Continuing Care Assistant Program Canada: Launch Your Healthcare Career

Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) are the compassionate backbone of Canada’s healthcare system, often described as the “eyes and ears” for individuals needing support. As the demand for dedicated healthcare professionals grows, a Continuing Care Assistant program in Canada offers a rewarding and stable career path. This guide explores the comprehensive Continuing Care Assistant program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, providing you with essential information to determine if this fulfilling career is your calling.

What Does a Continuing Care Assistant Do?

Continuing Care Assistants play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals across various age groups and health conditions. CCAs provide direct personal care and support to clients in diverse settings. Your responsibilities as a CCA will encompass a wide range of tasks, all focused on client well-being and comfort. These include:

Mobility Assistance: Safely assisting clients with movement and ambulation.
Nutritional Support: Providing meal assistance and ensuring proper nutrition.
Personal Care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
Medication Monitoring: Reminding and monitoring clients with their medication schedules.
Communication & Companionship: Offering emotional support and facilitating communication.
End-of-Life Care: Providing compassionate care and comfort during end-of-life stages.

CCAs work directly with clients of all ages who have diverse healthcare needs, becoming integral and respected members of the broader healthcare team.

Why Choose a Continuing Care Assistant Career in Canada?

The need for Continuing Care Assistants in Canada is stronger than ever. This demand translates into excellent job security and diverse employment opportunities across the country. Choosing a career as a CCA offers numerous benefits:

High Demand & Job Security: Canada’s aging population and increasing healthcare needs ensure consistent demand for CCAs.
Rewarding Career: Make a tangible difference in people’s lives by providing essential care and support.
Varied Work Environments: Opportunities exist in home care, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community settings.
Career Advancement Potential: The CCA role can be a stepping stone to further education and specialization in healthcare.
Personal Fulfillment: Experience the satisfaction of building meaningful relationships and providing comfort to those in need.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Continuing Care Assistant Program

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers a comprehensive and highly regarded Continuing Care Assistant program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career. This one-year certificate program is available at multiple convenient locations:

Campuses: Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert.
Flexible Learning: Part-time distance learning options through the Centre for Continuing Education.

The program blends classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience in labs and clinical practicums. You will gain expertise in critical areas, including:

Psychosocial Support: Addressing the emotional and social needs of individuals.
Effective Communication: Developing strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Infection Control: Mastering the use of personal protective equipment and infection prevention practices.
Personal Care Techniques: Providing respectful and competent personal care, such as bathing and toileting.
Death and Dying Practices: Understanding and implementing compassionate end-of-life care.
Dementia Management: Learning strategies for supporting individuals with dementia.
Gerontology: Gaining in-depth knowledge of aging and the needs of older adults.
Long-Term Care Philosophies: Understanding care models in various settings.
Promoting Independence & Safety: Creating safe environments and fostering client independence.
Supporting Diverse Needs: Working with individuals with physical, cognitive, and cultural differences.

Clinical Practicums: Real-World Experience

A key component of the Continuing Care Assistant program is the clinical practicum. You will participate in two distinct clinical placements, each lasting six weeks, in different healthcare facilities. Under the guidance of experienced instructors and alongside working CCAs, you will apply your learned skills in real client care scenarios within long-term care settings. This invaluable hands-on experience builds confidence and solidifies your knowledge base.

Is a CCA Program Right For You?

A career as a Continuing Care Assistant is exceptionally rewarding, but it requires specific personal qualities. Ideal candidates are:

Compassionate and Caring: Possessing genuine empathy and a desire to help others.
Patient and Understanding: Able to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations.
Positive and Upbeat: Maintaining a positive attitude to uplift clients and colleagues.
Strong Interpersonal Skills: Excelling at communication and building rapport with diverse individuals.
Adaptable and Organized: Thriving in fast-paced environments and managing changing priorities.

If these qualities resonate with you, a Continuing Care Assistant program could be the perfect pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Personalized Support for Indigenous Students

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to supporting Indigenous students. As an Indigenous student enrolled in the Continuing Care Assistant program, you can access personalized guidance from a dedicated Indigenous advisor. This advisor provides support with application processes, explores funding options, and connects you with essential campus resources, including career and employment services.

Career Paths for Continuing Care Assistant Graduates

Graduates of the Continuing Care Assistant program are highly sought after and enjoy excellent employment rates. Career opportunities span a variety of settings, including:

Home Care Agencies: Providing care and support in clients’ homes.
Long-Term Care Facilities: Working in nursing homes and assisted living residences.
Private Care Homes: Supporting clients in smaller, private residential settings.
Acute Care Facilities (Hospitals): Assisting patients in hospital settings.
Integrated Facilities: Working in facilities offering a combination of care services.
Supportive Housing: Providing assistance in specialized housing environments.
Special Needs Classrooms: Supporting students with healthcare needs in educational settings.

As a CCA, you will work collaboratively within a healthcare team, under the direction of Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs), or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

Potential Job Titles:

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 requiring flexible learning arrangements, Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers part-time delivery options for the Continuing Care Assistant program through the Centre for Continuing Education. Part-time students must complete the program within four years. Specific courses are available on a part-time basis, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Continuing Care Assistant program, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

Academic: Grade 12 graduation or successful completion of 15 post-secondary credits from a recognized institution.
English Language Proficiency: Meeting Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s English Language Requirement.

Additional Requirements:

Personal and Physical Suitability: The role demands physical stamina and emotional resilience.
Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Search: Required prior to clinical placements.
Standard First Aid & CPR: Heartsaver CPR AED – Level C or equivalent.
Immunization Records: Current immunization records are necessary.
N95 Respirator Mask Testing: Required before clinical practicum.
WHMIS Certification: 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission.
TLR® & PART® Certification: Current Transferring, Lifting and Repositioning (TLR®) © and Professional Assault Response Training (PART®) © Intermediate certifications.
Food Safe Level 1 Certification: Required prior to clinical practicum.
Co-op Work Permit (International Students): Required for international students for mandatory clinical placements.

Tuition and Fees

The estimated tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year for the Continuing Care Assistant program is approximately $8,600 CAD. This includes mandatory fees and approximate costs for books and supplies. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and fees, please visit the Tuition and Fees web page. View tuition rates for international students.

Courses Offered

The Continuing Care Assistant program curriculum covers a comprehensive range of essential subjects, preparing you for the diverse challenges and rewards of this career. Course details are available in the Courses section of the program page.

Get Credit for Prior Learning and Transfer Credits

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes prior learning experiences. You may be eligible for:

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): Obtain credit for knowledge and skills gained through work or life experience.
Transfer Credit: Transfer eligible course credits from other institutions to Saskatchewan Polytechnic or vice versa. Transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Student Awards and Financial Aid

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers numerous student awards and scholarships to help finance your education. Explore the available options and application criteria to potentially reduce your program costs. More about scholarships

Related Programs

If you are interested in related healthcare fields, consider exploring these programs offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic:

Ready to Apply?

Take the first step towards a fulfilling healthcare career. The Continuing Care Assistant program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides the education, skills, and practical experience you need to succeed.

Apply Now

Have Questions? Contact the program directly at [email protected].