Care aides who work in publicly funded care in BC must finish a recognized HCA program and be on the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
Steps from source.
| Detail | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry (registration required to work in publicly funded settings) | source |
| Requirements · Education | Recognized BC HCA program (one provincial curriculum) | source |
| Requirements · Checks | Criminal record check, TB screening, CPR, FOODSAFE, first aid; BC driver's licence and car for community work | source |
| Program length | 6 to 8 months of post-secondary education | source |
| Program cost | Varies by school; whole-program prices published by 12 schools range from $2,237 (Coast Mountain College (formerly Northwest Community College)) to $11,769 (CDI College). 2 other school(s) publish per-credit, per-term or per-year rates only; listed separately | source |
| Intakes | Varies by school (41 of 79 listed schools publish this). See each school’s row for dates checked in the last 45 days. | source |
| Exam | No provincial exam; registration on completion of a recognized program | source |
| Pay | Care Aide, HEU Facilities Grid 22: $31.64/h effective first pay period after Apr 1, 2026 HEU comprehensive report table shows $31.65 (rounding) | source |
| Other pay data | WorkBC median, home support workers: $24.50/h ($38,455/yr); nurse aides: $27.89/h | source |
| HCAP (province) | Health Career Access Program: hired first as Health Care Support Worker (paid orientation), then tuition-free HCA program with weekly living allowance equal to full-time HCSW pay; 12-month return of service or repay; Canadian citizen/PR only; apply by one expression of interest | source |
| HCAP: Vancouver Coastal | VCH HCAP: 100% of wages, tuition and books paid; long-term care/assisted living program total commitment 1.5 to 2 years; available 37.5 h/week; training seven to eight months; 12-month Return of Service after graduation | source |
| HCAP: Interior Health | Interior Health partner schools: NVIT, Selkirk, College of the Rockies, Okanagan, TRU, Sprott Shaw; English 10, Class 5/7N, Ministry of Health CRC | source |
| HCAP: Fraser Health | Fraser Health: HCSWs earn $21.37/h while in HCAP | source |
| HCAP: Island Health | Island Health HCAP: hired with no health-care experience, on-the-job training while in school; two pathways: health care assistant or mental health and addictions worker | source |
| HCAP: Northern Health | Northern Health HCAP: tuition and college fees paid plus stipend during 10 months of study, then return of service; citizens or PRs only; apply on a Health Care Support Worker training opportunity posting | source |
| Licence steps 1 | Criminal record check, TB screening, CPR, FOODSAFE, first aid; BC driver's licence and car for community work | source |
| Licence steps 2 | Recognized BC HCA program (one provincial curriculum) | source |
| Licence steps 3 | No provincial exam; registration on completion of a recognized program | source |
| Licence steps 4 | BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry (registration required to work in publicly funded settings) | source |
| Program cost | Whole-program prices published by 10 schools range from $2,237 (Coast Mountain College) to $11,769 (CDI College; tuition only). Other schools publish per-credit or per-term rates; see the school rows. | source, checked Nov 1, 2026 |
| School and city | Program and approval | Length | Intakes | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambria College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Cambria College Victoria · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Not published | Not published | not published source | Not listed |
| Cambria College Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Not published | Not published | not published source | Not listed |
| Camosun College Victoria · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant - ESL Health Care Assistant - Indigenous Registry: Full Recognition source | 750 hours over two academic terms (accelerated, full-time) | Start: January, May, September | $3,174 domestic / $14,151 international (est. whole program, 2026-27) | Program page |
| Capilano University North Vancouver · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 7 months (accelerated, full-time) | Start + application window: Spring 2027 (apply by Dec 1, 2026); Fall 2027 (apply Oct 6, 2026 to Aug 3, 2027) | $4,579 tuition + $1,872 fees = $6,451 domestic (year 1); $23,599 international | Program page |
| Capilano University Sechelt · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 7 months (accelerated, full-time) | Start + application window: Spring 2027 (apply by Dec 1, 2026); Fall 2027 (apply Oct 6, 2026 to Aug 3, 2027) | $4,579 tuition + $1,872 fees = $6,451 domestic (year 1); $23,599 international | Program page |
| CDI College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source | 24 weeks | Not published | $11,769 tuition; total $12,752 domestic (price list effective Aug 4, 2026: https://www.cdicollege.ca/files/pdf/pricelists/cdi-bc-dom-pricelist-updated-aug-2026.pdf) | Program page |
| Coast Mountain College (formerly Northwest Community College) Terrace · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 29 weeks (HCAP offerings: 8 months part-time blended) | Start: Next listed: Oct 2027, Feb 2028 (HCAP offering 12, Oct 19, 2026 to Jul 24, 2027, already under way) Corrected 2026-11-01: offering 12 started Oct 19, 2026; next intakes still on page | $2,237.06 domestic / $10,302.54 international | Program page |
| Coast Mountain College (formerly Northwest Community College) Smithers · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 29 weeks (HCAP offerings: 8 months part-time blended) | Start: Next listed: Oct 2027, Feb 2028 (HCAP offering 12, Oct 19, 2026 to Jul 24, 2027, already under way) Corrected 2026-11-01: offering 12 started Oct 19, 2026; next intakes still on page | $2,237.06 domestic / $10,302.54 international | Program page |
| College Educacentre College Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant in French- Préposé aux soins de santé (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| College of New Caledonia Prince George · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 1 year | Start: Spring 2027, Fall 2027 | Domestic: sponsored by the Ministry (tuition, student fees and supplies not charged; ~$800/week stipend) | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Quesnel · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 1 year | Start: Spring 2027, Fall 2027 | Domestic: sponsored by the Ministry (tuition, student fees and supplies not charged; ~$800/week stipend) | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Vanderhoof · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 1 year | Start: Spring 2027, Fall 2027 | Domestic: sponsored by the Ministry (tuition, student fees and supplies not charged; ~$800/week stipend) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Cranbrook · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 27 weeks | Start: April 19 to Nov 12, 2027; Sept 7, 2027 to Mar 24, 2028 | $2,485.35 domestic (2026/27) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Creston · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 27 weeks | Start: April 19 to Nov 12, 2027; Sept 7, 2027 to Mar 24, 2028 | $2,485.35 domestic (2026/27) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Fernie · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 27 weeks | Start: April 19 to Nov 12, 2027; Sept 7, 2027 to Mar 24, 2028 | $2,485.35 domestic (2026/27) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Golden · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 27 weeks | Start: April 19 to Nov 12, 2027; Sept 7, 2027 to Mar 24, 2028 | $2,485.35 domestic (2026/27) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Invermere · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 27 weeks | Start: April 19 to Nov 12, 2027; Sept 7, 2027 to Mar 24, 2028 | $2,485.35 domestic (2026/27) | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Campbell River · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Courtenay · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Maple Ridge · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Nanaimo · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Prince George · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Langford · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Kelowna · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Discovery Community College Vernon · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant ESL Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 804 hours (41-week certificate; 26-week Mon-Fri option at Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey) | Not published | $9,660.33 tuition; total $10,992.81 domestic | Program page |
| Douglas College Coquitlam · Public | Health Care Assistant Program Registry: Full Recognition source | Two semesters, 35 credits (full-time) | Start + application window: Applications listed for Winter 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027; domestic only | $121.40 per credit, domestic (Fall 2026 to Summer 2027 rate; fee bylaw PDF https://www.douglascollege.ca/sites/default/files/docs/Fees%20and%20Charges%20for%20Instruction.pdf) | Program page |
| Drake Medox College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | ESL – Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) ESL – Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Drake Medox College Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | ESL – Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) ESL – Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Not published | Not published | not published source | Not listed |
| Edison College Victoria · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Interim Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Elevare Career Institute Kelowna · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Program Registry: Full Recognition source | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Gateway College Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant – Accelerated Health Care Assistant – Access Health Care Assistant & Communication Year 2 (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant – Accelerated (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant – Access (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant & Communication Year 2 (recognized as an HCA ESL Program (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Heritage Community College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Heritage Community College Victoria · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Not published | Not published | not published source | Not listed |
| Kootenay Columbia College Burnaby · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Program Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University Langley · Public | Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source | 8 months full-time | Start: Fall (September) and Spring (January) | Price not published, ask provider | Program page |
| NEC Native Education College Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Merritt · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 30 weeks (52 credits) | Start: Fall and Spring terms | Price not published, ask provider | Program page |
| North Island College Comox Valley · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 6 months (Comox Valley, Campbell River); 8 months (Port Alberni) | Start: Winter (Comox Valley); applications open | $3,470 tuition; total $4,160 domestic full program Default tab of a 2026-27/2027-28 toggle; fee year not stated | Program page |
| North Island College Port Alberni · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 6 months (Comox Valley, Campbell River); 8 months (Port Alberni) | Start: Winter (Comox Valley); applications open | $3,470 tuition; total $4,160 domestic full program Default tab of a 2026-27/2027-28 toggle; fee year not stated | Program page |
| North Island College Campbell River · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 6 months (Comox Valley, Campbell River); 8 months (Port Alberni) | Start: Winter (Comox Valley); applications open | $3,470 tuition; total $4,160 domestic full program Default tab of a 2026-27/2027-28 toggle; fee year not stated | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Dawson Creek · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 745 hours, about 31-34 weeks full-time | Start: September and February (Dawson Creek, Fort St. John) | $2,784.81 tuition + $157.71 student fees + $342.38 instruction-related = $3,284.90 domestic; international $11,689.24 (NLC estimates; no fee year stated) | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Fort St. John · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 745 hours, about 31-34 weeks full-time | Start: September and February (Dawson Creek, Fort St. John) | $2,784.81 tuition + $157.71 student fees + $342.38 instruction-related = $3,284.90 domestic; international $11,689.24 (NLC estimates; no fee year stated) | Program page |
| Oxford International Education Group Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: New Program; Site Visit Pending source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Okanagan College Kelowna · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 6 months (24 instructional weeks) | Not published | $3,265 tuition; est. total $4,190 (Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm) or $4,074 (Vernon) | Program page |
| Okanagan College Penticton · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 6 months (24 instructional weeks) | Not published | $3,265 tuition; est. total $4,190 (Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm) or $4,074 (Vernon) | Program page |
| Okanagan College Salmon Arm · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 6 months (24 instructional weeks) | Not published | $3,265 tuition; est. total $4,190 (Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm) or $4,074 (Vernon) | Program page |
| Okanagan College Vernon · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 6 months (24 instructional weeks) | Not published | $3,265 tuition; est. total $4,190 (Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm) or $4,074 (Vernon) | Program page |
| SELC College Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Selkirk College Trail · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Access (within Post-Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Access (within Post-Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 30 weeks (10 theory, 10 theory/lab, 10 practice) | Start: Fall, Winter | $3,025 tuition; $3,908 with mandatory, SU and health/dental fees (2026/27) | Program page |
| Selkirk College Castlegar · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Access (within Post-Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Access (within Post-Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 30 weeks (10 theory, 10 theory/lab, 10 practice) | Start: Fall, Winter | $3,025 tuition; $3,908 with mandatory, SU and health/dental fees (2026/27) | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Abbotsford · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Price not published, ask provider | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Kelowna · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Start: September and January (Langley) source | not published no price on program page source | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Chilliwack · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Kamloops · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College New Westminster · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Nanaimo · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Penticton · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College East Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Vancouver · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Victoria · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Osoyoos · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Sprott Shaw College Salmon Arm · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant Upgrade (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated (recognized as an HCA ESL program) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 790 hours, 29 weeks (8 weeks clinical/practicum) | Monthly intake system | Not published | Program page |
| Stenberg College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant – International (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant – International (recognized as an HCA ESL Program) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 26 weeks incl. 8-week practicum | Start: January, May, September (next: September 2026) | Price not published, ask provider | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops · Public | Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source | 32 weeks | Start: Kamloops: September, January, May; Williams Lake: February | not published no price on program page | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake · Public | Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source | 32 weeks | Start: Kamloops: September, January, May; Williams Lake: February | not published no price on program page | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University - Open Learning Division Multiple Locations in British Columbia · Public | Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Universal Learning Institute Richmond · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| University of Fraser Valley Chilliwack · Public | Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source | 28 weeks full-time | Start: August and November (Chilliwack CEP); continuous applications source | $5,489.89 "Rough Estimate Cost" (year not stated) source | Program page |
| Vancouver Career College Burnaby · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Registry: Full Recognition source | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Vancouver Community College Vancouver · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant Diploma (International Cohort) Health Care Assistant Diploma (International Cohort) (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 8 months full-time (31 weeks) | Start: January, May, September | $3,155 domestic | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Duncan · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 24 weeks | Start: Next listed: Mar 1, 2027 (Cowichan); Sep 7, 2027 | $3,116.16 (6 x $519.36/month); total $4,907.48 incl. fees and ~$900 books (Nanaimo) | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Nanaimo · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 24 weeks | Start: Next listed: Mar 1, 2027 (Cowichan); Sep 7, 2027 | $3,116.16 (6 x $519.36/month); total $4,907.48 incl. fees and ~$900 books (Nanaimo) | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Powell River · Public | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | 24 weeks | Start: Next listed: Mar 1, 2027 (Cowichan); Sep 7, 2027 | $3,116.16 (6 x $519.36/month); total $4,907.48 incl. fees and ~$900 books (Nanaimo) | Program page |
| Western Community College Abbotsford · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant + ESL Health Care Assistant – Access Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Healh Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant - Access (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
| Western Community College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant + ESL Health Care Assistant – Access Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Healh Care Assistant ESL (Combined Delivery) Health Care Assistant - Access (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Not published | Not published | not published source | Not listed |
| Westminster College Surrey · Private (PTIB) | Health Care Assistant Program Health Care Assistant (Combined Delivery) Registry: Full Recognition source Combined delivery available | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | Listed on official registry: CACHWR recognized HCA programs | not published source | Not listed |
No. You register with the Care Aide Registry after finishing a recognized program. There is no provincial exam.
Yes, through the Health Career Access Program (HCAP). You are hired as a health care support worker, the HCA program is paid for and you get a living allowance. You then owe a return of service, and terms vary by health authority.
The HEU facilities wage for a care aide is $31.64 an hour from April 2026. WorkBC lists a $24.50 median for home support workers, a different and broader group.
It depends on the school. Many schools do not publish a figure, so the table below shows only the costs we could confirm.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.