health care aide
OCCUPATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- What are the requirements for internationally educated Health Care Aides?
- What are the educational requirements for Health Care Aides in Alberta?
- What training programs or services are available for internationally educated healthcare professionals?
- What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?
- What information resources are available for Health Care Aides in Alberta?
What are the requirements for internationally educated Health Care Aides?
There is no licensing authority to regulate the profession of Health Care Aide in Alberta. Employers generally prefer applicants who have related training or experience and can satisfy security clearance requirements.
What are the educational requirements for Health Care Aides in Alberta?
Alberta Health and Wellness has developed a standard curriculum for Health Care Aide training that is offered by post-secondary education institutions throughout the province:
- ABES (Alberta Business and Educational Services) in Calgary
- Academy of Learning in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Red Deer
- Bow Valley College in Calgary
- Bredin Institute-Centre for Learning in Edmonton
- Career Designs Inc. in Calgary
- Columbia College in Calgary
- Keyano College in Fort McMurray
- Lethbridge College
- Medicine Hat College
- Nightingale Academy of Health Services Inc. in Edmonton
- NorQuest College in Edmonton
- Northern Lakes College in the Slave Lake region
- Pare Labrecque Training Centre in Sylvan Lake
- Portage College in Lac La Biche
- Red Deer College
- Robertson College in Calgary
- Sprott-Shaw Community College in Calgary and Edmonton
- The Excel Academy in Edmonton
- Training Inc. in Lethbridge
Additional Occupational Information
For more information on occupational duties and wages, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service at www.alis.gov.ab.ca and search for Health Care Aide under Occupational Information.
What training programs or services are available for internationally educated health care professionals?
Training Program
Centre for Newcomers: Health Care Aide Training
http://www.centrefornewcomers.ca/healthcare.shtml
This program consists of 16 weeks of academic upgrading, 13 weeks of Health Care Aide training at Bow Valley College and a 5 week practicum in a healthcare facility. Applicants are encouraged to be aware of: registration criteria, fees, registration deadlines, and the number of student seats and frequency of program. Other costs may include preparation materials, travel etc.
Bridging Program
Health Care Aide to Practical Nurse Diploma Bridge Program Online-Blend - Part-Time
http://www.bowvalleycollege.ca/
The Bow Valley College Health Care Aide to Practical Nurse Bridge Program is for certified Health Care Aide’s who want to obtain a Practical Nurse Diploma. The bridging program is offered part-time basis. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions held at Bow Valley College. For times and dates call 1-403-410-1400.
What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?
Educational institutions generally provide English language programs. However, most educational institutions accept the following English tests: TOEFL, IELTS, and CLB. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.
What information resources are available for Health Care Aides in Alberta?
Choose to Care
website: http://www.choose2care.ca/
Alberta Home Care and Support Association
website: www.homecaresupport.com
Alberta Caregivers Association
website: www.albertacaregiversassociation.org
Alberta Continuing Care Association
website: www.longtermcare.ab.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA)
website: www.hsaa.ca
Last Updated: July 2009

