Health Care Aide Program in Calgary
What do HCAs do?
A Health Care Aide provides direct care to patients who are ill, elderly or disabled.
- Helping patients with activities such as bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Helping patients with feeding or exercise
- Assisting with simple wound care, respiratory equipment or urinary care
- Reporting on patient condition to nurses or other staff
Sometimes referred to as a nursing assistant course or a personal support worker certificate, an HCA program will equip you with the tools you need to work alongside medical professionals.
With current and projected future shortages of Health Care Aide workers in Alberta, your skills will be in high demand anywhere you would like to work. Enroll in our HCA course in Calgary today to start your career in healthcare assistance.
*Source: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/18329/ca
Campus Experience
The ABES College campus is conveniently located off Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive, near Calgary’s inner city.
During your Health Care Aide program, you’ll visit campus regularly for instruction and hands-on training as your work towards earning your certification.
When you attend the HCA program at the ABES Campus, you’ll form strong relationships with your instructors and fellow students. And, as you work towards a practicum placement and future employment as a certified Health Care Aide, these relationships will help you get in contact with the best healthcare employers in Alberta.
Our campus is friendly, clean, and inclusive. Being comfortable in your surroundings is key to your overall course experience and learning, and we do all we can to ensure you feel welcome and safe when you’re here.
Career Opportunities
Find a HCA career in the following fields and locations:
- Hospitals
- Long-term Care Facilities
- Facility Hospices
- Private Home Care
- Senior Living Facilities
- Community Clinics
Get On-The-Job Health Care Aide Experience
ABES offers a 320-hour practicum placement with a qualified Alberta health care employer.
Many graduates of our HCA certificate in Alberta secure their first career position because of the experience gained during their practicum. In fact, ABES graduates often receive multiple job offers when they complete their certificate!
As a key part of your Health Care Aide certification, your practicum gives you the real-world experience employers seek and allows you to network with peers and potential employers while building important skills. We help our students find relevant practicums with our industry partners in Calgary and other cities in Alberta to ensure the best experience possible. Not only is our HCA course in Calgary a great medical course to consider, but you are also guaranteed to gain key work experience outside the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Health Care Aide (HCA) program take to complete at ABES College?
What kind of training and experience will I get during the Health Care Aide (HCA) program?
You’ll receive a blend of in-person and virtual classroom instruction along with hands-on training at the ABES campus. The program also includes a 320 hour practical placement with an Alberta healthcare employer, giving you valuable real-world experience and a chance to build industry connections.
What types of jobs can I get as a Health Care Aide?
Graduates of the HCA program are prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Senior living communities
- Hospices
- Private home care
- Community clinics
Most graduates receive multiple job offers after completing their practicum.
What makes ABES College’s HCA program different?
ABES stands out because:
- Every student gets hands-on, skills-based training.
- All practicums are arranged locally in the Calgary area, often leading to job offers before graduation.
- ABES maintains strong connections with healthcare employers, giving graduates a direct path to employment.
Can I Qualify for Financial Aid?
Many applicants—such as those with children, those who didn’t work last year, and those who recently arrived in Canada—will qualify for free grants automatically, and even those with a high income will usually be eligible for some aid.
In short: if you’re worried about the cost of a health care aide certification, schedule a time to chat with an Admissions Advisor. They can help give you a better idea of how much financial aid you will qualify for.
What Makes ABES Different from Other Schools?
- ABES guarantees hands-on and exercise-based training for every student
- Unlike other schools, all our programs offer practicums in the Calgary area—making it easier for you to stay local. Plus, many students get their first job offer while still on practicum.
- Finally, we stand out due to our extensive connections in the community. Thanks to our relationships with local healthcare facilities and other prominent employers, our graduates have an easy road to employment.