Health Care Aide
Certificate

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Credential

Certificate

Length

1 year (2 terms)

Delivery

In-person

Work Integrated Learning

Clinical placements

International Student

Accepted | PGWP Eligible
CIP: 51.2601

If you're ready to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day, Keyano College’s Health Care Aide (HCA) Certificate will prepare you to become a trusted frontline care provider. You'll learn how to support individuals with complex health needs, whether you're caring for seniors, working in acute care, or providing support at home.

This hands-on, provincially approved program includes classroom learning, lab simulations, and three clinical placements. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to write the provincial HCA exam, which is required for employment in continuing care in Alberta. Health Care Aides in Alberta are regulated by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLPNA), which oversees professional standards, accountability, and scope of practice.

Upcoming Intakes

Intakes Domestic Students International Students
Fall 2026 Closed Closed
Winter 2027 NI NI

i Intake availability is subject to change. Apply early to secure your spot.

What You'll Learn as a Health Care Aide

Support Daily Living

Learn how to assist with personal care, mobility, meals, and other daily activities while helping clients maintain their comfort and independence.

Stethoscope icon

Provide Safe, Quality Care

Develop the knowledge and practical skills to support people with a variety of health needs while following safe care practices and professional standards.

Clinical Experience

Apply your learning through lab simulations and three supervised clinical placements, where you'll work with clients in real healthcare settings under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Career Opportunities

The Health Care Aide Certificate prepares you to work as a Health Care Aide in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates may find employment in continuing care, hospitals, supportive living, home care, and community health. Possible career paths include:

Health Care Aide Continuing Care Assistant Home Support Worker Personal Support Worker Resident Care Attendant

Graduates may find employment in continuing care homes, hospitals, supportive living facilities, home care, and community health settings.

A health care aide smiles and talks with an older adult seated in a wheelchair.

Program Details

High School Diploma (or equivalent):

You must have one of the following:

  • A minimum of 60% in English 20-1 or English 20-2 (or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent)
  • A minimum of 55% in English 30-1 or English 30-2 (or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent)
  • A passing score on the College Entrance Assessment

Additional Assessment:

Applicants who have not completed English 20-2 with the required grade may be required to complete the ACCUPLACER assessment. This may include:

  • Mature applicants
  • Applicants from outside Alberta
  • International applicants
  • Applicants who have been out of school for an extended period

Digital Literacy:

Students should be able to:

  • Communicate and research online
  • Use email and web-based platforms
  • Navigate digital learning systems
  • Create and evaluate online content

English Language Proficiency (if applicable):

  • TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 71
  • IELTS Academic: minimum overall band score of 6.0 with no score below 5.5
  • CLB: minimum score of 7 in each of the 4 language skills
  • CELPIP General: minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score below 6.0
  • Duolingo: minimum score of 95
  • PTE (Academic): minimum score of 50
  • Canadian High School: At least three consecutive years of full-time study (Grades 9–12) in English at an approved Canadian high school
  • Canadian Post-Secondary: Completion of a recognized degree or diploma program in Canada with at least two consecutive years of full-time study in English

Year 1

Year 1 – Term 1
Course Code Course Title Credits
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
Year 1 – Term 2
Course Code Course Title Credits
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

Please Note:

Keyano College reserves the right to modify the syllabus, curriculum, or schedule of any course/program, or to cancel a course/program entirely, at any time and for any reason. Such changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, regulatory requirements, or to ensure the highest quality of education.

Students will be notified of any significant changes as soon as possible. Keyano College is not responsible for any inconvenience or disruption caused by these changes. It is the responsibility of the students to stay informed about any updates or modifications to their courses.

Tuition & Fees (2025–26)
Term Domestic Students International Students
Fall  $4,265.00  $11,835.00
Winter  $4,265.00  $11,835.00
Annual Total $8,530.00 $23,670.00

Please note

  • These estimates are based on 100% enrolment for all semesters and do not include mandatory laboratory fees. Laboratory fees can range from $35-$135 for 2025-2026.
  • *Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage - deadlines can be found at StudentCare website.
    ** Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.

For more information view the Keyano College Credit Calendar.

Refunds, Withdrawals, and Deposits

For information about withdrawals, tuition refunds, program cancellations, and deposit policies, please refer to the Refund Policy page.

Throughout the diploma, you'll complete four practicums in licensed early learning and child care settings. Each placement gives you the opportunity to apply your classroom learning while working directly with children, families, and educators. As you progress through the program, you'll take on more responsibility and gain experience supporting children's development, planning learning activities, creating inclusive environments, and working as part of an early learning team. Practicum seminars are included to help you reflect on your experiences and connect them to your coursework.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the program is based on Alberta’s provincial HCA curriculum and qualifies graduates to write the provincial HCA exam.

No prior experience is required. This program is designed for new learners looking to enter the healthcare field.

Yes, you can qualify with English 20-1 or 20-2 or by taking the ACCUPLACER test to demonstrate readiness.

Currently, the Health Care Aide Program is offered in full-time daytime format only.

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Have questions about applying? Contact admissions@keyano.ca or 780-791-4801.

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