Health Services: Continuing Care Assistant - Certificate

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Program Overview

Location(s):
  • Distance Learning
  • SIAST Woodland Campus, Prince Albert
  • SIAST Wascana Campus, Regina
  • SIAST Kelsey Campus, Saskatoon
Length: 30 weeks

Overview

Longer life expectancies, a growing population of senior citizens, more focus on outpatient treatment - these are some of the reasons for the increasing demand for continuing care assistants. Simply put, continuing care assistants are people who care for other people.

SIAST's Continuing Care Assistant program provides the knowledge and skills you need to move into this rewarding field. It is a one-year certificate program that combines hands-on classroom learning with practical clinical experience. Practicums provide direct experience in home care, long-term care, special care and acute care settings.

You will build knowledge and skills related to:

  • application of long-term care philosophy in different settings
  • addressing individual psychosocial needs
  • dementia management strategies
  • gerontology (a major area of study)
  • administering personal care
  • promoting independence in a safe environment
  • working with individuals with different physical and cognitive impairments
  • working with people of different cultures

Did you know?

The Continuing Care Assistant certificate program is offered on both a full-time and a part-time basis in various locations around the province. Many courses are offered through distance education. This means you can look after job and family responsibilities while getting the education you want.

How does it fit?

Continuing care assistants have been called "the eyes and ears of the frail and vulnerable, and their work requires compassion, patience and good "people skills. An upbeat attitude and a natural understanding of human behaviour are other valuable qualities; however, the most important asset is simply a desire to improve quality of life for others.

Career Opportunities

The demand for continuing care assistants is growing and so are the job opportunities. You could work in a home care setting, long-term care facility, private care home, acute care facility, integrated facility, supportive housing or special needs classroom.

Most continuing care assistants work for one of Saskatchewan's 12 regional health authorities or the Athabasca Health Authority. You're part of a health care team working under the supervision of registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and/or licensed practical nurses.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Admission Information

Admission Requirements

Note

  • Applicants should have personal and physical suitability.
  • Accepted applicants may be required to undergo an interview and to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check prior to entering the clinical component of the program. At the discretion of the clinical agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility.
  • Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver 'C' AED or equivalent are required prior to entry into clinical.
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide current immunization records.

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

  • 50 Arithmetic
  • 70 Reading
  • 70 Sentence

Post-Secondary Success

One year post-secondary studies, or successful completion of seven Continuing Care Assistant courses (minimum grade of 60%) that must include SPCR 180, SPCR 182, SPCR 192, ANAT 100, SPCR 100 (or a TLR certificate), and must not include SANT 181 or SFTY 194

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Factsheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.


Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

 

Courses

Semester 1

CodeCourse Name/DescriptionCredits
ANAT 100

Body Systems

You will receive a basic introduction to body systems. You will study the structure of organs and systems in the human body, and how they function efficiently.


Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 27

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 188, APHY 189, PERS 180

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard, Work Based Delivery

2
CLIN 100

Clinical-1 Special Care

In a long term care setting, you will participate in a supervised clinical experience following the hours of work of that site. You will assist clients who require personal care/comfort.


Credit Units: 7

Other Hours: 105

Prerequisites(s): ANAT 100, SPCR 100, SPCR 180, SPCR 182, SPCR 192

Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 101

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum

7
COMM 291

Interpersonal Communications

You will develop employability skills through the study of interpersonal communications theory and applications in the workplace. Learning outcomes include the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and nonverbal messages, listening skills, creating positive communication climates and resolving interpersonal conflict.


Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 30

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 112, COMM 135, COMM 155, COMM 160, HUMR 182, JOBS 190, NEPS 114, NURS 114

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Televised/SCN, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard, Work Based Delivery

2
DEMC 183

Dementia Behaviour

Your studies will address causes, stages and behaviours of dementia, behaviour mapping techniques and interventions that promote optimal level of functioning.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

3
SANT 181

FOODSAFE Level 1

You will learn sanitary food handling techniques that reduce the risk of food poisoning. You will receive a Food Safe certificate from the Department of Health provided you receive a grade of 70% or higher.


Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 9

Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 111

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Televised/SCN, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

1
SFTY 194

Professional Assault Response Training (PART) ©

You will participate in professional assault response training to provide you with defensive and preventive skills. Upon successfully completing the course, you will receive a Professional Assault Response Training (PART) © certificate from Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health (SASWH).


Credit Units: 1

Other Hours: 12

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

1
SPCR 100

Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) ©

You will participate in activities to move and position clients/objects in health care settings using minimal physical effort and maximizing the use of mechanical aids and equipment. The course focuses on client/caregiver safety. You will receive a Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) © certificate from Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health (SASWH) upon successfully completing the course.


Credit Units: 1

Other Hours: 8

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

1
SPCR 101

Observing, Reporting, and Recording

You will learn written and oral communication skills required in the work place. The course content includes basic medical terminology, message communication, observing and reporting on client’s status, client and personal work plans.


Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 22

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 198

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

1
SPCR 180

Safe Environment

You will learn how to promote client independence in a safe, comfortable and pleasant environment. You will study fire safety, emergency response and WHMIS.


Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 15

Equivalent Course(s):

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

1
SPCR 182

Personal Care

You will have the opportunity to become skilled at assisting clients in meeting personal care needs. You will study infection control, body mechanics, bed making, grooming and dressing, oral care, foot and nail care, feeding clients, bowel and bladder care, turning and positioning clients and range of motion exercises.


Credit Units: 4

Lecture Hours: 36

Lab Hours: 30

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 161

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

4
SPCR 192

Personal Competence

Your studies will focus on the goals and philosophy of Health Care Services in Saskatchewan. You will learn how these goals are reflected in the activities of the agency and on your role as a caregiver. You will learn about your role in providing care services within a multicultural dynamic setting. The course content also includes interprofessional work environments, personal health, employability skills, and types of abuse (for example: caregiver, neglect and abandonment, sexual and financial).


Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 33

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 113

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard, Work Based Delivery

2
SPCR 284

Special Needs 1

Your studies will cover the basic needs and interventions of clients with disruptions in their sensory organs, body systems (i.e. cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological and endocrine) and body functions (i.e. genitourinary and gastro-intestinal).


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 291

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

3

Semester 2

CodeCourse Name/DescriptionCredits
CLIN 219

Clinical-2 Special Care

In a long term care setting, you will participate in a supervised clinical experience following the hours of work of that clinical site. You will provide care for clients who require assistance with activities of daily living.


Credit Units: 7

Other Hours: 110

Prerequisites(s): CLIN 100, COMM 197, COMM 291, DEMC 183, DEMC 280, HUMD 187, NUTR 198, SANT 181, SFTY 194, SPCR 101, SPCR 102, SPCR 103, SPCR 184, SPCR 285

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum

7
CLIN 232

Clinical-3 Home Care/Community Services

In the home care/community services clinical setting, you will work under the supervision of a buddy or a staff member. You will demonstrate employability skills, comply with agency policies and procedures, communicate effectively, provide basic client care, and ensure client and personal safety.


Credit Units: 3

Other Hours: 40

Prerequisites(s): CLIN 100

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum

3
COMM 197

Helping Skills

You will utilize a communication framework to facilitate a helping relationship with your clients.


Credit Units: 1

Other Hours: 18

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 160, COMM 293, HUMR 186, NEPS 112, NURS 163

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

1
DEMC 280

Dementia Family Care

You will learn how those with dementia are assessed and how to intervene in emergency situations. You will discuss environments and issues related to institutional care placement and the impact dementia has on families.


Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 21

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 116

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

1
HUMD 187

Human Growth and Development

You will learn the physical, social, intellectual and emotional aspects of human growth and development from infancy to old age. You will also study the effects of aging on society.


Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 27

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 216

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

2
NUTR 198

Nutrition

You will learn normal nutritional requirements based on Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide. The course content also includes exploring how to maintain optimal nutritional balance for your clients.


Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 27

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

2
SPCR 102

End of Life Care

Your studies will cover death and dying in the Canadian context. You will study the basic needs and interventions of the dying client. You will also cover grief, the grieving process and the impact of life threatening illnesses on the family members.


Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 17

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

1
SPCR 103

Assisting with Special Procedures

You will be introduced to the Continuing Care Assistant’s role in assisting with special procedures. You will learn how to delegate, carry out basic measurements, perform simple treatments and be introduced to client assessment. You will also learn the Continuing Care Assistant’s role in assisting clients with medications.


Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 20

Lab Hours: 6

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

2
SPCR 184

Post Acute Care

You will acquire the theory and develop the skills needed to help clients meet their needs in the post acute care phase. This may include post surgical clients or clients with recent acute medical conditions.


Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 23

Lab Hours: 4

Prerequisites(s):

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 212

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

2
SPCR 285

Special Needs 2

Your studies will cover the basic needs and interventions of clients with infectious diseases, cancer, altered mental abilities, disruption in mental health, alcohol dependency and drug dependency.


Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 30

Prerequisites(s): SPCR 284

Equivalent Course(s):

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

2

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SIAST is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training, recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise and innovation. Through program and course registrations, SIAST serves 26,000 distinct students with programs that touch every sector of the economy. SIAST operates campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and provides a number of courses and programs through distance education.

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