How to Apply

To apply to the Health Care Assistant (HCA) program at Capilano University, please complete the following steps:

  1. Apply online for the program.
  2. Submit to the Registrar's Office all your transcripts and any other documents required for university admission: please review Admission & Registration. [Registrar's Office, Postal Address, North Vancouver campus]
  3. All students who are interested in the HCA program are strongly encouraged to attend a program information meeting.
  4. Submit to the HCA department all documents listed below in Admission Requirements. [Health Care Assistant Dept., Postal Address, North Vancouver campus]
  5. Once all required documentation has been approved and admission to the University has been granted, applicants will be contacted to arrange for their criminal record check. Please note: the required Criminal Record Check is arranged by Capilano University.
  6. Once the criminal record check clearance is received, applicants will be contacted. Please note: applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Program Information Meetings

Anyone interested in applying to the HCA program at Capilano University is strongly encouraged to attend a Program Information Meeting. At the meeting you will learn all about Capilano University, the HCA program, and the application process.

Admission Requirements

For acceptance to the HCA program, applicants must satisfy the following Admission Requirements:

  • Applicants must either: have BC Secondary School graduation; be minimum of 18 years of age with a minimum of grade 10 English; or, obtain Mature Student Status.
  • English Language Requirement, TOEFL/ELA/IELTS/CAEL/PTE for students whose primary language is not English: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): paper=560, computer=220, internet=83, or English Language Assessment (ELA)=145, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)=6.5 overall, and no one score less than 6, or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)=70, or Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)=56 or Capilano University ESLF 080 with a minimum B+ grade.
  • A covering letter (stating reasons for wishing to apply to this program.)
  • Resume
  • 3 written reference letters
  • Criminal Record Check required, see Application Notes below.
  • Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Admission/Application Notes

  • All students who are interested in the HCA program are strongly encouraged to attend a program information meeting.
  • Capilano University is required by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to carry out a Criminal Record Check under the Criminal Records Review Program for all applicants. The required Criminal Record Check is arranged by Capilano University. There will be a nominal fee payable by the applicant. Details will be provided at the information session or by request to the Department.
  • After acceptance to the program, students will be required to submit additional documentation as required by relevant health authorities. These items will be required before studnets can go on the clinical portion of the program (HCA 110 and HCA 112). At minimum, this encludes the following:
    - Standard first aid including CPR (level C) with Automated External Efibrillator (AED);
    - Medical clearance;
    - TB skin test and/or chest x-ray to rule out active TB;
    - Successful completion of Food Safe Level 1 within 3 years prior to program commencement.
  • The following are recommended:
    - WHMIS certification,
    - 40 hours of volunteer work at a Complex Care Unit.

Graduation Requirements

Students must obtain at least a C grade in each course with a cumulative GPA of 2.67 (B-) in order to graduate.

Contact the HCA Department

Email us: hca@capilanou.ca

Phone us: 604.984.4960

Visit us in person:

North Vancouver campus: 3rd floor of Cedar building

Sunshine Coast and Squamish campus: please visit reception

See also:

Students