To view the recognized BC HCA programs list, click here.
THE EDUCATOR'S ROLE WITHIN THE REGISTRY
The Registry works with educational institutions delivering HCA training programs in BC to ensure that they are:
- following the BC HCA Program Provincial Curriculum;
- meeting the minimum prescribed quality standards for program delivery; and
- graduating competent HCAs who qualify for registration on the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
INFORMATION FOR EDUCATORS
Inclusion on the “Recognized BC HCA Programs” list confirms program graduates are eligible for registration. The documents listed below provide key information and support educators in ensuring their programs meet provincial standards for HCA education in BC and are compliant with recognition requirements.
It is expected that BC HCA programs will deliver education that aligns with the The HCA Program Provincial Curriculum (2023). HCA educators are also strongly encouraged to use the resources in the HCA Program Supplement to the Provincial Curriculum (2023).
Important Note:
Updated versions of the HCA Program Recognition Guide and Minimum HCA Program Entry Requirements were released on July 8, 2026. Forms have also been updated. HCA Program Submissions after this date must be submitted using the new forms. Related inquiries can be directed to education@cachwr.bc.ca.
Before preparing a submission, new BC educators interesting in offering an HCA education program must contact the Registry at education@cachwr.bc.ca.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL DOCUMENTS
HCA Program Recognition Guide, Revised 3rd Edition (2024)
HCA Minimum Program Entry Requirements (2024)
Updated TOEFL iBT Score Requirements
Notice of Intent (NOI) – New Program Recognition
Form A: New Program Recognition Submission
Notice of Intent (NOI) – Recognized Programs
Form B: New Location Submission (Recognized Program)
Form C1: HCA ESL Program Variation Information
Form C2: HCA Combined Delivery Submission
Form D: Change of Ownership Form
Form O: HCA Program Compliance Report
Template 1: HCA Program Instructor Information
Template 2: HCA Program Staff Information
Template 3: HCA Program Delivery Schedule
Template 4: HCA Practice Education Partner Sites List
Template 5: HCA Program Partner List
Template 6: Multiple Site Reporting
HCA Program Minimum Laboratory Equipment Checklist (2024)
HCA Program Minimum Instructor Qualifications (2024)
HCA Program Prerequisites for Practice Education (2024)
HCA Practice Education Requirements (2024)
BC HCA Practice Education Policy Requirement for Medication Assistance and Administration
Educator Registration
Educational institutions offering health care assistant programs in BC must register before their program will be considered for recognition by the Registry.
OTHER RESOURCES
The Registry serves and protects vulnerable patients, residents, and clients receiving care from health care assistants employed by publicly funded facilities. Employers are required to report in writing to the Registry every suspension or termination of an employee for alleged abuse.
It is a contractual responsibility for publicly funded employers to ensure that all HCAs they are hiring are registered and to report alleged abuse to the Registry.
To be eligible to work as a health care assistant (HCA) in any public health care setting in BC, applicants must be registered. Currently, private health care providers may hire HCAs who are not registered, but this may change at any time.