Launch a Rewarding Career in Front-Line Health Care

NorQuest College’s Health Care Aide (HCA) Certificate Program is one of the largest in Canada, preparing you to deliver essential care as part of a collaborative health-care team. Licensed to deliver the Health Care Aide Government of Alberta Provincial Curriculum, NorQuest’s program ensures you gain the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience to thrive in various health-care settings.

Start your journey toward a fulfilling career supporting individuals across the lifespan in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, and community agencies.

Program Overview: What You’ll Learn

Students entering the Health Care Aide program should be prepared for a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Success is supported by:

• Access to a computer and basic computer skills

• Physical and emotional ability to meet workplace demands

• Reliable transportation for practicum placements

Graduates of the HCA Provincial Curriculum will be able to:

• Perform competently within Alberta and Canada's health-care system

• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and teamwork

• Provide ethical, person-centered, and culturally competent care

• Apply foundational theory and evidence-based practices to holistic care

• Communicate effectively within a collaborative care team

• Perform a wide range of clinical skills across various care settings

• Maintain safety for clients, self, and environment by following legislation and policy

• Respond appropriately to client needs through critical thinking and action

• Engage in ongoing self-reflection and professional development

Real-World Experience: Graduate Career-Ready

At NorQuest, hands-on training is key to your success.

You’ll complete:

• 320 hours of practicum experience across three placements, working full-time in real health-care environments.

• Clinical placements include instructor-led and preceptored experiences.

  • Instructor-led placements (HLTH 1550 and HLTH 2550) occur in Edmonton, Wetaskiwin, or surrounding communities, with day or evening shifts (Monday–Friday).

  • Preceptored placements (HLTH 2551) may involve day, evening, or night shifts, including weekends and holidays, often arranged close to your community.

You are responsible for providing your own transportation to practicum sites.

HCA Provincial Comprehensive Exam Requirement

After completing all coursework, you must successfully pass the HCA Provincial Comprehensive Exam to be awarded your Health Care Aide Certificate.

This exam is administered by the HCA Directory, and learners must pay exam fees directly to the Directory.