Health Care Aide Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

For information: 644-6370 or

For More Information on HCA PLAR
Health and Human Service Careers
Special Projects and Continuing Education Office
780.644.6369

The HCA PLAR process is for individuals currently employed as nursing attendants or personal support workers who believe they have the skills and knowledge to meet the standards for a Health Care Aide certificate. Students have six months to complete this self-study program. Start by giving us a call.

Once you have applied, you must complete a self-assessment audit. The Health Careers Continuing Education department will identify your knowledge and skill gaps.

Delivery methods

• Self-assessment audit and analysis
• Individualized study plan
• Self-study
• Assessment of knowledge and skills
• The following assessments can be done at your place of work or at NorQuest College, Edmonton campus. The assessments are completed in the following order:
  
  
  1. Theory assessment
  2. Skills assessment
  3. Final exam

Career Potential

Ninety-nine percent of our HCA graduates find jobs in the field. The range of wages for new graduates is between $10 and $18 per hour. You will be eligible for jobs in these areas:

• Continuing care institutions
• Home care agencies
• Group homes
• Lodges
• Assisted or supportive living
• Day programs
• Specialized care centres and programs
• Acute care hospitals
• Private care

Transferability

Your Health Care Aide education can be used to gain credit with NorQuest’s Practical Nurse program.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a self-assessment audit (obtained after application is made)
• Completion of language assessments (arranged upon application)
• Letter of proof of employment (provided with the application package)
• Statement of Understanding form (regarding the PLAR process and requirements)

Advanced Standing

Course work completed at another post-secondary institution may be equivalent to course work at NorQuest College. To be considered for advanced credit, a formal request for assessment is required. Request forms may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar and must be submitted one month prior to the start date of your program. Fees may apply. Please note that credit for previous course work is subject to limitations based on the time frame in which the work was completed.

Progression

Students must attain a pass grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses.

Credential

After successfully completing all program requirements, graduates will be awarded a NorQuest Health Care Aide certificate.

Tuition and Fees

Click here for 2008/2009 Tuition and Fees

Funding Your Education

Students in this program may be eligible for Alberta government funding including costs for tuition, books, and living expenses.

Program Outline (2008/09)

Last updated: April 29, 2008