The goals of the program recognition process are to ensure that programs are:
The Registry’s mandate of patient protection and standardized training for care aides and community health workers is part of a wider provincial commitment to improving the quality of seniors care, preventing elder abuse and, ultimately, to achieving the best possible health and safety for all British Columbians.
Students must be able to communicate effectively in English in order to be successful in their studies (particularly within practice education program components) and to be capable of providing safe and competent care to patients/clients/residents in the work environment. Teamwork and communication failures are a primary cause of patient safety incidents in health care; the ability to communicate effectively is one of the fundamental safety competencies identified by the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI).
All BC HCA program applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Please review the Minimum Program Entry Requirements for additional information.
Educators will submit an Online Annual Training Profile to the Registry every year (due by April 15). This will allow for any minor (non-substantive) updates to be made on an annual basis. Educators must also notify and receive acknowledgement from the Registry before making any substantive program changes (a change of more than 15% or a change in method of delivery). The review of program changes may take up to four weeks and programs should plan the implementation of changes accordingly.
As a first step, educators seeking to develop and offer a new HCA program will file a Notice of Intent (NOI) – New Program Recognition with the Registry and will then follow the appropriate next steps to be included on Recognized BC Health Care Assistant Programs list. Details on applying for new HCA Program Recognition can be found in the HCA Program Recognition Guide (2024) and a copy of the Notice of Intent (NOI) – New Program Recognition and Form A: New Program Recognition Submission can be found here.
