Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) are the compassionate backbone of healthcare, often described as the eyes and ears for individuals needing support. In a world where the demand for dedicated healthcare professionals is ever-increasing, pursuing a career as a CCA offers not only job security but also a deeply rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The Continuing Care Assistant Program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in this vital role, opening doors to diverse employment settings and a fulfilling career path in healthcare.
The Continuing Care Assistant program is a comprehensive certificate program that typically spans 32 weeks, offering both full-time and part-time study options to suit varied learning preferences and schedules. You can embark on this enriching educational journey at multiple convenient locations, including Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon. For those seeking flexibility, online and distance learning options are also available through the Centre for Continuing Education, making this program accessible to a wider range of aspiring healthcare professionals.
This well-rounded program expertly blends classroom-based learning with immersive hands-on experiences. You’ll gain practical skills in simulated lab environments and real-world clinical practicums. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to cover a wide spectrum of crucial competencies, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the multifaceted needs of your future clients. Key areas of study within the Continuing Care Assistant program include:
- Addressing Psychosocial Needs: Understanding and responding to the emotional, social, and mental well-being of individuals under your care is paramount. The program emphasizes developing empathetic and person-centered approaches to care.
- Effective Communication Skills: Mastering clear and compassionate communication is essential for building trust and rapport with clients, their families, and the healthcare team. You will learn verbal and non-verbal communication techniques tailored to diverse needs.
- Infection Control and Safety: Protecting yourself and your clients is a top priority. The program provides thorough training in using personal protective equipment (PPE) and implementing best practices for infection prevention and control.
- Personal Care Expertise: Providing dignified and respectful personal care is a core aspect of the CCA role. You will learn techniques for assisting with bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, and other essential daily living activities, particularly for older adults and individuals with mobility challenges.
- End-of-Life Care: Providing comfort and support during the end-of-life journey requires sensitivity and specialized skills. The program includes training in palliative care principles and practices to ensure compassionate care during these delicate times.
- Dementia Management Strategies: With an aging population, understanding dementia and related cognitive impairments is increasingly important. You will learn evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals living with dementia and creating enriching environments.
- Gerontology Focus: The program places significant emphasis on gerontology, the study of aging. This in-depth knowledge base equips you to understand the unique health and social needs of older adults, who constitute a significant portion of CCA clients.
- Long-Term Care Philosophies: You will explore various philosophies of long-term care across different settings, gaining insights into person-centered care models and best practices in residential and community-based care.
- Promoting Independence and Safety: A key goal of continuing care is to empower individuals to maintain their independence and quality of life within a safe environment. The program teaches strategies for promoting client autonomy while ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Supporting Diverse Needs: You will learn to effectively support individuals with a wide range of physical and cognitive impairments, adapting your care approaches to meet unique challenges and promote inclusivity.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: In today’s diverse society, cultural competence is essential in healthcare. The program fosters an understanding of different cultures and lifestyles, enabling you to provide respectful and culturally sensitive care to all clients.
The practical component of the Continuing Care Assistant program is significantly enhanced through two distinct clinical placements, each lasting six weeks and taking place in different healthcare facilities. These practicums offer invaluable real-world experience where you will work directly with clients in long-term care settings. Under the guidance of experienced instructors and alongside practicing CCAs, you will apply your newly acquired skills, build confidence, and gain firsthand insights into the daily realities of the CCA role. This immersive experience solidifies your learning and bridges the gap between theory and practice.
To ensure you are well-equipped for the demands of the program and the profession, certain requirements are in place. Students will need a laptop with a webcam for online assessments and a reliable internet connection for online course components. Uniforms are required for lab and clinical sessions, and students are responsible for obtaining required textbooks and course materials.
Is a Career as a Continuing Care Assistant Right for You?
Being a Continuing Care Assistant is a deeply rewarding but also demanding profession. CCAs work closely with clients who are often frail, vulnerable, and facing significant health challenges. Success in this role hinges on possessing specific personal qualities. Ideal CCAs are compassionate, caring, and patient individuals with a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills. The ability to remain calm and composed in fast-paced, dynamic environments is crucial, as client needs can change rapidly throughout the day. Organization, flexibility, and adaptability are essential traits for navigating the ever-evolving demands of this role. If you resonate with these qualities and find fulfillment in helping others, a career as a Continuing Care Assistant could be an excellent and personally satisfying path for you.
Career Pathways and Opportunities
Graduates of Continuing Care Assistant programs are highly sought after in the healthcare sector, enjoying excellent employment rates. A CCA certificate opens doors to a variety of fulfilling career settings, including:
- Home Care: Providing personalized care and support to individuals in their own homes, promoting independence and well-being within familiar surroundings.
- Long-Term Care Facilities: Working in residential care settings, offering comprehensive support to residents with diverse needs, fostering a sense of community and comfort.
- Private Care Homes: Providing care in smaller, more intimate care home environments, often focusing on individualized attention and specialized care.
- Acute Care Facilities: Supporting patients in hospitals and acute care settings, assisting with personal care and mobility under the supervision of nurses.
- Integrated Facilities: Working in facilities that offer a combination of care services, potentially spanning from assisted living to complex care, providing diverse experiences.
- Supportive Housing: Assisting individuals in supportive housing environments, promoting independent living skills and providing necessary care within a community setting.
- Special Needs Classrooms: Supporting students with special needs in educational settings, assisting with personal care, mobility, and integration within the classroom environment.
As a CCA, you will be an integral member of a healthcare team, collaborating with registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and licensed practical nurses to provide holistic and coordinated client care.
Potential Career Titles:
| Sample Job Title | NOC Classification |
|---|---|
| Continuing Care Assistant | Nurse aides, orderlies & patient service associates (33102) |
| Special Care Aide – Nursing | Nurse aides, orderlies & patient service associates (33102) |
| Home Health Care Worker | Home support workers, caregivers & related occupations (44101) |
Part-Time Study Options
For students who require a more flexible learning schedule, the Continuing Care Assistant program offers part-time delivery options through the Centre for Continuing Education. This is particularly beneficial for returning students who started the program prior to September 2023 and need to complete their certificate. Part-time students must complete the program within four years of their start date. Specific courses are available on a part-time basis, allowing you to progress at a pace that suits your individual circumstances.
Admission Information
To be eligible for the Continuing Care Assistant program, applicants typically need a Grade 12 education or successful completion of 15 post-secondary credits from a recognized institution. English language proficiency is also a requirement.
Important Notes Regarding Admission:
- Personal and Physical Suitability: The role of a CCA is physically demanding, requiring prolonged periods of standing and physical exertion. It can also be emotionally and mentally challenging. Applicants should possess personal and physical suitability for this demanding profession and have strong coping mechanisms and support systems in place.
- Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search: Prior to commencing the clinical component of the program, students are required to undergo a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. Clinical agencies may deny placement based on the results of these checks.
- Standard First Aid and CPR: Current Standard First Aid and CPR Heartsaver CPR AED – Level C (or equivalent) certification is mandatory before entering clinical placements.
- Immunization Records: Up-to-date immunization records are required for student safety and client protection.
- N95 Respirator Mask Testing: N95 respirator mask testing (minimum of 2 masks) is required prior to clinical practicums to ensure proper respiratory protection.
- WHMIS Certification: 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification is required upon program admission, with recertification needed every three years.
- TLR® and PART® Certification: Current Transferring, Lifting and Repositioning (TLR®) © certification and Professional Assault Response Training (PART®) © Intermediate certification are required.
- Food Safe Level 1 Certification: Food Safe Level 1 Certification is required prior to clinical practicums, particularly for those involved in meal assistance.
- Co-op Work Permit (International Students): International students require a co-op work permit to participate in mandatory clinical placements.
Alternative Admission Options
For applicants who do not meet the standard academic qualifications, alternative admission pathways may be available. Evidence of probable success can be established through alternative admission assessments, such as the ACCUPLACER© test. Post-secondary credits may also be considered for meeting admission requirements.
Tuition and Fees
The estimated tuition for the Continuing Care Assistant program for the 2024-25 academic year is approximately $8,600, including mandatory fees and estimated costs for books and supplies. Tuition fees are subject to change, and may vary by campus. International students should refer to the international tuition rates for specific program costs.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Transfer Credits
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes prior learning and offers opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for individuals with relevant life and work experience. Additionally, transfer credits may be available for students who have completed relevant coursework at other institutions.
Student Awards and Financial Aid
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers a wide range of student awards and scholarships, totaling over $2 million annually. These awards are based on various criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Explore the available scholarships and awards to help finance your education.
Related Programs
If you are interested in related healthcare fields, consider exploring these programs offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic:
- Educational Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Practical Nursing
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Youth Care Worker
For any further questions about the Continuing Care Assistant program, please contact [email protected].
