immediately and practice those tasks under the direction of a registered nurse, in small groups of less than eight students. All students rotate through three site experiences, hospital or long-term care facility, group home and childcare. These site experiences, along with weekly classroom instruction, support their preparation to work in a multitude of environments with all age groups.
By the time students complete the practicum experience at the end of the program, they are fully functioning members of the work team.
A Blend of Studies, Work, and Life
Besides being involved with the program approximately three-four days per week, students are expected to spend time at home reading the text and completing workbook assignments. The program was designed this way, because many HCA students have other responsibilities. We also believe that this level of weekly commitment gives our students time to absorb the information, to enhance the learning process.