To promote professional development for HCAs and to assist in finding continued learning opportunities that support them in the HCA role, we are providing the following list of programs and courses.
Important: The courses listed here are for individuals who already possess an HCA education or equivalent. For information on BC Health Care Assistant education programs, please click here to view recognized programs.
The continuing education courses list provided here is not exhaustive and focuses on learning opportunities offered by non-profit and publicly funded organizations. Private training institutions may offer relevant courses as well; these can be searched on a centralized directory.
To access a course, click on the course title. These links have been generated by other organizations and the Registry does not control or guarantee the information provided. Courses are not listed in an order that is intended to reflect their importance.
LearningHub Courses for Health Care Assistants
This list of courses has been selected to promote the learning and development of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in BC. The LearningHub is for use by those providing health care in the Province of BC. The listed courses are free and online. This list includes the Health Care Assistant Practice in British Columbia, a self-paced course develops an awareness of HCA parameters of practice in BC and the different types of health care settings where HCAs work. It covers the importance of working collaboratively in the health care team and highlights key concepts such as person-centered care as well as legal, ethical and professional approaches to practice.
Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Courses
This list of courses has been selected to promote the learning and development of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in BC. Health care assistants are encouraged to take these courses to increase their awareness and learn about how to provide culturally safe care to Indigenous people.
Recognized as a provincial standard, the San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training is a unique, online training program designed to enhance self-awareness and strengthen the skills of those who work both directly and indirectly with Indigenous people. Core Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Health Training focuses on health care issues for professionals working with Indigenous people in British Columbia. The Core ICS Health is specific to those who work in the health care field and the goal is to improve access to health services and health outcomes for Indigenous people.
Health Professional Development Programs and Courses
Douglas College Continuing Education offers a variety of personal and professional development courses in a range of subject areas. Offerings include: Planning, Time Management and Organization for HCAs, Reporting and Recording, Dementia Care, End of Life Doula and Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum.
UVIC Continuing Studies offers a range of programs and courses for those in health and helping professions, including health care assistants. Offerings include: Falls Prevention Training / Strategies and Actions for Independent Living (SAIL), Continence Care Skills and Supporting Others and Caring for Self.
VIU offers a variety of certificate programs and courses that advance the specialized skills and career options for health care assistants. Offerings include: Activity Assistant, Community Mental Health Worker, Counselling Skills, Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses.
Interprofessional Education
This free, online module helps internationally educated health care professionals develop competencies that support effective interprofessional collaborative practice.
TBC on the Run is an open access online module series designed to promote collaborative models of practice and support the development of team-based competencies.
Gerontological Education
This national, not-for-profit agency is committed to enhancing the care of older adults through evidence-informed dementia-care education. Training options include the GPA eLearning Program and the Geriatric Certificate Program, which is offered in collaboration with multiple educational partners, including the Division of Geriatric Medicine at McMaster University.
Mental Health Education
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aid training options include MHFA Standard and MHFA Older Adults.
Palliative Care Education
This online education program is designed for Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Health Care Assistants (HCAs) and Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) to develop skills and knowledge and become more comfortable in caring for people with life-limiting illnesses. Participants will become more comfortable and confident when providing palliative care and supporting families. The program consists of ten, self-paced, online courses. Each course is 1.5 to 2 hours. Participants who complete the ten course program will receive a National Palliative Care Education Certificate.
Other Career Advancement and Training Supports for HCAs
SafeCare BC provides professional development for continuing care workers in BC and connects continuing care workers to other professional development opportunities. SafeCareBC organizes the annual Hearts and Hands Conference for health care assistants and also offers workshops, e-learning and webinars on topics including Gentle Persuasive Approaches, Care and connection on the dementia journey, Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum and Safe Handling.
This four course, part-time, online program is designed primarily for staff who aspire to move into leadership positions within the rapidly expanding long-term care industry, but is also open to individuals with experience in other industries. The program will provide an overview of the key concepts necessary for successful leadership in long-term care. For program description, click here.
This unique online program provides specialized professional training for individuals who have previous education and training in health care (LPNs, RNs, health care assistants (HCAs) and home care aides) or community support (education assistant/community support graduates). Program participants learn to plan and implement supervised activities for older adults with cognitive and physical impairments, gain hands-on experience and make employer connections with supervised practicum experience.
Access programs prepare health care assistants to become licensed practical nurses. The BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) provides a listing of Access programs here. For more information about a specific program and their requirements, please contact the educational institution directly.
An Access to Practical Nursing (APN) Education Incentive Bursary is available for students enrolled in a recognized APN program at a BC-based public institution. For more information, click here.