Health Care Support Worker Program
Please Note: Starting September 2010, the Health Care Support Worker Program will include the new Provincial Health Care Assistant Program. Please attend an information session for complete information.
The Health Care Support Worker Program (HCSW) is an innovative certificate program that is a combination of two programs: the Health Care Assistant (HCA) program and the Community Mental Health Worker (CMHW) program. The HCSW program provides students with the knowledge, skills and values to practice as front line care providers in a variety of health care settings. Students learn to provide assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, personal grooming, eating), setting goals and developing life skills. Graduates are prepared for employment in a wide variety of health care settings such as assisted living, home support agencies, community care facilities and community mental health.
Within the Health Care Support Worker program, students have several options:
- Health Care Support Worker certificate (3 semesters) - combining the HCA and CMHW programs OR
- Health Care Assistant certificate (2 semesters) OR
- Community Mental Health Worker citation (1 semester) OR
- Access to HCSW Certificate for students holding a HCA certificate or HSRCA or CMHW citation from a publicly funded BC college (1 or 2 semesters depending upon previous credential)
Curriculum
The curriculum is based on the concept of caring and promotion of quality of life, and adheres to the standards expected in the health care community.
The Health Care Assistant curriculum follows the updated (2008) provincial curriculum for Health Care Assistants. The Douglas College HCA program provides all content and full program hours suggested in the provincial curriculum. As well, content and practicum hours are provided in both Home Support and Assisted Living.
The Community Mental Health Worker curriculum follows best practices for CMHWs with a focus on psychosocial rehabilitation.
Health Care Support Worker Graduate Profile
- The ability to apply the knowledge acquired in the Health Care Support Worker program in a variety of practice settings and to appreciate the role of life long learning in their practice.
- The ability to communicate effectively and in a caring and respectful manner.
- The ability to practice ethically and to demonstrate responsible and accountable behaviour.
- The ability to think critically and creatively to meet the varying needs of clients.
- The ability to work effectively as a team member.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.
Career/Further Educational Opportunities
Demands are changing in the delivery of residential and community health care services. The shift in focus from residential care to assisted living has created a shift in the skills needed by workers. As well, the increase in supportive housing for mental health clients has expanded demand for workers knowledgeable in mental health, addictions and recovery.
Graduates of the Health Care Support Worker Program are qualified to work in a variety of health care areas, such as adult day health centres, assisted living facilities, complex care facilities, dementia care units, home health care agencies, and a variety of mental health settings such as mental health teams, clubhouses, day treatment centres, and group homes.
Graduates often find this program a first step in pursuing further education in Licensed Practical Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing.
Location
David Lam Campus, Coquitlam
Intake Dates /Application Deadlines
***Application deadlines may be extended.
The Health Care Assistant Certificate Program is offered twice per year from September to April and January to July.
The application deadline for the September intake is May 1.
The application deadline for the January intake is October 30.
The Health Care Support Worker Certificate Program is offered once per year from September to late June/early July.
The application deadline for the HCSW Certificate Program is May 1.
The Community Mental Health Worker Citation Program is offered once per year from mid-March to late June/early July.
The application deadline for the Community Mental Health Worker Citation Program is November 30.
Access to HCSW Certificate for applicants holding a HSRCA or CMHW citation:
Program start date and application deadline are dependent upon which portion of the program is needed. Please attend an information session for further information.
EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.
Other Program Information
The HCSW offers free information sessions. For more details about dates, times and location, please check the Information Sessions.
The Health Care Support Worker program provides students with many flexible options. Students are expected to declare the program they intend to complete.
Transfer Credit
Equivalent transfer credit will be evaluated and considered for completed course work in the Health Care Assistant or Community Mental Health Worker programs of other publicly funded British Columbia colleges.
Please note that transfer credit from other educational institutions, including courses from other HCA/CMHW programs, is not automatically granted.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the General Douglas College Admission Requirements, specific requirements for all HCSW program options are:
FoodSafe Level 1
- Required for HCSW (required for the Winter 2011 intake for the HCSW) and HCA (required for the Fall 2010 intake of the HCA) program admission
Academic Requirements:
- English 11 with a minimum grade of “C” or Douglas College acceptable exemptions*.
- All requests for transfer credits or course exemptions must be submitted with the application.
*Acceptable exemptions: EN 12 "P", EN LIT 12 "P", TPC 12 "P", COMM 12 "C".
Health Requirements:
- Complete an Informed Medical Suitability Declaration (to be completed on Douglas College Form).
Upon Offer:
- Submit proof of negative TB skin test or chest X-ray, taken no more than three months before the date of application.
- Submit a current record of immunization for Hepatitis B.
*Updated immunization for measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, diphtheria and rubella are strongly recommended.
Criminal Record Search:
- Submit a Criminal Record Search (within the last six months of the start date of the program).
Other:
We strongly recommend you attend an information session.
A personal interview with the Program Coordinator may be requested.
Further Admission Requirements for Access to HCSW Applicants – see individual program options below.
Program Requirements:
These requirements apply to all program options. See individual program options for additional program requirements.
- Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certificate is required prior to first clinical placement.
- Non-Violence Crisis Intervention (NVCI) is required prior to first clinical placement.
- WHMIS certification required prior to first clinical placement (may be done after program start at no cost through the college).
NOTE: The NVCI course may be arranged through the HCSW program during program orientation. Each student is responsible for any cost incurred for these courses.
ACCESS to the Health Care Support Worker Certificate Program for Community Mental Health Worker Graduates
Additional admission requirements
In addition to the admission requirements for all HCSW program options, these admission requirements apply to Community Mental Health Worker program graduates who wish to access the Health Care Assistant component of the HCSW program and to receive credit for previous education and work experience.
Practice Requirements- Graduation from Douglas College or a public, post-secondary Community Mental Health Worker Program. (Note: the Introduction to Community Mental Health Certificate program offered through Douglas College Continuing Education is not equivalent to the Community Mental Health Worker citation).
AND - Current practice experience, such as working with persons with mental illness in a residential or community based facility for a minimum of 1,120 hours within four years of date of application. Submission of a letter from an agency/institution supporting this claim is required.
OR
Graduation from a recognized public, post-secondary Community Mental Health Worker program within one year prior to the date of application.
Access to Health Care Support Worker Certificate Program for Health Care Assistant Graduates
Additional admission requirements
In addition to the admission requirements for all HCSW program options, these admission requirements apply to Health Care Assistants who wish to access the Community Mental Health component of the Program and to receive credit for previous HCA education and work experience.
Practice Requirements
- Graduation from a Douglas College or a public, post-secondary combined Home Support/Resident Care Attendant or Health Care Assistant program.
AND - Current practice experience, such as employment in home support and/or residential care for a minimum of 1,120 hours within four years of date of application. Submission of a letter from an agency/institution supporting this claim is required.
OR
Graduation from a recognized public post-secondary Health Care Assistant or Home Support/Resident Care Attendant program within one year prior to the date of application.
Additional Program Requirements:
In addition to the Program Requirements for all HCSW program options, these program requirements apply to Health Care Assistant or Home Support/Resident Care Attendants who wish to access the Community Mental Health component of the Program: Applicants must complete the Community Mental Health Worker Bridge-in course titled Concepts in Community Mental Health I with a minimum grade of 65 percent. Students who have successfully completed the Bridge-in course will be eligible to enrol in the Community Mental Health certificate citation.
ACCESS to Community Mental Health Worker Citation
Additional Program Requirements:
In addition to the Program Requirements for all HCSW program options, these program requirements apply to students who wish to complete the Community Mental Health citation and who do not have a HCA certificate or HSRCA citation. Applicants must complete the Community Mental Health Worker Bridge-in course titled Concepts in Community Mental Health I with a minimum grade of 65 percent. Students who have successfully completed the Bridge-in course will be eligible to enrol in the Community Mental Health certificate citation.
Preferential Admission Criteria
Admission to the Health Care Support Worker Program is dependent upon:
- Completion of all admission criteria
- Applicant ranking according to the established preferential admission criteria listed below.
Seats will be offered in descending order of ranking.
1. Education
Applicants who have successfully completed previous credentials from a recognized and accredited institution will receive the following scores:
Post Secondary Education credentials 2 points
Successful completion of any of following Douglas College courses: EASL 0460, 0464, English 1124, DVST 0455
OR
Completion of English 12 with a grade of B or higher 1 point
Maximum total of 2 points
2. Volunteer and/or Related Work Experience
Applicants who have volunteer or work experience in a relevant field within the past year will receive the following scores:
20 or more hours 2 points
Examples of approved work include:
- Supporting older persons who need assistance with activities of daily living such as mobility, feeding, and hygiene
OR - Working in the field of mental health such as victim assistance, suicide hotline, group care homes, club houses, etc. Supervisor or administrator of the volunteer or work experience must complete a form provided by Douglas College.
Total of all sections to a maximum of 4 points.
Other Information
Personal traits which help a student succeed in this program include:- Sensitivity to the needs of others
- Ability to problem-solve effectively in a limited time span
- Ability to manage time effectively and handle responsibility
- Ability to perform basic home management and cooking skills
- Ability to speak confidently with people of all ages
- Ability to develop self-awareness
- Ability to be self-directed in their own learning
- Ability to be flexible
Note: a driver’s license and access to a vehicle are strongly recommended, as clinical placements may not be near an applicant’s home address, or may require travel between sites.
Credentials
The students will have the following options:
- Health Care Support Worker Certificate
- Health Care Assistant Certificate
- Community Mental Health Worker Citation
Program Content
Semester I
| Course | Title | Credits |
| HCSW 1101 | Concepts for Practice | 3 |
| HCSW 1102 | Lifestyle and Introduction to Practice | 3 |
| HCSW 1103 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| HCSW 1104 | Health Challenges 1 | 3 |
| HCSW 1105 | Applied Practice Experiences 1 | 6 |
Semester II
| Course | Title | Credits |
| HCSW 1106 | Health Challenges 2 | 3 |
| HCSW 1107 | Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges | 3 |
| HCSW 1108 | Advanced Practice Experiences 2 | 4.5 |
| HCSW 1109 | Advanced Practice Experiences 3 | 5.25 |
Semester III
(CMHW)
| Course | Title | Credits |
| HCSW 1165 | Concepts for Mental Health Practice I (not required for students continuing from semester 2) | 3 |
| HCSW 1170 | Concepts for Mental Health Practice II | 3 |
| HCSW 1180 | Recovery in Mental Health | 3 |
| HCSW 1190 | Therapeutic Relationships in Mental Health | 3.25 |
| HCSW 1200 | Clinical Practice for CMHW | 3.5 |