College Certificate - Continuing Care Assistant

Demand for health-care workers is high, and that includes demand for continuing care assistants. This program is designed for those who enjoy caring for others, and want to get into the workforce quickly.

As a continuing care assistant, graduates will work directly with clients in long-term care, home care, assisted living, some areas in acute care, and even special needs classrooms. Students will help them with mobility, personal care, assisting them to eat their meals, and medication monitoring. It’s a face-to-face, people-focused job. The program combines hands-on classroom learning with practical clinical experience. Students will build knowledge and skills in:

• Addressing individual psychosocial needs; • Administering personal care • Dementia management strategies • Gerontology (a major area of study) • Long-term care philosophy in different settings • Promoting independence in a safe environment • Working with individuals with different physical and cognitive impairments • Working with people of different cultures

The clinical work experiences will give students a taste of different work settings. Under the supervision of a buddy or staff member, they will work directly with clients in home care, long-term care and acute care settings. It’s a great way to build skills and confidence.

Continuing care assistants have been called “the eyes and ears of the frail and vulnerable.” Students need to be caring, patient, with an upbeat attitude and good people skills. The most important asset is simply a desire to improve quality of life for others.

Continuing Care Assistant graduates enjoy high employment rates. Students could work in a home care setting, long-term care facility, private care home, acute care facility, integrated facility, supportive housing or special needs classroom. They will work as part of a health-care team under the supervision of registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses or licensed practical nurses.