The Supportive Care Assistant (SCA) program is a new, fully subsidized micro-certificate developed to address labour shortages in the long-term care sector. The program allows students to discover a new career, gain work experience, and make a difference in their community. The micro-certificate includes six weeks of online training (approximately 100 hours) and up to a four-month paid work placement (560 hours). As a supportive care assistant, the student will assist personal care providers and the healthcare team to support clients. The role involves performing non-clinical activities, which could include assisting with meals, cleaning and disinfecting, and providing companionship, comfort, and support to clients in continuing care environments.
Note that the SCA role is not equivalent to the health care aide role in Alberta. Although the program can provide an entryway into the healthcare field, it is not an official pathway to becoming a fully certified health care aide. Candidates will have to pursue further studies and meet additional admission requirements if they want to pursue the Health Care Aide program in Alberta in the future.
Note that the SCA role is not equivalent to the health care aide role in Alberta. Although the program can provide an entryway into the healthcare field, it is not an official pathway to becoming a fully certified health care aide. Candidates will have to pursue further studies and meet additional admission requirements if they want to pursue the Health Care Aide program in Alberta in the future.
Skill Level: Beginner
