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.
At a time when HCAs are providing up to 80% of the direct care to older Canadians living in long term care or in their homes, consistency in training and graduate outcomes are essential to the continuity and quality of care. Under the auspices of the Registry, HCA program recognition will ensure that all HCA programs in BC are following the provincial curriculum, implementing a common set of training standards and graduating competent front-line health care providers. 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.
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.
Important Note: The HCA Program Provincial Curriculum (2023) and HCA Program Recognition Guide (2023) have been released, and forms and templates have been updated. All new BC HCA program applications submitted to the Registry must be in alignment with the 2023 standard.
A copy of the HCA Program Recognition Guide (2018) and HCA Program Entry Requirements (2018) are included for reference but are subject to removal. The updated HCA Program Recognition Guide (2023) and updated HCA Program Entry Requirements (2023) will be in place for all HCA programs on / after September 1, 2024.
HCA Program Recognition Guide, 2nd Edition (2018) – For Reference Only
HCA Minimum Program Entry Requirements (2018) – For Reference Only
HCA Program Recognition Guide, 3rd Edition (2023)
HCA Minimum Program Entry Requirements (2023)
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 O: HCA Program Compliance Report
Form H: Health Care Assistant Partnership Pathway (HCA-PP) Delivery Submission
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
Educator Registration
Educational institutions offering health care assistant programs in BC must register before their program will be considered for recognition by the Registry.
Ensuring Public Safety
The Registry serves and protects vulnerable patients, residents, and clients receiving care from health care assistants employed by publicly funded facilites. Employers are required to report in writing to the Registry every suspension or termination of an employee for alleged abuse.
Employers
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.
Registrants
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.