An examination and application of safe practices in assisting with medication delivery within the scope of the Health Care Aide. A blend of theory and lab will allow the student to become competent assisting with the various delivery routes. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (1.0), Lab (1.0)

Equivalent to HCA-103.

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1103L (Required, Concurrent).

This first practicum course provides the opportunity for application of safe work practices, working as a team member and assisting clients with activities of daily living in a healthcare setting. Not available for supplemental.

Work Experience (1.5)

Equivalent to HCA-105.

A study of the structure and function of the systems within the human body as well as the milestones of growth and development across a lifetime. The most common chronic illnesses will be examined, as well as translating this knowledge into best practices and safe care, based on the clients' diagnoses, needs and care plans. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to HCA-107.

This comprehensive final practicum provides the opportunity for students to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained through their educational experience in caring for clients with diverse and complex needs within a healthcare setting. Not available for supplemental.

Work Experience (1.5)

Equivalent to HCA-111.

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1103 (Required, Previous). Take HCA-1105 (Required, Previous). Take HCA-1114 (Required, Previous). Take HCA-1116 (Required, Previous).

A study of the role of the health care aide, functioning effectively as a team member and within defined legislation. Safety is also examined as it applies to the environment, the client and the health care aide. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3.0), Lab (1.0)

Equivalent to HCA-1101, HCA-101.

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1112L (Required, Concurrent).

An introduction to communication in the health care environment, including verbal, non-verbal and written documentation. Areas of focus include challenges and barriers of clients/patients, as well as strategies to promote effective communication with these individuals. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (1.0)

Equivalent to HCA-1106, HCA-106.

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1113L (Required, Concurrent).

An introduction to the advanced skills for a HCA which focuses on supporting care activities such as ostomy care, respiratory care, catheter care, wound care, tube feeds, vital signs and specimen collection. These skills are studied and practiced within the legal roles and responsibilities of the HCA in the province of Alberta at this time. Roles and responsibilities, following client care plans and employer policies and procedures are emphasized. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (1.0), Lab (3.0)

Equivalent to HCA-1109, HCA-109.

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1114L (Required, Concurrent).

A skills-based approach to providing client comfort and care. Emphasis is placed upon assisting clients with mobility and mealtime, as well as with basic tasks of grooming and hygiene. Instruction focuses on the safety of both the client and the caregiver. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (3.0)

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1115L (Required, Concurrent).

A study of the specialized needs and care of individuals with varying mental health diagnoses, developmental delays and physical disabilities across the lifespan. Dementia and end-of-life care are highlighted. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (1.0)

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1116L (Required, Concurrent).

During this course, you will focus on the role and responsibilities of a health care aide working in a variety of employment settings. The focus on this course is to share information that will result in safe, ethical, and respectful care based on the needs of the client. Care that meets these standards is known as person-centred care. To meet the goal of person-centred care, the health care aide must be familiar with the provincial legislation that guides safe, ethical, and personalized care. In addition, knowledge of how to work as part of the health-care team is essential, as is the ability to follow your employer's policy and procedures and your job description. The HCA is responsible for identifying, managing, and preventing potential environmental hazards in facilities and community-based settings and focusing on the client's safety as well as your own safety in different settings. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.5), Lab (0.5)

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1131 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1132 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1133 (Required, Concurrent). TAKE HCA-1130L (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1134W (Required, Concurrent).

In this course, you will study the systems that make up the human body and discuss the milestones of growth and development across a lifetime. You will read about and discuss the most common of the chronic illnesses that you may encounter, and you will learn how to provide safe care based on evidence-informed practices according to the clients' diagnoses, needs, and care plans. The information learned in this course will provide you with care strategies to support the client and the client's family through the process of a client's dying and death. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1130 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1132 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1133 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1134W (Required, Concurrent).

This course will focus on the role and responsibilities of the health care aide when communicating effectively as a member of the collaborative care team. Strong communication skills are an important part of being a successful health care aide. The health-care environment requires competent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills, which are part of digital literacy. This course will focus on professional communication with other team members, clients, and client's families; written communication, including documentation in client records and report completion; problem-solving strategies; and handling conflict successfully. A focus on communicating effectively with clients from all cultures while demonstrating cultural competence and understanding the diversity of individuals will be included. Communication strategies for overcoming the challenges and barriers to communication between the client and caregiver caused by disease, illness, and aging in the client will also be discussed. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1130 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1131 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1133 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1132L (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1134W (Required, Concurrent).

In this course, the learner will learn to support clients to maintain their independence and meet their care needs according to individual care plans. The learner will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to assist clients with daily grooming and hygiene and to assist clients to walk and use mobility aids and wheel chairs safely. The learner will learn several methods for carrying out client lifts and transfers, with a focus on client safety and comfort. Upon completion of the course, the learner will have an excellent baseline knowledge of standards for meeting client nutritional needs and strict guidelines in safe food handling as set out in a minimum provincial expectations. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (3.0)

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1130 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1131 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1132 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1133L (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1134W (Required, Concurrent).

Under the direction of a regulated health-care professional, learners will work in a continuing care setting, such as supportive living, designated supportive living (DSL), senior lodges, long term care, or group homes, providing person-centred care and support for clients and their families. Not available for supplemental.

Work Integrated Learning (2)

Equivalent to HCA-1134W.

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1130 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1131 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1132 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1133 (Required, Concurrent).

This course builds on the foundational skills and concepts introduced in previous courses and also introduces new skills to the learner. Learners will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge to learn advanced skills such as active and passive range-of-motion exercises, wound care, tube feeds, catheter care, ostomy care, specimen collection, and respiratory care. In addition, accurate measurement of vital signs is demonstrated, practised, and assessed. This course will also assist learners to work safely within the legal roles and responsibilities of health care aides in the province while providing medication assistance. This course is included in the HCA Preparation for Employment provincial standard. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (1.5), Lab (3.5)

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1130 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1131 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1132 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1133 (Required, Previous). Take HCA-1134 (Required, Previous). Take HCA-1136 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1135L (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1137W (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1138W (Required, Concurrent).

A central feature of this course is the extensive section on meeting the care and comfort needs of clients with a diagnosis of dementia. Learners also learn about care strategies for assisting other diverse client groups such as clients with a mental health diagnosis and clients with developmental delays and physical disabilities. Health care aides employed by home care agencies may have the opportunity to provide care for infants and children, as well as caring for clients living with life-limiting illness, and who could benefit from hospice, palliative and end-of-life care. The course provides the information and skills needed to assist with these care assignments. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3.5), Lab (1.5)

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1130 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1131 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1132 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1133 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1134 (Required, Previous). Take HCA-1135 (Required, Concurrent). TAKE HCA-1136L (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1137W (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1138W (Required, Concurrent).

Under the direction of a regulated health-care professional, learners will work in a health-care setting such as continuing care or acute care, providing person-centred care and support for clients and their families. Not available for supplemental.

Work Integrated Learning (4)

Equivalent to HCA-1137W.

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1130 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1131 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1132 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1133 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1134 (Required, Previous). Take HCA-1135 (Required, Concurrent). TAKE HCA-1136 (Required, Concurrent). Take HCA-1138W (Required, Concurrent).

Under the direction of a regulated health-care professional, and buddied with an unregulated health-care professional, students will work in a variety of health-care settings such as continuing care or acute care, providing person-centred care and support for clients and their families. Not available for supplemental. Not eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

Work Integrated Learning (2)

Equivalent to HCA-1138W.

Requisite courses: Take HCA-1130 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1131 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1132 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1133 (Required, Previous). TAKE HCA-1134 (Required, Previous). Take HCA-1135 (Required, Concurrent). TAKE HCA-1136 (Required, Concurrent). TAKE HCA-1137 (Required, Concurrent).