Admission Requirements

Health care aides are an indispensable part of a professional health care team. They form some of the most intimate relationships with patients and provide hands-on care to individuals in need. Becoming a health care aide requires strong communication skills, the ability to learn and work in a team environment and a compassionate attitude. Health care aides must maintain a professional level of care while remaining open and accommodating to the needs and dignity of their patients.

As front line health professionals health care aides are the eyes and ears of doctors and nurses and respond directly to patients needs. Health Care Aides provide assistance and support services for the elderly, disabled, acute or chronically ill, and to those who require short and long term assistance.

Program Entry Requirements

Academic English Language Arts (ELA)

• English 20-1 or 20-2 with a minimum score of 60% achieved or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or
• English 30-1 or 30-2 with a minimum of 55% or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent, such as a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development-test (GED); or
• Deemed equivalent by completion of Next-Generation ACCUPLACER (assessment placement test) reading and writing tests, with a minimum score of 237 in each category. The math test is not required.

Note: Students who have not met the ELA requirement (i.e., 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, or 30-2 English level) with the minimum grade are subject to completing the Next- Generation ACCUPLACER assessment test. This can include students out of province, out of country, or mature students that have been out of school for a significant length of time.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

• By presenting a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development- test (GED)); or
• By attending high school in Canada. Studies must have been in English at an approved Canadian high school (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) with at least three consecutive years of full-time academic study; or
• Providing evidence of attending two consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English in a subject other than a HCA program at a Canadian institution; or
• By completing an Approved ELP Test with the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB): A minimum CLB of 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and not an average of 7.
• Official test results must be submitted directly to the PSI.
• PSIs will accept submissions from any one of the following approved ELP tests:

Approved English Language Proficiency (ELP) Tests:

1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 6 (no section score below 5.5);
2. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Testing (TOEFL iBT): 71;
3. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General: 7 (with no section score below 6);
4. Canadian Language Benchmarks Tests/Milestones Test (7 in each strand, not an average of 7);
5. Duolingo English Test (minimum score of 95); and
6. Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN): 7 in each area of listening, reading, writing and speaking, not an average of 7.

Note: Test Currency: results must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program. Test Validity: IELTS (Academic) and TOEFL results are valid for two years from the day of testing. Results that expire prior to the Start Date of the program will not be accepted.

Digital literacy

Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program. Candidates must:

• Be able to communicate, research and understand information
• Know how to use computer to surf web, email
• Be able to critically evaluate and understand how technology can affect one’s behavior
• Be able to create, produce content and effectively communicate using email, media, internet

Additional Requirements

• Clear Criminal Record with vulnerable sector check
• Up to Date Immunizations

Personal Characteristics:

• Patience and dedication
• Willingness to learn and work as a team
• Caring nature and a compassionate attitude
• Strong communication skills.
• Dependable and trustworthy
• Physical fortitude
• High standard of personal hygiene

Registration Forms:

Alberta Student Enrolment Contract