Health Care Aide - Government of Alberta

General Admission Requirements: All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admissions section of the calendar.

Academic Requirements: Applicants to this program do not require a high school diploma; however, they must satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
• A minimum grade of 60 percent in Grade 11 English (equivalent to Alberta's English 20-2) OR equivalency determined by Accuplacer.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) through one of the following acceptable methods:
• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in each of speaking, listening, reading and writing (not an average of 7)
• Studies in English at an approved Canadian high school (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) with at least 3 consecutive years of full-time academic study
• A recognized Post-Secondary diploma program in Canada (involved in at least 2 full year of full-time, consecutive academic study in English)
• 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 below 6).

Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements: This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.

Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.

Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge College preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.

In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge College and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge College's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.

WIL sites will include Lethbridge and may include surrounding rural communities. WILs may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.

Note: Applicants who lack the required academic admission requirements can apply to the Academic Upgrading program to upgrade for your program.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Students seeking Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) should contact the Program Chair immediately upon accepted admission to the program to allow sufficient time for assessment.