No, unfortunately, international students are not eligible. Note that this also includes Ukrainian students who have left their home country to pursue studies in Canada.

The length of the work placement is between 280 and 560 hours. It is determined by the delivery institution and agreed upon by the student and employer. This is at least eight weeks of full-time employment, but part-time options might also be possible. For more details on the work placement, contact the college or institute delivering the program in your region.

Yes, all materials and curricula are available in French.

A micro-certificate is a formal way of recognizing the knowledge and skills that are very specific to the workplace or industry. It is often recognized with a badge: a digital representation of competencies that can be shared with a link to a platform that provides context and verification. The certificate will be awarded by the college or institute delivering the program at the end of the work placement.

The roles are very different. The supportive care assistant role was developed as part of a work integrated training program. Students will support personal care providers (PSW, HCA) and the health care team. The role is limited to non-clinical activities such as:

• Assisting with meals
• Assisting with cleaning and disinfecting
• Stocking materials required by clients and health care staff
• Making clients’ beds, cleaning their rooms and other areas
• Providing companionship, comfort, and support
• Assisting with and accompanying clients as they move about
• Participating in activities with clients

Personal care provider programs are much longer and as a result they have more responsibility and carry out more complex tasks, such as taking vital signs.

The Supportive Care Assistant Program is part of a national initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses the labour shortages in the long-term care sector. It is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program and is part of Colleges and Institutes Canada’s (CICan) Building Capacity in Long-term Care project.

You can make a request to the college or institute delivering the program. They may be able to place you and your friend with the same employer, but there is no guarantee that they would be able to accommodate your request.

During your online training, you will not be paid. Once you start your work placement, you will become an employee and any on-the-job training would be paid.

This will depend on jurisdiction, region, province, and employer. Employers are required to respect provincial working regulations and pay at least minimum wage.

You will complete an application with a college or institute delivering the program. You can find a list of institutions offering the program on our website.

Each college will consider your previous education including this program and what you have learned during your work placement when you apply for further education. Additionally, you will have to meet the admission requirements for that program. Each college and institute have upgrading programs if you need to take additional courses.

The Government of Canada has funded this program. This means that there is no tuition. In addition, there are no textbooks or equipment requirements. There is a limited number of bursaries available to help with costs related to childcare or other care of dependents.

However, there are some costs associated with the program and the work placement such as:

• Internet and computer access
• Fee for a criminal record check
• Any costs for immunizations
• Appropriate clothing and shoes for work placement (depends on the employer)

There may be additional requirements depending on the college or institute and the employer.

After completing the online training and your work placement, you will receive a micro-certificate. A micro-certificate is a formal way of recognizing the knowledge and skills that are very specific to the workplace or industry.

To be able to take this program you must be:

• At least 18 years of age
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada (international students cannot register)
• Legally entitled to work in Canada according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations
• Able to provide proof of English language ability (or French for francophone colleges). Each college will let you know their specific requirements but generally it will be equivalent to Grade 10 English.

In addition, you should:

• Have an interest in working with older adults and other people requiring assistance
• Be able to communicate effectively and have strong interpersonal skills
• Be friendly, flexible, and able to provide warm encouragement
• Have regular access to a PC or MAC computer with an internet connection and recent versions of Google Chrome or Internet Explorer installed
• Have basic computer skills
• Have access to transportation for work placement(s)
• Be available to work shifts (evenings/nights/weekends)
• Be physically able to stand/walk with some bending, twisting, and lifting

There are some requirements as part of the workplace. This will be different from employer to employer but all students will be required to have:

• A criminal background check with vulnerable sectors
• Updated immunizations

Please view the list on our website.