FAQs

Getting started
Is this program right for me?
Where, when, how much, how long?
How and when do I apply?

About the program
Should I complete the full HCSW Certificate or one of the shorter options?
Can I study part-time?
Are there any opportunities for further health care education?
What courses will I take?
Where do health care support workers work?
What does a health care support worker do?
How much are health care support workers paid?
Where can I get more information?

Is this program right for me?

Successful Health Care Support Workers tend to have the following qualities:

• honest and ethical
• responsible and flexible
• self-aware
• sensitive to the needs of others
• able to speak confidently with people of all ages
• able to work independently or with a team
• able to perform basic home management and cooking tasks
• effective problem solvers

Where, when, how much, how long?

The Health Care Support Worker Certificate can be completed in 3 semesters with full-time study. The Health Care Assistant Certificate can be completed in 2 semesters with full-time study. The Community Mental Health Worker Citation can be completed in 1 semester with full-time study.

All classes take place at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam, in the Health Sciences Centre.

Costs will vary depending on which program entry option you choose. For a complete list of expenses (tuition, supplies, textbooks, etc.), please refer to the Program Costs Guide or contact the department.

How and when do I apply?

Note: It is strongly recommended that you attend a free information session.

Health Care Support Worker Certificate: offered once per year from September to June/early July. The application deadline is May 1. Apply online or in person through the Registrar’s Office.

Health Care Assistant Certificate: offered twice per year from September to March and January to July. The application deadline for the September intake is May 1; the application deadline for the January intake is October 30.

Community Mental Health Worker Citation: is offered once per year in the spring from mid-March to June/early July. The application deadline is November 30.

Note: Access to HCSW Certificate for applicants holding a HSRCA or CMHW citation or HCA Certificate:  Program start date and application deadline are dependent upon which portion of the program is needed.  Please attend an information session for further information.

Should I complete the full HCSW Certificate or one of the shorter Citation programs?

The 3-semester Health Care Support Worker Certificate program will provide you with both physical and mental health care skills. Employers are now demanding graduates with this unique skill set. If you have no previous training in the field, this may be the best option for you.

If you have already completed either the Health Care Assistant Certificate (formerly Home Support/Resident Care Attendant Citation) or the Community Mental Health Worker Citation, you can upgrade to earn the full Health Care Support Worker Certificate.

For more information, see Ways to study

Can I study part-time?

No. Currently, the HCSW, HCA, and CMHW programs are offered only as full-time, on-campus programs.

Are there any opportunities for furthering my health care education?

Graduates find this program a great step towards pursuing further education such as Licensed Practical Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BScPN).
Graduates of the HCSW program receive preferential admission points into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing programs at Douglas College.

What courses will I take?

In the HCSW program, learning occurs in classrooms, laboratories and the workplace, with a focus on:

• communications skills needed to work with patients, co-workers, family members and others in care-giving settings
• the latest care procedures in mental health services
• laboratory and field experiences related to health care services
• clinical experiences in which you can apply your knowledge and gain valuable experience - and employer contacts

For more information, see Courses.

Where do health care support workers work?

As a HCSW, you will provide care to clients in a variety of settings:

• long-term care facilities
• assisted living facilities
• clients’ homes
• supportive housing
• mental health boarding homes
• day programs and club houses
• and many more

See Employment   for more information.

What does a health care support worker do?

HCSWs may assist clients with a variety of needs, including:

• personal care/activities of daily living
• delegated tasks, such as administering medications or helping with rehabilitation exercises
• psychosocial rehabilitation
• household/housekeeping tasks

See Employment

How much are health care support workers paid?

The job market for HCSW graduates is very good. Generally, wages range from $14-$21 per hour.

Where can I get more information?

Download the Information Booklet (pdf)
Attend an information session
Contact the Health Care Support Worker program