Career opportunities
Health care aides work under the direct or indirect supervision of a regulated health professional, such as a nurse, in a variety of settings including:
- assisted living facilities
- home care
- long-term care
Health care aides provide basic health services, assistance and support with daily living activities for clients who have medical conditions or major functional limitations.
In Alberta, the health care aide profession is unregulated. To ensure consistent training of the health care aide workforce in Alberta, the Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Curriculum is used by licensed post-secondary institutions.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be prepared to work in continuing care institutions, home care agencies, group homes, assisted or supportive living facilities, day programs, specialized care centres and programs, acute care hospitals, and private care.
For more information on related careers see:
What to expect as a health care aide
Applicants should assess their ability to fulfill the demands of the health care aide occupation.
As a health care aide, you must be able to:
- work day, evening, and night shifts any day of the week
- be on your feet for extended periods of time
- bend, squat and lift up to 40 pounds to move clients who have minimal body strength
- function effectively in stressful situations
- perform all skills independently