Health Care Assistant (HCA) – A Rewarding Career

There are many different career paths leading into the field of health care. With the aging population here in BC and the attraction of retirees to our Vancouver Island lifestyle, it’s projected that the health care industry is going to be a very active local job market in the years to come. Earning the qualifications needed to be a Health Care Assistant in BC is an accessible career option for those who are considering a career transition, as well as those starting their first career. No previous medical background is required and at Excel, a practicum opportunity allows you to put all of the information and skills you learn in class to practical use in a real work setting.

Becoming a health care assistant is a great option for those with a passion for helping others. You are trained to provide personal care that values a patient’s privacy and dignity. By doing so there is an exchange of vulnerability, trust, and gratitude, and special relationships often form between patients and their care providers. Knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life makes this a very rewarding career.  According to this Pay Scale, a Health Care Assistant in Canada can expect an annual salary of between $25,268 – $47,770 and can earn an average of $18.26/hr. Being in the health care industry can introduce you to other careers that build on the knowledge and skills you acquire.

In a typical work setting, a health care assistant works directly with clients in hospitals, long term care facilities, or private homes. There are a variety of job titles used to describe your skill set that could include Patient Services Associate,  Health Care Aide or Residential Care Aid. These roles provide care and support in both an emotional and physical way, helping with daily routines of personal hygiene and activities. As each patient’s needs and schedule is unique, your work environment will offer a balance of consistency and diversity. Your role is to implement the recommendations of a medically trained supervisor, so you also have the important task of measuring procedures and observing any changes in a patient’s condition or day-to-day abilities. Depending on your work environment, there may also be times  when you will be helping with patient preparation prior to medical procedures.

If you’d like more details about how you can become a health care assistant, please contact Excel Career College.