Courses at Columbia College are taught in Canadian English. To qualify for admission, learners must demonstrate their language proficiency, typically through their high school or post-secondary transcripts, or through an academic assessment test.

Candidates where English is not thier first language must meet the English Language Proficiency requirement in addition to the Academic English Language Arts (ELA)  requirement. Equivalencies are as follows:

• By presenting a Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (GED), or
• By attending high school in Canada. Studies must have been in English at an approved Canadian high school (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) with at least three consecutive years of full-time academic study; or
• Providing evidence of attending two consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English in a subject other than an HCA program at a Canadian institution; or
• By completing an Approved ELP Test with the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB): A minimum CLB of 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and not an average of 7.

Other approved options to meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements can be found at this link: https://www.alberta.ca/health-care-aide-program

Important Note: Students submitting transcripts to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements, may still be required to write the ACCUPLACER Assessment test after an admissions file review and formal interview with the Program Manager.

Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program. This includes:

• Be able to effectively communicate through digital tools. (For example, email)
• Be able to apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
• Be able to effectively use digital tools to create text. (for example, word documents)
• Be able to connect, share, and collaborate with others in the digital environment.
• Demonstrate responsible computer/digital tool use.

• Attend Columbia College’s Health Care Aide Orientation prior to the start of the program.
• Admissions interview(s) to determine suitability for the profession and opportunity for success in the program.

The following requirements must be met prior the start of your program and/or practicum:

• Security Clearance
• Up-to-date Immunization Record
• Heart and Stroke BLS
• N95 Mask Fit Test

See further details in the Clinical Placement Experience (Practicum) Overview section.

Test/Transcript Validity

Obtaining transcripts can sometimes present challenges, and their acceptance may be influenced by various factors. It’s important to be aware that transcripts may not be approved under certain conditions, such as if they are outdated, the grades do not meet the required standards, or if its unclear how they align with our admission requirements. Please consider the following points:

• Test/Transcript results are valid for two years from the day of testing or completion of a course.
• Official results must be submitted.
• Results that expire prior to the start date of the program may not be accepted, but will still be reviewed by the Registrar’s Office for consideration.
• Students with transcripts from an international institution who are looking to apply with their transcripts are encouraged to have their education assessed through the ‘International Qualifications Assessment Service‘ (IQAS).
• For questions regarding transcripts, please contact us at transcripts@columbia.ca

Admissions Assessment Test

• For students uncertain about their transcript eligibility, you have the option to apply by taking Columbia’s ACCUPLACER Next-Generation Assessment Test.
• Opting for this route exempts you from the need to submit transcripts as part of your application, providing a streamlined admission process.

To graduate from this program, students must:

• successfully complete all Health Care Aide courses
• achieve an overall program grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
• upon completion of our program, graduates are required to pass a provincial certification exam.
  • successful students are awarded Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Certificate, marking their readiness to enter this rewarding field.

Plan your future with clarity with our transparent tuition and general fees structure, effective from August 1 each year. For detailed information about tuition, fees, and costs associated with the program please visit our Tuition and Fees Page.

Additional Fees

In addition to program tuition and fees, students student may incur additional fees. The below fees are an approximationIn addition to program tuition and fees, students student may incur additional fees. The below fees are an approximation.

• Uniforms and duty shoes: $300
• Current Heart & Stroke Foundation Health Care Provider Level (C) CPR: $85
• Exam Fee: $200 (full exam fee schedule)
• Immunizations: $240
• N95 Mask Fit: $45

Refund of Tuition Fees

At Columbia College, we understand the value of your prior learning and experience in health care. Whether you’ve gained knowledge through formal education, work experience, or certifications, our PLAR process is here to help you turn your hard-earned expertise into credits for the Health Care Aide (HCA) program.

The PLAR process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, guiding you every step of the way. By using the detailed Process document, you’ll learn how to gather and submit the necessary documentation, develop your portfolios, and work with a PLAR advisor to create a personalized plan.

Click the links below to get started with the PLAR Process document, and feel free to reach out to our HCA program office if you have any questions.

• PLAR Process for Health Care Aides
• Health Care Aide Provincial Program Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Student Guide 

Transfer of HCA Course Credit Policy

All Post Secondary Institutions offering the Government of Alberta HCA Provincial Curriculum allow transfer credit on a course-by-course basis from other institutions offering the Government of Alberta HCA Provincial Curriculum. Up to 50 per cent of course credits or hours can be transferred from one HCA program to another.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Policy

PLAR defines processes that allow individuals to identify, document, have assessed and gain recognition for their prior learning. PLAR processes can be used to determine credit or advanced standing at an academic institution.

1. A Post Secondary Institution will implement and make available PLAR for the entire HCA program based upon the identified learning outcomes for each course.
2. Post Secondary Institutions will use the Government of Alberta standardized PLAR process.
3.  An instructor teaching the Government of Alberta HCA Provincial Curriculum must conduct all PLAR assessments.
4. The institution will support HCA program candidates deciding whether to proceed with the PLAR process.
5. HCA program candidates failing a PLAR attempt must take the failed course through regular course delivery.
6. Post Secondary Institutions will set and follow policies to identify the number of courses an HCA learner may receive credit for through the PLAR process.