Health Care Assistant - ESL, Certificate at Camosun College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-14

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Health Care Assistant - ESL program is tailored for students eager to enhance their English language skills while pursuing a career as a Health Care Assistant. This program equips students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to excel as front-line caregivers. Graduates will be prepared to work effectively within health care teams in various settings, including both community and facility environments. With a new intake every October, this program is designed for those who have a genuine desire to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities in their daily lives.

Program Structure

The Health Care Assistant - ESL program spans a duration of 11.5 months, providing a comprehensive full-time study option. The program structure includes:

Full-time study schedule from October to September.
Classes held Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
Clinical/fieldwork placements integrated throughout the program.
Homework commitments averaging three to four hours per day, including weekends.
Participation in full-time clinical placements, which may include day and evening shifts outside regular class hours.

This program is open to international students and emphasizes hands-on learning through practical experiences, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future roles in health care.

Featured Experiences

The Health Care Assistant - ESL program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Hands-on clinical placements throughout the program, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings.
Focus on person-centred care, promoting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients.
Recognition by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry, ensuring that graduates meet provincial training standards.
Indigenous priority admissions for qualified students, promoting inclusivity in health sciences education.

Career Options

Graduates of the Health Care Assistant - ESL program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Health Care Assistant: Provide personal care and support to clients in community and facility settings, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
Personal Support Worker: Assist individuals with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
Home Support Worker: Offer in-home care services to clients, helping them maintain independence while receiving necessary support.
Long-Term Care Aide: Work in long-term care facilities, providing essential care and companionship to elderly residents.
Community Support Worker: Support individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges, facilitating their integration into the community.

These roles are vital in the health care sector, and graduates will find themselves in high demand as they contribute to the well-being of their clients and communities.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Camosun College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-14

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Evidence of all of the following must be provided prior to acceptance:

1. Informational Interview:

Attend an informational interview with the Health Care Assistant - English Language Development instructor to confirm program expectations, and discuss oral communication skills. Contact LOA Portal's advisors for assistance in arranging this interview.

2. Information Session:

Attendance at a Health Care Assistant program Information Session is required to ensure applicants have a strong understanding of the expectations of the Health Care Assistant (HCA) program and the role of the HCA in the work environment. An online Information Session module is available for anyone unable to attend in person.

3. For International Students:

A clear police certificate from the country of origin must also be included as a program entry requirement.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

When you apply, you will need to submit proof that you meet the program Academic Requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the Academic Requirements, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

Applicants for the Health Care Assistant - ESL program must demonstrate English language proficiency. The following standardized English language proficiency test scores from an authorized assessment center are accepted:

Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT) (testing within the last year):
- Listening 6
- Speaking 6
- Reading 5
- Writing 5
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL or CAEL Online) (testing within the last two years):
- Overall score of 50, with no section less than 40
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or General (testing within the last two years):
- Overall score of 5.5
- Minimum of 5.5 in Speaking and Listening
- No score lower than 5 in Reading and Writing
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition) (testing within the last two years):
- IBT with an overall score of 56
- No score lower than 15 in Speaking and Listening
- No score lower than 13 in Reading and Writing
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General) (test must be in the last two years):
- Listening 6
- Speaking 6
- Reading 5
- Writing 5

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
January 2026	Closed	Not Available	2025-10-01	Not Available
May 2026	Open	Not Available	2026-02-01	Not Available
September 2026	Open	Not Available	2026-05-15	Not Available