Become a Health Care Assistant in Canada: Online HCA Program at Stenberg College

For individuals looking to start a meaningful career in healthcare, Stenberg College offers a flexible and career-focused Health Care Assistant (HCA) program. Designed for compassionate individuals who want to make a difference, the HCA program provides an online learning format that helps students balance life, learning, and their future in care work.

🩺 Program Overview

Stenberg’s Health Care Assistant program prepares students to work as frontline caregivers in various healthcare settings. With the theory portion delivered online and hands-on training arranged locally, this blended learning model allows students to study from anywhere in BC while gaining the real-world experience needed for success.

👩‍⚕️ What Students Can Expect

The HCA program at Stenberg College combines online theory instruction with in-person lab training and clinical practice in approved healthcare facilities. Students learn how to support individuals with daily living activities, promote independence, and provide compassionate, person-centered care.

Graduates are eligible to register with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry, a requirement to work as an HCA in publicly funded facilities across British Columbia.

📚 Curriculum Highlights

Key areas of learning include:

• Person-centred care principles

• Communication and interpersonal skills

• Support for activities of daily living (ADLs)

• Common health challenges and cognitive impairment

• Mental health and palliative care

• Clinical skills and professional ethics

Students also complete 8 weeks of clinical placements, including supervised experiences in complex care and assisted living environments.

Support services—academic advising, instructors with industry experience, and career support—are provided throughout the program.

💼 Career Outlook

Health Care Assistants are among the most in-demand frontline healthcare workers in Canada. The aging population and increasing need for long-term care services have made HCAs essential across hospitals, assisted living, home support, and community care.

Graduates of Stenberg’s HCA program often find employment quickly in public and private care facilities, with the added benefit of a flexible and accessible training pathway.

📍 Availability and Locations

This program is available to residents of British Columbia. Students complete theory courses online, while lab training is delivered at designated sites in Surrey, BC. Clinical practice is arranged in approved facilities, allowing students to gain experience close to home.

📝 Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the HCA program, applicants must:

• Be 19 years of age or older (or have graduated high school)

• Pass the Stenberg College entrance interview and English requirements

• Provide a clean criminal record check

• Meet immunization and medical requirements for clinical placement

• Complete a Program Information Session and attend a Student Readiness Assessment

📌 Considerations Before Applying

• Must reside in British Columbia and be eligible to study and work in Canada

• Students need to attend in-person lab training and complete clinical practice in BC

• Internet access and computer literacy are required for online components

• All required documentation must be submitted before program start

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the program entirely online?

A: No. While theory courses are delivered online, lab sessions and clinical placements are in-person and required for graduation.

Q2: How long does the program take?

A: The full-time program is 27 weeks, including clinical practice.

Q3: Do graduates receive a certificate?

A: Yes. Graduates receive a Health Care Assistant Certificate and are eligible to register with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.

Q4: Can I work while studying?

A: Many students manage part-time work, but the program is full-time and requires commitment, especially during clinical weeks.

Q5: What support is available to students?

A: Stenberg provides instructor-led support, academic advising, career guidance, and a dedicated student services team.

🎓 Take the First Step Toward a Career in Care

Stenberg College’s Health Care Assistant program offers an accessible, practical, and job-ready education for individuals who want to enter the healthcare field. With flexible online theory, in-person training, and strong employment outcomes, this program provides the foundation for a rewarding future helping others.

Visit the Official Program Page at Stenberg College