Become a
Health Care Assistant in BC
Complete your Health Care Aide (HCA) certificate in 26 weeks
Online theory, in-person labs in Kelowna and Kamloops.
Get your Health Care Aide certificate in just 6 months, including 8 weeks of clinical practicum
Study online + train in BC
13 weeks of online theory, 5 weeks of in-person labs in Kelowna or Kamloops
Earn $24–$30/hr after graduation
Work in BC health authorities, private care facilities, and home support agencies
No study permit needed for this short-term BC certificate program
Get Started
I understand that by submitting this form, I agree to receive periodic emails, phone calls and text messages (SMS) from Stenberg College. See our Privacy Policy
About the Career
As a Health Care Assistant in BC, you will provide front-line care to the elderly across a range of health care settings. You'll assist patients with personal care, mobility, daily living, and emotional support, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.
Our Health Care Assistant program has been granted a full, five-year recognition status by the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, the regulatory body that certifies all HCAs practicing in BC. Completing this program makes you eligible for immediate registration and employment across the province.
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.
Where You'll Work
BC health authorities are actively hiring Health Care Assistants. Graduates of Stenberg's HCA program are qualified to work in:
Hospitals and Community Agencies
Residential Care Facilities
Home Support Agencies
Adult Care Centres
Assisted Living Residences
The Program
Stenberg's Health Care Assistant program is a 26-week certificate course that prepares you to work as a care aide in BC health care settings. The curriculum follows the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry standards, so your home health aide certification is recognized by employers across the province.
You'll complete 13 weeks of online HCA theory, 5 weeks of hands-on labs, and 8 weeks of supervised practicum in a real care setting. By the time you graduate, you'll be job-ready and registered with the BC Care Aide Registry.
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
- 🏛️ Regulated & 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.
Stories from our grads