Cert in Health Care Aide

Health Care Aide is a certificate program at NorQuest College that prepares students to support individuals needing care in hospitals, continuing care, and home care settings. The program is offered over two terms (eight months) or three terms (twelve months), depending on the delivery option chosen, with mandatory in-person lab and clinical components making up roughly half of course hours. Students complete 320 hours of work experience across three practicums, including two instructor-led placements and one consolidated mentored placement. Coursework builds competencies in person-centred care, evidence-based practice, effective team communication, and safety across health sectors, along with digital literacy skills for online communication and research. Graduates are prepared to write the Alberta Health Care Aide Registration Exam and pursue employment supporting clients with daily living activities under the direction of regulated health professionals.