Education Funding for Health Care Aides
Becoming a Health Care Aide
Across Alberta’s healthcare system, Health Care Aides provide some of the most important, long-term health support that the general public needs. Pursuing a career in the quality, personal healthcare of people in need is a noble and respectable profession. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for Health Care Aides (HCAs) has skyrocketed as more ill, injured, or elderly individuals require personal care.
HCAs have the opportunity to work in an unregulated workforce, and under the supervision of a healthcare professional, like a nurse. The typical working conditions of a HCA are in long-term care environments such as nursing homes and auxiliary hospitals, or other similar units. HCAs spend their shifts with their clients, assisting them with bathing, feeding, dressing, moving, and whatever basic health service needs are required. A career in personal care assistance is dedicated to taking care of others and creating the conditions for the improvement of a client’s health and happiness.
Get Certified at Columbia
At Columbia College, we strive to meet the healthcare system’s requirements by preparing students to become excellent Health Care Aides and Personal Care Attendants.
Students enter a 32-week program in which they are taught basic health services that they go on to use in supporting clients’ day-to-day activity. Classes are conducted through a combination of online and in-person sessions, and there are even tutorials provided for extra help. After one short semester, Columbia students complete their program and take the Alberta Health Care Aide License Exam before finally beginning their careers. Our college is well known in the industry, with 86% employment rate and organizations such as Calgary Elder Care and CBI Home Health Services hiring Columbia graduates as HCAs.
Learn more about Columbia College’s Health Care Aide Certificate
Funding Opportunities for HCA Students
Because of the importance of these healthcare workers, an abundance of funding programs have been dedicated solely for Health Care Aide career support! It is important to the College to make these scholarships and bursaries available to our current and potential students.
Bethany Care Society Scholarships and Awards Program
The first of these programs is the Bethany Care Society Scholarships and Awards Program, which provides scholarships and other awards to individuals enrolled in Health Care Aide post-secondary studies through Columbia College. This is a great chance to receive financial support while developing your career. Apply by November 30, 2022. Learn more about the Bethany Care Society Scholarships and Awards Program.
Alberta Health Care Aide Bursaries
Another excellent support that is available is a number of Alberta Health Care Aide Bursaries, administered by NorQuest College in partnership with the Government of Alberta as well as Alberta Health Services. Some of the available programs include the Financial Incentive Program, the Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program, and the Health Care Aide Workplace Program Bursary. Program amounts vary from a range of $2000 to $6000, simply for being enrolled in or having completed your HCA studies. The government of Alberta is seeking to encourage individuals towards this career path by providing the support necessary for their success. Learn more about Alberta Health Care Aide Bursaries.
Alberta Human Services Grant Funding
There is even funding made available for English Language learners hoping to pursue a career in HCA. This is provided through Alberta Human Services Grant Funding.
Columbia offers EAL pathways to Health Care Aide for students who require further English language learning and academic skill building to be successful in the HCA program. A semester is dedicated for a language training course that enhances critical thinking, problem solving, and comprehension skills. This sets non-native speakers of English up for success before they continue onto the HCA program. Speak to an advisor to learn more about the program and funding eligibility 403-235-9300.
Choose Columbia
At Columbia College, we understand that everyone is coming from a different academic background and with a unique pace and style of learning. Whether through EAL studies, tutorial sessions, small class sizes, financial assistance, or program advising, our faculty and staff is dedicated to your academic and career success. We are prepared to support you, so that you can learn how to support others.
To begin pursuing your career as a Health Care Aide, simply visit our Health Care Aide Certificate or EAL Pathways to HCA program pages, or call the College directly at 403-235-9370. If you have any inquiries, you may also email us at columbia@columbia.ca
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