Stenberg College
Become a Health Care Assistant

Become a Health Care Assistant

26-Week Program

Certificate program, including 2 months of practicum

Combined Delivery

Online theory, in-person labs, and local practicums in Surrey, Kelowna, or Kamloops

Wages

Up to $24-$30/hour in private facilities and $29.83/hour in BC health authorities

100% Employment Rate

All grads employed within 6 months of program completion

No Study Permit Required

Short-term program for Work Permit & Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders

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About the Career

As a Health Care Assistant (HCA), you will provide support to the elderly and help them maintain a level of independence, while easing their pain and improving their quality of life.

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.

For some, this will be a career for life. Others may decide to further their careers and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) through our LPN diploma program.

100% Employment Rate

100% of Stenberg's Health Care Assistant graduates are employed within 6 months of program completion.

Where You'll Work

Graduates of our Health Care Assistant Program are highly qualified to work in:

Hospitals and Community Agencies

Residential Care Facilities

Home Support Agencies

Adult Care Centres

Assisted Living Residences

The Program

Our Health Care Assistant program has been granted a full, five-year recognition status by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. This comprehensive 6-month program prepares you to provide compassionate care to older adults in various healthcare settings.

With flexible delivery options and a curriculum designed by experienced healthcare professionals, you'll be ready to start your rewarding career helping others maintain their quality of life.

Key Program Info

  • ⏱️ Duration: 26 weeks, including 8 weeks of practicum
  • 💻 Delivery: Combined delivery (online theory with in-person labs and clinicals)
  • 📍 Local practicums: Surrey, Kelowna, and Kamloops
  • 📅 Starts: January, May, June, and September
  • 📜 Credential: Certificate
  • 💰 Wages: Up to $24-$30/hour in private facilities and $29.83/hour in BC health authorities
  • 🏛️ Recognized By: BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry

Accreditation and Recognition

Stenberg College is designated by the BC government's Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). This program is approved by the PTIRU of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. PTIRU is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC's brand or "seal" of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions.

BC Education Quality Assurance designation PTIRU designated institution

Stories from our grads

  • I was thinking, 'Oh my God, after so many years out of the classroom, how am I going to cope with full-time education?' My family and instructors were so supportive. It gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.
    Paulett H.
    Health Care Assistant Graduate
  • My instructor inspired me. She was always there for us and always listened. She encouraged everyone. I never had an instructor like her in my life. She made all the difference in my education.
    Madhu D.
    Health Care Assistant Graduate
  • If I can do it then anybody can do it – why wouldn't you want to change your life for the better? The HCA program opened so many doors for me and gave me a rewarding career.
    Tamara S.
    Health Care Assistant Graduate
  • Stenberg has helped me to improve as a person and has given me confidence. One thing that I appreciate the most about Stenberg is how caring and supportive everyone is.
    Hannah C.
    Health Care Assistant Graduate
  • Stenberg set me up with one of their life coaches who mentored me, guided me, and gave me that sense of hope and purpose. My life has completely changed for the better.
    Sheetal D.
    Health Care Assistant Graduate
Stenberg College