This program is currently closed to new registrations

The SCA program (Supportive Care Assistant) is designed to prepare the student for a position as an assistant in a long-term care facility or home care setting. The assistant provides assistance to the care attendants as well as to other members of the health care team. The program offers six weeks of online training followed by a two- to four-month paid internship. The online training is divided into five learning modules, each module is approximately 20 hours in length and can be completed on the students' own schedule. The modules cover the following topics: professionalism, client-centered care, communication, supportive care and infection control and safety.

Program duration

14 to 22 weeks (six-week online training followed by a two to four-month paid internship)

Cost

There is no tuition or fees for the Supportive Car Assistant program. There are scholarships available for dependent care and transportation during your internship. You may be required to cover some costs associated with the internship, such as a criminal record check or other job-related requirements (e.g. appropriate footwear or clothing).

Objectives

• Understand the role of the supportive care assistant within the interprofessional team
• Engage with the client and members of the interprofessional team to support the client's well-being
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsibility and confidentiality to the client, families, interprofessional team members and employers
• Respect the unique physical, cognitive, psychological, cultural, social and spiritual needs of the client when providing assistance
• Support clients' right to privacy, dignity, respect and confidentiality
• Understand the need to empathize with each client, recognizing that each individual is unique and may experience health problems differently
• Demonstrate inclusive practice in interacting with clients, families and other members of the interprofessional team
• Be respectful of the beliefs, values and rights of the client and their family while responding to situations with honesty, humility and integrity
• Understand the importance of communicating and transmitting information appropriately
• Safely provide supportive care that promotes client independence during activities of daily living
• Implement practices to maintain a clean and organized client care environment
• Demonstrate the appropriate use of touch in providing supportive care
• Demonstrate knowledge of the infection chain as it relates to disease transmission and prevention
• Implement appropriate infection control measures to meet guidelines and policies
• Respond to safety hazards and dangerous situations

Admission Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age ;
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who have been granted refugee status in Canada ;
• Legally entitled to work in Canada according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations ;
• English/French as first language speaker – proof of proficiency as determined by each jurisdiction. (Quebec Secondary III credits in language of instruction. Grade 10 English (most provinces) or college admission testing may be used as an equivalency. English equivalences across provinces chart ;
• ESL or FSL applicants - demonstrated English (IELTS 6.0; CLB 6; CEFR B2) or French proficiency (CLB 6; DELF/DALF B2; TFI B2/650; TEF B2 (6); TCF B2 (4), 400-499) or equivalency as determined by college/institute.

Recommandations

• Interest in working with seniors ;
• Able to communicate effectively with strong interpersonal skills ;
• Strengths include empathy, resilience, and sensitivity ;
• Regular access to a PC or MAC computer with an internet connection and recent versions of Google Chrome or Internet Explorer installed ;
• Basic computer skills ;
• Access to transportation for work placement(s)
• Availability to work shifts (evenings/nights/weekend(s)
• Physically able to stand/walk with some bending, twisting, and lifting.

Note: You may also be checked for criminal records and asked for proof of certain vaccinations. You may be exposed to communicable diseases during your internship.