Longer life expectancies, a growing population of senior citizens, more focus on outpatient treatment - these are some of the reasons for the increasing demand for continuing care assistants. Simply put, continuing care assistants are people who care for other people. North West College's Continuing Care Assistant program provides the knowledge and skills students need to move into this rewarding field. It is a one-year certificate program that combines hands-on classroom learning with practical clinical experience. Practicums provide direct experience in home care, long-term care, special care and acute care settings. Students will build knowledge and skills related to: • Application of long-term care philosophy in different settings • Addressing individual psychosocial needs • Dementia management strategies • Gerontology (a major area of study) • Administering personal care • Promoting independence in a safe environment • Working with individuals with different physical and cognitive impairments • Working with people of different cultures