Health Care Aide

Admission Requirements Tuition and Fees Program Structure

The Health Care Aide (HCA) certificate provides students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to practice as a Health Care Aide.  HCAs are currently an unregulated workforce that provide basic health services and support with activities of daily living activities for clients who have medical conditions or major functional limitations. However, professional regulatory oversight will be undertaken by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). HCAs work under the direct or indirect supervision of a regulated health professional, such as a registered or licensed practical nurse, in a variety of healthcare settings.

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Admission requirements

Applications for this program will close on the first day of class. Offer of admission for eligible applicants may continue based on available seats until the end of the first week of classes. Students will be required to register in the program on or before the end of the first week of classes.

 Admission Requirements
  • English 20-2 level with a minimum score of 60% achieved or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or
  • English 20-1 with a minimum of 60% achieved or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or
  • English 30-1 or 30-2 with a minimum of 55% or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or
  • Deemed equivalent by completion of ACCUPLACER (assessment placement test)

Note: Students who have not completed the English Language Arts, 20-2 level requirement and achieved the minimum grade are subject to completing the 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.

 Clinical Practicum Requirements

Upon acceptance to the program, all students must provide proof of completion of:

  • Heart and Stroke BLS
  • Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector check
  • Updated Immunization Record
  • AHS Orientation Modules
  • WHMIS
  • N95 Mask Fit
 English Language Proficiency

Candidates where English is a Second Language (ESL) must meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement in addition to the Academic English requirement. ELP test results must have been obtained within two years of the start date of your program. Equivalencies are as follows:

  • Required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of a minimum of 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and not an average of 7; OR
  • Required IELTS Academic: minimum overall score of 6.0, with no section score below 5.5 OR
  • Required TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 71 OR
  • Required Duolingo: minimum overall score of 95 OR
  • Required PTE (academic): minimum overall score of 50 OR
  • Required CELPIP General: minimum overall score of 7.0, with no section score below 6.0 OR
  • By completing 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
  • By completing a recognized post-secondary degree or diploma program in Canada. The program must have involved at least two full years of full-time, consecutive academic study in English.

See our Credit Calendar for other ways that you can meet the English Language Proficiency requirement.

In addition to meeting English Language Proficiency students must also present the appropriate coursework to meet admission requirements for their chosen program.

 Program Note: Digital literacy is required.
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.

Tuition and fees

Alberta Health, in partnership with Alberta Health Services, has launched a health care aide tuition bursary program to assist individuals starting their health care aide careers. This initiative aims to expand the number of qualified health care aides for continuing care facilities across the province, particularly in rural Alberta, where the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted increased need. 

 Alberta Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary

The application link below will take you to the Norquest College Site to apply as they are administering the bursary. All Keyano College HCA Students are eligible for this bursary.

The funds support eligible graduates and students enrolled in any licensed Alberta health care aide program on or after January 1, 2022. 

Note: The bursary opportunity is open to Canadian permanent residents and citizens, only.

 

Funds are administered by NorQuest College on behalf of Alberta Health. Students, graduates, and employers may apply for one of the available bursary programs based on their eligibility. Funding is open on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible applicants.

Note: Funds are available until they have been exhausted.

 

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Which bursary should you apply for?

Were you enrolled in an Alberta licensed health care aide program for any amount of time between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022, or have you received a health care aide program certificate either during this time or afterwards?

 

Are you currently enrolled full-time in an Alberta licensed health care aide program that begins on or after July 1, 2022, or are you enrolled in an Alberta secondary school and some or all your tuition is not paid by your secondary school?

 

Financial Incentive Program

The Financial Incentive Program is funded by the Government of Alberta in partnership with Alberta Health Services and administered by NorQuest College. The financial incentive program supports individuals enrolled in Alberta licensed health care aide programs prior to the availability of the Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program. This bursary aims is to immediately increase the number of health care aides working for continuing care operators in Alberta.

One of the following financial incentive program incentives are available for eligible students:

$2,000 – Eligible student works as a health care aide in a home care CC site in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, or within 50 km of those cities’ limits.

$3,000 – Eligible student works as a health care aide in a continuing care operator that is between 51 km to 100 km from Edmonton, Calgary, or Red Deer’s city limits; or Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, or within 50 km of those cities’ limits.

$4,000 – Eligible Student works as a health care aide in a continuing care operator in Grande Prairie or any rural area not included in other definitions.

Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program
The Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program is funded by the Government of Alberta in partnership with Alberta Health Services and administered by NorQuest College. The goal of the bursary is to increase the number of students enrolled in a licensed health care aide program and the number of health care aides working for Alberta Continuing Care Operators (community and facility) post-graduation.

 

After Approval
 

After approval of your bursary program application by NorQuest College, the following funds for a regular or dual credit Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary are available during the term:

 

$3,000 – Proof of successful completion of courses one to five of the Health Care Aide Bursary program.

$6,000 – Upon successful completion of an Alberta licensed program, including the provincial final exam, and signing of an 'Return to Service Agreement' with NorQuest College.

Apply now  to Keyano College for the Winter 2023 Health Care Aide  program to start working towards an exciting career! Please email nursing@keyano.ca for additional information or if you have any questions.

Full Time Fees 2023-2024
Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
Full Time Fees  Term 1 Term 2
Tuition $3,638.00 $3,638.00
Campus Rec Fee $70.00 $70.00
Health & Dental Fee *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00
Total Fees $420.92 $429.92
Total Tuition & Fees ***$4,187.92 ***$4,187.92
Total Cost Per Year   $8,795.84
International Full Time Fees Students 2023-2024
Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
International Students Fees  Term 1 Term 2
Tuition  $10,914.00 $10,914.00
Campus Rec Fee $70.00 $70.00
Health & Dental *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00
Total Fees $420.92 $420.92
Total Tuition & Fees

***$11,463.92

***$11,463.92

Total Cost Per Year  

$23,347.84

Full Time Fees 2024-2025

Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.

Full Time Fees  Term 1 Term 2
Tuition $3,638.00 $3,638.00
Campus Rec Fee $75.00 $75.00
Health & Dental Fee *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Technology Fee $100.00 $100.00
Total Fees $430.92 $430.92
Total Tuition & Fees ***$4,200.92 ***$4,200.92
Total Cost Per Year   $8,821.84
International Full Time Fees Students 2024-2025

Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.

International Students Fees  Term 1 Term 2
Tuition  $10,914.00 $10,914.00
Campus Rec Fee $75.00 $75.00
Health & Dental *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Technology Fee $100.00 $100.00
Total Fees $430.92 $430.92
Total Tuition & Fees

***$11,476.92

***$11,476.92

Total Cost Per Year  

$22,953.84

Please note, these estimates are based on 100% enrollment for all semesters and do not include mandatory laboratory fees. Laboratory fees can range from $29 - $122.

* Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage - deadlines can be found at StudentCare website
** These programs have a mandatory Spring semester if students intend to graduate on time.
*** Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.

For more information view the Keyano College Credit Calendar.

Program Structure

Current students, please use your Program Registration Guide when registering for courses.

COURSE

COURSE TITLE

CREDITS

Term 1

18

HCA 120

Health Care Aide Role & Responsibility

3

HCA 121

The Human Body, Health & Chronic Illness

3

HCA 122

Communication & Documentation in the Health care Environment

4

HCA 123

Providing Person-Centered Care & Comfort

5

HCA 124

Clinical Placement 1

3

Term 2

18

HCA 125

Meeting Complex Care Needs

5

HCA 126

Special Activities for Clients with Various Health Conditions

5

HCA 127

Clinical Placement 2

5

HCA 128

Consolidated Clinical Placement

3

 

Which bursary should you apply for?

1)      Were you enrolled in an Alberta licensed health care aide program for any amount of time between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022, or have you received a health care aide program certificate either during this time or afterwards?

The Financial Incentive Program is funded by the Government of Alberta in partnership with Alberta Health Services and administered by NorQuest College. The financial incentive program supports individuals enrolled in Alberta licensed health care aide programs prior to the availability of the Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program. This bursary aims is to immediately increase the number of health care aides working for continuing care operators in Alberta.

One of the following financial incentive program incentives are available for eligible students:

$2,000 – Eligible student works as a health care aide in a home care CC site in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, or within 50 km of those cities’ limits.

$3,000 – Eligible student works as a health care aide in a continuing care operator that is between 51 km to 100 km from Edmonton, Calgary, or Red Deer’s city limits; or Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, or within 50 km of those cities’ limits.

$4,000 – Eligible Student works as a health care aide in a continuing care operator in Grande Prairie or any rural area not included in other definitions.

 

2)      Are you currently enrolled full-time in an Alberta licensed health care aide program that begins on or after July 1, 2022, or are you enrolled in an Alberta secondary school and some or all your tuition is not paid by your secondary school?

·         Apply to the Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program (Regular or Dual Credit) The Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program is funded by the Government of Alberta in partnership with Alberta Health Services and administered by NorQuest College. The goal of the bursary is to increase the number of students enrolled in a licensed health care aide program and the number of health care aides working for Alberta Continuing Care Operators (community and facility) post-graduation.