Health Care Aide Workplace

What to expect from the program

Are you currently working as a health care aide, or in an equivalent caregiving position, and want to become certified? The Health Care Aide Workplace Education option is one of the only programs in Alberta and is offered in partnership with health-care employers. Ideal for both rural and urban students, this program includes:

• Online, self-paced coursework that you can complete from the comfort of your home
• Scheduled online course exams
• Access to a tutor who will mentor and support you while assessing your skills and knowledge in the workplace
• Preparation to help you successfully write the Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Exam
• The ability to achieve your health care aide certificate and increase employment opportunities

You are more likely to be successful in this program if you:

• Have access to a computer and basic computer skills
• Are physically and emotionally able to manage workplace demands
• Have access to a vehicle or reliable method of transportation (bus etc.) to travel to complete their practicum
• Are able to complete 160 hours of clinical hours in a DSL/4 and above or LTC setting

Graduate with experience

At NorQuest College, we believe in providing a well-rounded, modern education that includes a combination of theory coursework and hands-on training. In this program, you’ll graduate with 320 hours of work experience. The hours you complete while working onsite as a health care aide go towards this requirement.  

You’ll also complete a variety of labs and have your clinical skills assessed and evaluated by a worksite tutor.  

Career opportunities

There is currently a very high demand for certified health care aides in many urban and rural areas of Alberta.

As a health care aide, you will be responsible for providing and supporting clients in continuing care settings, such as personal care, bathing, dressing, transferring, eating, and participating in recreational activities with clients. You will also help support nurses with medication administration.

Upon completion of the NorQuest Health Care Aide Workplace program, you must pass the Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Exam before receiving your certification. Once you are certified, you can find work in:

• Home care
• Supportive living and long-term care
• Acute care hospitals
• Private/respite care in clients’ homes

Career coaches are available in the NorQuest College Career Centre for in-person or virtual support.

Future education opportunities

Graduates of the HCA Workplace program can request prior learning assessment and recognition for the HEED 1000 and NCOM 1000 courses once they’ve been accepted into the Practical Nurse program.

Visit Prior learning assessment and recognition for more information

How to apply

To apply for the HCA Workplace program as a student, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you are currently employed in a health care aide, continuing care assistant, or similar role with an Alberta employer.

2. Speak with your manager about the availability of a workplace tutor. The tutor must be employed at the same facility and willing to assess you on your lab and clinical skills at the workplace.

3. Apply through ApplyAlberta and select NorQuest College, HCA Workplace Program, and the term you’d like to start in. Note that admission requirements must be met at least two weeks prior to your anticipated start date. Plan to apply at least two months in advance to ensure time for documents to be processed.

   You may have to pay a $400 tuition deposit after you apply.

   • February – April: Winter term
   • May – June: Spring term
   • July – August: Summer term

   • September – December: Fall term

4. Complete the workplace Tutor Employment Confirmation Form online, download it to your computer, and email it to HCA.Workplace@norquest.ca to let us know you’ve applied.

   Note – only complete page 5 and 6 of the sponsorship form if your employer is paying all or part of your tuition.

5. You will be contacted by the NorQuest admissions team about the next steps of your application.

If you’re ready to submit your application, visit ApplyAlberta.