How to become a Health Care Assistant (HCA)? Alberta Health Services (AHS) gives you the opportunity

Due to the shortage of Health Assistants, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has launched a unique training program that provides those who wish to enter the healthcare industry with the opportunity to become a Certified Health Assistant (HCA).

Training Program Overview

This training program is designed for job seekers who are eager to obtain health assistant certification. The program allows you to complete the required certification courses at a post-secondary institution while serving as an HCA. The entire training process takes approximately 12 months, during which time you will receive full support, training, and guidance from a team of professional nurses to ensure that you have the necessary skills and are qualified for the position.

Why choose this opportunity?

● Double benefit:

This program offers the opportunity to work while you study. Not only will you gain financial support, but you'll also acquire valuable practical experience in real healthcare settings. This allows students to balance their education with income, all while gaining the hands-on experience necessary for a successful career in healthcare.

● Career Security:

After completing the program and obtaining certification, you’ll be ready to enter the healthcare workforce. Certified Health Assistants are in high demand, and once you’re certified, you’ll enjoy long-term career security. Whether you work in hospitals, elderly care facilities, or community health services, you’ll have a solid foundation for career growth and professional advancement.

● Support from the Nursing Team:

Throughout your training, you’ll be guided by experienced healthcare professionals who will help you develop the skills needed to succeed in your role as a Health Assistant. Their mentorship will ensure that you not only understand the theory but also gain practical skills that will be valuable in real-life healthcare settings.

What job opportunities can be obtained after completing the course?

● Hospitals and clinics

In hospital environments, health assistants are responsible for assisting the nursing team in providing daily care for patients, monitoring patients' health status, and providing emotional support to patients. Hospital jobs are usually more demanding, but they also offer HCAs a wider range of career advancement and skill development opportunities.

● Elderly Care Facilities

As the elderly population in Alberta increases, the demand for health assistants in elderly care facilities continues to rise. In these facilities, health assistants will focus on providing care to elderly patients, including helping them with daily activities, performing health checks, managing medications, etc.

● Community Health Services

Health assistants can also work in community health centers, providing home care services, health assessments, chronic disease management, etc. This type of work usually requires health assistants to have stronger communication and organizational skills because they will interact directly with patients and their families.

● Home Care

Home care is an ideal job option for those who prefer a flexible work schedule. Health assistants will provide direct care services to patients, including medication management, activity assistance, health monitoring, etc. Home care jobs usually offer more flexible work arrangements, but may also require a greater degree of independence and responsibility.

● Mental Health Care

Health assistants also play an important role in some organizations that focus on patients with mental health and mental disorders. They help patients with daily living activities and provide necessary emotional support. Health assistants working in this field usually need to have a background in psychology and good communication skills.

● Medical Administrative Support

Career options for health assistants can also expand into medical administrative support positions, including helping with administrative tasks such as medical record management, appointment scheduling, and patient information processing. This route is suitable for those interested in healthcare business and administration.

Case Study: Sarah’s Journey to Becoming a Certified Health Assistant

Sarah, a mother of two, wanted to transition into a stable and rewarding career after working in retail for many years. She had always been interested in healthcare but didn’t know where to start. When she learned about the Health Assistant Certification Program offered by AHS, she was immediately interested.

After applying and being accepted, she spent the next 12 months working part-time as an HCA while completing certification courses at a local post-secondary institution. The hands-on experience she gained during her studies was invaluable, and she found herself becoming more confident in her ability to provide quality care to her patients.

Upon completing her training and obtaining her certification, Sarah was offered a full-time position at a local hospital. Her journey from retail to healthcare not only provided her with a stable job but also gave her a sense of purpose as she now works every day to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. Sarah is grateful for the support she received from the AHS program, which made her career transition seamless and financially possible.

How to apply for medical assistant courses?

Understand the course requirements: Before applying, you first need to understand the basic requirements of the course. Applicants usually need to be at least 18 years old.

Prepare application materials: Provide a valid ID and may also need to provide a medical report to prove that you are suitable for nursing work.

Submit online application: Applicants need to create an account on the AHS website, fill out the application form, and upload all relevant materials

Conclusion

This training opportunity offered by Alberta Health Services is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to advance in the healthcare industry and become a certified healthcare assistant (HCA). If you want to join the dynamic and rewarding healthcare assistant industry, this opportunity is not to be missed.