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Health Care Aide Workplace

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Health Care Aide Workplace

Program requirements for Fall 2026 (September & November intakes)

Academic requirements

English Language Arts – this requirement can be met with any of the following, or an equivalent course: 

  • 60% in English Language Arts 20-2
  • 55% in English Language Arts 30-2

OR

Academic Assessment - Applicants who have submitted an application may be able to meet their academic requirements with a free assessment. Click here for more details or email student.advisor@norquest.ca to meet with an advisor.

Digital Literacy Requirement: Must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program.

Note: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is not accepted for admission in Health Care Aide workplace program.

If you're missing some academic requirements, you may be able to apply with recognized equivalencies. See how NorQuest’s equivalency options can help you qualify.

English language proficiency requirements

You must provide proof of English language proficiency before admission. This can be met with completion of a Canadian General Education Development (GED) or studies in English via three consecutive years of full-time academic study at a Canadian high school OR two consecutive years of post-secondary in Canada OR testing below:

Test scores we accept:

  • IELTS Academic: 6; no section score below 5.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 71
  • Duolingo: 95
  • CLBA, CLBPT or CLBPA: no section score below 7

These results must be no more than two years old when you start your program.

To be accepted, all applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency (ELP). Explore the five ways you can meet this requirement at NorQuest. 

Practicum/work experience requirements

Students must be currently employed as a front-line caregiver with responsibilities similar to an HCA in a participating agency to be considered.

Practicum hours are met through the student's paid employment at their Continuing Care Type A or Continuing Care Home Type B - Secure Space employer.

Employment in Continuing Care Type B (non-secure) or Homecare

Additional practicum requirements must be met if students are working at a home care agency or Continuing Care Home Type B (non-secure) facility, as NorQuest College will have to arrange a secondary clinical placement for the student to meet curriculum requirements. In this case, additional paperwork may be required for admission.

Progression and graduation

Students must receive a passing grade in each course to progress through the program. To remain in good academic standing, a minimum term grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 and a passing grade in all Pass/Fail courses (no WF or F) is
required. 

The Academic Standing Policy and Procedure provide further details on the categories of academic standing, and the consequences and supports available if a student is not in good academic standing.

A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 in the program’s courses is required to qualify for graduation.

Technology requirements

Requires access to a computer and internet to complete the final course exams and access the curriculum content.

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