Become a Licensed HCA
- 24-week Health Care Assistant program (Fast-Track) or 37 weeks (Part-Time)
- Earn $28-$30/hr in BC health authorities
- BC Care Registry Recognized – Full 5-year approval status for maximum employability
- Flexible scheduling: Morning, evening, and weekend classes available
- No waitlists – Multiple start dates throughout the year
- In-house financing available
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BC Care Registry Approved Program
As a Health Care Assistant (HCA), you will provide essential frontline care to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living homes, and community settings. You’ll work under the supervision of nurses and healthcare professionals to support patients’ physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Our Health Care Assistant program has been granted a full, five-year recognition status by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. Graduates are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry, opening doors to employment across all BC healthcare facilities including Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Northern Health.
Our Graduates Work In
Program Details
- Full Time: 775 Hours/26 weeks
- Part Time: 775 Hours/38 weeks
Evidence of both of the following must be provided prior to acceptance:
- Proof of Grade 12 completion (or equivalent) OR mature student status (19 years or more)
- Proof of meeting HCA Program Entry – English Language Competency Requirements. These language competency requirements are provided at www.cachwr.bc.ca website
- For applicants with three years of full-time instruction in English*: English 10 completion or equivalent
- For applicants with less than three years of full-time instruction in English*: Standardized English language proficiency test score:
* Defined as three (3) years of full-time secondary and/or post-secondary education at a recognized institution on the list of Approved English-Speaking Countries. Secondary education will be considered starting from grade 8. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses will not be considered. - For international students: A clear police certificate from country of origin must also be provided by the student as a program entry requirement.
English Language Competency Requirements:- Applicants who provide evidence of three years of full-time instruction in English must also provide proof of one of the following:
a) Completion of Grade 10 English (or higher). A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
b) Completion of college courses determined to be equivalent to Grade 10 English (or higher) by post-secondary institutions. A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
c) ACCUPLACER Next Generation Test Results: Reading 230, Writing 230 and Writeplacer 4 - Applicants who cannot provide evidence of three years of full-time instruction in English are required to provide proof of one of the following standardized proficiency tests from an authorized assessment agency.
a) Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) or CLBPT Remote. Test in the last year. Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6.
b) Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General or CELPIP Online). Test in the last two years. Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6.
c) International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic, IELTS General or IELTS Academic Online). Test in the last two years. Overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing.
d) Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL or CAEL Online). Test in the last two years. Overall Score of 60, with no section less than 50.
e) The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition). Test in the last two years. Overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing.
Notes:
In cases where applicants already hold Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for nurses (CELBAN) results. Test in the last 2 years. Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 6, Writing 6.
In addition to the tests and test scores listed above (#2), recognized BC HCA Programs also have the discretion to accept HCA program applicants with a CLB Report Card from a LINC Program indicating “Completing” CLB Speaking 7, Listening 7, Reading 7 and Writing 7 AND “Recommended Class Placement” as Speaking 8, Listening 8, Reading 8 and Writing.
- Applicants who provide evidence of three years of full-time instruction in English must also provide proof of one of the following:
- A health declaration completed by the applicant confirming they understand the role of the HCA and are prepared to learn and practice HCA skills and competencies. The declaration may also be used to identify any learning needs of the applicant (completed by the applicant prior to acceptance).
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
As an International Health Care Assistant (HCA) student at Western Community College, you are required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as part of Program entry requirements. A PCC is an official document issued by your country’s police authority, confirming your criminal record status or the absence of a criminal record.
Approved English-Speaking Countries
The following countries are considered as those with English language systems / institutions, where English is a primary and official language, and the language used for education.
| American Samoa | Ghana | Saint Lucia |
| Anguilla | Gibraltar | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Grenada | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Australia | Guam | Seychelles |
| Bahamas | Guyana | Sierra Leone |
| Barbados | Ireland | Singapore |
| Belize | Jamaica | South Africa |
| Bermuda | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Botswana | Lesotho | Trinidad and Tobago |
| British Virgin Islands | Liberia | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Canada | Malta | Uganda |
| Cayman Islands | Mauritius | United Kingdom |
| Dominica | Montserrat | United States |
| Falkland Islands | New Zealand | United States Virgin Islands |
| Fiji | Nigeria | Zambia |
| Gambia | Saint Helena | Zimbabwe |
- Hospital wards
- Residential long-term care facilities
- Extended care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Group homes
- Home support agencies
Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.
- BC Student Loan
- In-house Financing
- Student Line of Credit
- Scholarships
- Bursaries and Government grants available while studying and after graduation too.
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
- Earn up to $28.00* per hour as a Health Care Assistant
All wages taken from the Canada Job Bank
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Student Testimonials
Posted on Simarjot SinghTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing campus and staff, especially Sana mam. She always helps and guide if we need any help regarding anything. She always meet with a smily face. Excellent communication and customer service👌👌Posted on Anamika sharmaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience here. I went in and they gave me my student ID instantly. Sanah helped me personally, and she was very nice and supportive. Really appreciated the quick and friendly servicePosted on Sriya DTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sana ma’am is an extremely dedicated and professional front desk receptionist who truly represents the welcoming spirit of our campus. She is always polite, patient, and approachable, no matter how busy the day gets. Her ability to handle queries efficiently while maintaining a calm and positive attitude makes students feel comfortable and supported. Sana ma’am communicates clearly, guides students in the right direction, and ensures everything at the front desk runs smoothly. Her friendly nature, strong work ethic, and consistent professionalism leave a lasting positive impression on everyone who interacts with her. She is a valuable part of the campus and greatly contributes to a respectful and organised environment.Posted on KANWARPAL SINGHTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sana at the college front desk is truly exceptional. From the moment you walk in, she makes you feel welcomed, respected, and take care. She’s incredibly professional, patient, and knowledgeable, and she always goes out of her way to help—no matter how busy things get. Sana handles questions and issues with calm efficiency and a genuine positive attitude that makes a huge difference in the overall campus experience.Posted on sonia kalraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sana Ma’am at the front desk is very helpful, polite, and professional. She handles queries efficiently and always makes students feel welcome with her positive attitude.Posted on Pardeep SondhiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working at Western Community College for almost a year as an Administrative Assistant has been a truly rewarding experience. This role has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I have learned so much about teamwork, professionalism, and the true meaning of diversity and culture in an educational environment. Every day brings new learning opportunities, and I feel supported and valued by my colleagues and leadership. The new WCC campus, CC4, is absolutely amazing—modern, welcoming, and designed to support both staff and students in the best way possible. It is inspiring to work in such a positive and inclusive environment. I am proud to be part of Western Community College and truly grateful for the opportunity to grow and build my career here.
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