Earn your Health Care Aide certificate at Medicine Hat College
As age and illness advance, many people need support from caring individuals who have the compassion and training to provide basic health services. Our Health Care Aide program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to function as a front-line caregiver in just eight months.
Medicine Hat College offers the Government of Alberta HCA Curriculum (2019). Individuals with related work experience as a Health Care Aide may be evaluated through Prior Learning Assessment. You must provide information from your employer(s) to confirm your learning and you will also be required to complete a written and skills evaluation.
With flexible delivery options and strong employment opportunities, get ready to launch a rewarding career in health care.
Beginning February 2, 2026, Health Care Aides in Alberta will become a fully regulated health profession. Learn more about what these changes mean for MHC students here.
Program Delivery Options:
The Health Care Aide Certificate program is offered as a full-time program of 32 weeks duration in both Fall and Winter intakes.
- Fall intake: In this instructional format, students will attend all lectures and labs in-person at Medicine Hat Campus. Clinical placements will be in Medicine Hat.
- Winter intake: In this instructional format, the students will receive all lectures synchronously online. Students will have the opportunity to obtain class content from recorded lectures. Lab training will be in-person at Medicine Hat Campus. Clinical placements will be in Medicine Hat.
The Health Care Aide (HCA) program offers dual credit options for eligible high school students, allowing them to begin post-secondary coursework while completing high school. Students complete HCA courses through a blended delivery model, combining asynchronous online theory with required on campus lab experiences. This pathway supports early career exploration in health care while earning both high school and college credit toward the Government of Alberta–approved HCA credential.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the HCA dual credit program?
- The HCA dual credit program allows eligible high school students to complete the first 4 courses in the Health Care Aide program while still in high school, earning both high school and post-secondary credit.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Students may begin the HCA dual credit pathway as early as Grade 10, provided they meet English Language Arts requirements and continue to meet academic standards throughout the program.
How is the program delivered?
- Courses are delivered through a blended model, with asynchronous online theory and mandatory lab experiences. Some labs are completed virtually, while labs for course 4 (HCAP143) are held on campus.
What courses do dual credit students complete?
- Dual credit students complete the first four HCA courses, focusing on foundational knowledge, communication, and person-centred care.
Do students need to attend campus?
- Yes. While theory is completed online, on campus attendance is required for hands on lab experiences in course 4 to demonstrate practical skills.
What happens after high school graduation?
- After graduating, students apply as post-secondary learners to complete the final courses and clinical placements, allowing them to finish the full HCA certificate and move toward registration and employment.
You will be required to submit official transcripts showing credit in:
1. Academic English Language Arts (ELA):
- English 20-1 or 20-2 with a minimum score of 60% achieved or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent; or
- English 30-1 or 30-2 with a minimum of 55% or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent
- Deemed equivalent by completion of Next-Generation ACCUPLACER (assessment placement test) reading and writing tests, with a minimum score of 237 in each category. The math test is not required.
- General Education Development-test (GED); or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).
2. English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Candidates where English is a Second Language (ESL) must meet the English Language Proficiency requirement in addition to the Academic English requirement. Equivalencies are as follows:
- By presenting a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development-test (GED), or
- By attending high school in Canada. Studies must have been in English at an approved Canadian high school (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) with at least three consecutive years of full-time academic study; or
- Providing evidence of attending two consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English in a subject other than a HCA program at a Canadian institution; or
- By completing an Approved ELP Test with the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB): A minimum CLB of 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and not an average of 7.
- Official test results must be submitted directly to the PSI.
PSIs will accept submissions from any one of the following approved ELP tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 6 (no section score below 5.5);
- Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Testing (TOEFL iBT): 71;
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General: 7 (with no section score below 6);
- Canadian Language Benchmarks/Milestones Test (7 in each strand, not an average of 7);
- Duolingo English Test*
- Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN): 7 in each area of listening, reading, writing and speaking, not an average of 7.
Notes:
- Test Currency: results must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program.
- Test Validity: IELTS (Academic) and TOEFL results are valid for two years from the day of testing. Results that expire prior to the Start Date of the program will not be accepted.
3. Digital literacy
Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program. Candidates must:
- Be able to communicate, research and understand information
- Know how to use computer to surf web, email
- Be able to critically evaluate and understand how technology can affect one’s behavior
- Be able to create, produce content and effectively communicate using email, media, internet
Semester 1 (16 weeks)
- HCAP 140 - Health Care Aide Role & Responsibility
- HCAP 141 - The Human Body, Health & Chronic Illness
- HCAP 142 - Communication & Documentation in the Health Care Environment
- HCAP 143 - Providing Person-Centered Care & Comfort
- HCAP 144 - Clinical Placement I
Semester 2 (16 weeks)
- HCAP 145 - Meeting Complex Care Needs
- HCAP 146 - Special Activities for Clients with Various Health Conditions
- HCAP 147 - Clinical Experience II (Instructor-Led)
- HCAP 148 - Consolidated Clinical Placement
You must submit the following documentation prior to the first day of classes:
- CPR (Renewal required on a yearly basis)
- Emergency Contact and Health Form
- Police Information Check (including vulnerable sectors check)
- Immunization records (deficiencies must be addressed or in the process of being addressed prior to clinical/practicum placement)
- N95 Mask Fit Testing
Visit the Yuill School of Health & Community Services Pre-Program Required Documents page for more information.
Graduates of the program will find employment opportunities with:
- Continuing care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Community agencies - both private and government
- Private individuals
Meet the Faculty
Certificate
Duration:8 months
Intake:Fall/Winter
School:Yuill School of Health & Community Services
Campus:Medicine Hat
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Pre-Program Document Requirements
Immunization Information
Health Care Aide Bursary Click here to learn about the Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary program.
