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Health Care Aide

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Health Care Aide

Program requirements for * January 2026

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

Note: Academic admission requirements are different from English language proficiency requirements. NorQuest College English for Academic Purposes courses may be used to meet academic requirements. See below for details.

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

If English is your second language, you must provide proof of English language proficiency before admission. These results must be no more than two years old when you start your program.

Test scores we accept:

  • IELTS Academic: 6; no section score below 5.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 71
  • Duolingo: 95
  • CLBA or CLBPA: no section score below 7
  • CELPIP General: 7 - No section score less than 6
  • CELBAN: No score below: 7 listening, 7 speaking, 7 reading, 7 writing (not an average of 7)

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

Digital Literacy requirements Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program. Candidates must:
  • Be able to communicate, research and understand information
  • Know how to use computer to surf web, email
  • Be able to critically evaluate and understand how technology can affect one's behaviour
  • Be able to create, produce content and effectively communication using email, media, Internet
Health Care Aide Workplace Education requirements
  • all program admission requirements listed
  • must be employed currently as a front-line caregiver with similar HCA responsibilities in a participating agency to be considered
  • meet the academic requirements for the program listed above.
  • must complete additional workplace Tutor Employment Confirmation Form for consideration for admission into the HCA Workplace program
Transfer Credits

Up to 50 percent of course credits or hours can be transferred from one Alberta licensed HCA Program to another Alberta licensed HCA Program. See Transfer Credits for more information.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

You may be eligible to receive Prior learning assessment and recognition for some courses in the program if you have relevant work experience similar to a health care aide or caregiver and wish to meet provincial health care aide certification requirements. Prior learning assessment and recognition, or PLAR, is a way to get credits for your existing knowledge and skills. Testing includes portfolio assessment, examination or skills/lab assessment.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the HCA PLAR, you need to provide proof of the following:

  • Previous employment, including a job description, totaling 600+ hours within the past three years as an HCA or personal care provider.
  • English Language Proficiency requirement (see HCA program admission requirements)

Email HCAAcademicAdvisor@norquest.ca for more information about your eligibility for PLAR into HCA program prior to applying to the HCA program. A PLAR guide and self-assessment will be provided with more information. We recommend starting the PLAR process 6 weeks before your intended program start date.

Visit Prior learning assessment and recognition for more information about the general PLAR process.

Practicum/work experience requirements

Before you attend your first practicum, you will need:

  • to successfully complete all prerequisite courses.
  • the following courses. Certificates will be awarded upon completion:
    • WHMIS: XBUS 1017 (current within three years)
    • BLS (CPR): XHLT 1200. For the duration of your practicum, you must hold BLS for Health Care Provider’s certification that has been completed within the last 12 months
    • HBPE: XHLT 1023 (current within three years)
  • a clear Police Information Check. A Vulnerable Sector Check is also needed if you are over 18 years of age.
  • an up-to-date immunization record.*
  • to complete the AHS or Covenant Health information & privacy online learning module.
  • to complete the HSPNet consent form.
  • N95 mask fit testing arranged by the program (current within two years).

* Immunization requirements:

  • For full-time, all other part-time, and online delivery students, up-to-date immunizations must be completed and a record submitted two weeks before the first clinical practice.
  • For regional delivery students, up-to-date immunizations must be completed and a record submitted two weeks before entry into the program.

There may be costs associated with completing these requirements. See Completing work, practicum, and clinical requirements for details and further instructions.

International students: You must get a co-op work permit before beginning the work-integrated learning component of the program. A medical exam may also be needed. See Co-op work permit for more information.

Fund your education with the Alberta Health Care Aide bursary

Apply now »

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. A Provincial Comprehensive Exam must be completed within 60 days of the successful completion of HLTH 2551 to be eligible for graduation.

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.

Honours criteria

  • Overall grade point average (GPA) greater than or equal to 3.7
  • The student must not have failed or repeated any courses

Have a question about the Health Care Aide program?

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