Home Support Worker/Personal Care Attendant

Diploma of Health and Human Sciences

Duration: 30 weeks including 3 practicums

Program Description

Academy Canada is pleased to have followed the Department of Health and Community Services provincial curriculum standards in the development of this 30 week Diploma program. Home Support Workers/ Personal Care Attendants are integral professionals within the national health care system. They provide for the care, comfort, safety and well-being of their clients while demonstrating sensitivity and respect. Given the aging population and renewed emphasis on quality long-term care, individuals with the skills provided by this program will be in high demand for many years to come. In addition to the real-world training provided on-campus, students will also gain exposure to prospective clients through multiple field trips and the three practicums.

Program Courses

Introduction to the HSW/PCA Program
Introduction to Health Care Sector
Introduction to Computers*
Personal and Professional Development
Communication and Documentation
Environmental Safety
Safe Client/Resident Handling and Movement
Growth and Development
Personal Care
Household Management
Body Structure, Functions and Related Health Issues
Nutrition and Meal Preparation
Palliative and End of Life Care
Mental Health and Social Issues
Medication Awareness
Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementia Care Course
Standard First Aid
WHMIS
Practicum 1
Practicum 2
Practicum 3
Soft Tissue Injury: Back Injury Prevention
Canadian Restaurant & Foodservices Association, National Food Safety Training

Employment Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Home Support Worker/Personal Care Attendant program, graduates can apply for employment in acute and long-term care in institutional settings as well as long term care with private facilities. Graduates may be eligible for employment (depending on specific hiring practices) with agencies specializing in home care or with an individual client, often referred to as self-management. Opportunities may also be created through entrepreneurial activities and contractual positions. Graduates may find employment as Student Assistants within the K-12 school system. Some Regional Health Authorities and other potential employers may require a High School diploma or equivalent as a condition of employment.

Please click here for additional labour market information.

Entrance Requirements

High School Graduates or Equivalent

High School Graduates or equivalent are eligible for admission to the Home Support Worker/Personal Care Attendant program. Students must complete an application form and provide a copy of High School, Adult Basic Education, or G.E.D. results. Under certain circumstances students who do not meet the formal High School requirements may be accepted upon the recommendation of a High School Principal or Guidance Counselor. Please contact an Admissions Officer for further details.

Specific Entrance Requirements

Students must submit a Certificate of Conduct with Vulnerable Sector Check from their local Police Department. Students must also submit a pre-admission medical report signed by a qualified medical doctor verifying fitness to undertake the program.

Certificate of Conduct: Students must acquire a Certificate of Conduct with Vulnerable Sector check for admission into this program. Students are solely accountable for any offences not uncovered by the investigation which may preclude the student from subsequent work terms or employment.

Program Specific Requirements

Students must submit a completed immunization review form for work term/practicum placements. Students will be responsible for completing the immunization review form and submitting to the Registrar’s Office of Academy Canada by the end of their first term of study (with the exception of the Hepatitis B vaccination that requires multiple test periods which may be in progress). Non-compliance with this requirement could result in the student’s inability to participate in the work term/practicum component of this program which is also a required element for successful program completion.

Please Note

Various work term/practicum sites have specific requirements and different forms which must be completed prior to starting a work term. Students should check with the instructor upon program commencement to ensure the correct forms are completed. The process of verifying/obtaining all of the required immunizations for Work Term placement should begin immediately upon application to the program.

For further information, please contact an Admissions Officer at 1-800-561-8000 or visit the information request page.

To apply for the Home Support Worker/Personal Care Attendant or other Academy Canada programs, click here.

Program start dates are subject to sufficient enrollment.

Academy Canada reserves the right to modify any programs, courses, topics, objectives, etc.