Program Highlights
Here's what you can expect to encounter in your education and career as a Health Care Aide:
- Health Care Aide - Role & Responsibility
- The Human Body, Health & Chronic Illness
- Communication & Documentation in the Health Care Environment
- Providing Person-Centred Care & Comfort
- Meeting Complex Care Needs
- Special Activities for Clients with Various Health Conditions
- Ethical practices and professionalism in all circumstances
Health Care Aide: What do HCAs do?
A Health Care Aide provides direct care to patients who are ill, elderly or disabled. Health Care Aides work in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and hospices
As a HCA, your day-to-day could include:
- Assisting patients with activities such as bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Helping patients with feeding or exercise
- Assisting with simple wound care, respiratory equipment use or urinary care
- Reporting on patient condition to Nurses or other staff
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.
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
Potential Salary
$33,150-$49,394*
$20/Hour Median.
Based on experience and employer.
*2021 data from ca.talent.com
320 Hour Practicum Placement
Get the on-the-job experience required for your certification, while developing the skills you have learned in class.
Many Health Care Aide graduates secure their first career position because of the experience gained during their practicum. In fact, ABES Grads often receive multiple job offers!
Your practicum gives you the real-world experience that employers seek, and allows you to network with peers and potential employers while builidng skills. We help our students find relevant practicums with our industry partners to ensure the best experience possible.
Video Testimonials
Hear about the experiences that recent ABES Health Care Aide graduates had before, during, and after the program.
The ABES College HCA Program helped Herbie achieve a career goal and gain better quality of life.
Manju, a Health Care Aide Grad, Discusses her experience before, during, and after ABES
Apply For This ProgramBegin your path towards a rewarding career
Refer A FriendEncourage your friends of family to apply
What Our Students Have to Say
Trust the Process
Studying at ABES College has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. The instructors and staff are a top-rate as they want their students to do well and they are very supportive in every step of the way. I am very thankful for all the staff of ABES College as they have been a part of my successful journey and I wouldn't achieve what I have achieved without the caring environment. One piece of advice I would like to give to future students is "just trust the process!"
Angelyn P.
Great School
ABES College is a great school! If you want a career in health care this is the place to go. They have a great reputation with CLS and Alberta Health Services. They will give you everything you need to start in health care down to scrubs to wear. I would recommend anyone to take a program here. The staff and teachers really care about students. They will help you reach your goals.
Vicky B.
Read More HCA Testimonials
What is the Job Outlook for Health Care Aides in Calgary?
Great news for Health Care Aides: There are plenty of opportunities for steady, high-paying positions available both now and in the future.
Health care workers in Alberta have less unemployment and higher wages than average. And according to a report released by the Government of Alberta, by 2025 there will be a shortage of over 5,300 Health Care Aides needed—making this a fast-growing and in-demand career.
In other words, if you’ve been searching for a career that will allow you to give your family a higher quality of life…or if you’re just ready to finally earn the kind of salary you deserve…becoming a Health Care Aide is a fantastic way to earn more money while making the world a better place.
Can I Qualify for Financial Aid?
Yes! More than 95% of applicants 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 qualify for some aid.
In short: if you’re worried about the cost of the program, 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.
Learn More About Financial Options
What Makes ABES Different from Other Schools?
We stand out from other schools for 3 big reasons:
- As a small, privately owned school, ABES guarantees hands-on training for every student.
- Unlike other schools, all our programs offer practicum in the Calgary area—making it easier for you to stay local. (Many students get their first job offer while they’re still on practicum)
- Finally, we stand out for our extensive connections in the medical community. Thanks to our relationships with local healthcare facilities and other prominent employers, our graduates have an easy road to employment.