Health Care Aide (HCA) certificate program graduate Diana Deny says NorQuest College provided the education she needed to launch her career.
"My time at NorQuest was a great experience," Deny says, adding that she also completed her academic upgrading at the College. "The instructors were very professional and organized. I found everything was explained in an easy-to-understand manner. I did great on my final exams because our class was so well prepared."
After graduating, Deny says she was also ready to start working in her field. Today, she is an HCA at CapitalCare’s Dickinsfield location in Edmonton where she provides frontline continuing care.
HCAs provide personal assistance and daily living support services for elderly, disabled, acute or chronically ill people, such as bathing, grooming, dressing and other personal hygiene activities, as well as feeding, mobility and exercise.
NorQuest College's HCA program is among the largest in Canada. The 21-week program ensures graduates are ready to meet client needs in continuing care institutions, home care agencies, group homes, assisted or supportive living, day programs, specialized care centres and programs, acute care hospitals, and private care.
Program Chair Sharleen Ravnsborg says demand for HCAs across the province is strong.
"Alberta is already critically short of certified Health Care Aides which means there’s a high probability of students finding employment as soon as they graduate," Ravnsborg says.
Deny says this past year in Canada been her best yet since emigrating from Lebanon 10 years ago. Looking ahead, she’s excited about providing even better care once she graduates from NorQuest College’s Practical Nurse diploma program.
"I start this September," Deny says with a smile. "I recommend NorQuest College to anyone who asks me about my work and education."
My time at NorQuest was a great experience. The instructors were very professional and organized. I found everything was explained in an easy-to-understand manner. I did great on my final exams because our class was so well prepared.