Government tuition assistance: HCA training program

Government Funded Free Study Nursing Assistant Training Program

Western Community College is a proud partner of the Canadian College of Health Information Management (College). The College is a national not-for-profit corporation that sets accreditation standards for educational institutions in Canada and certification standards for health information professionals.

Through community partnerships and support from the Government of British Columbia, Western Community College is proud to offer 100% government-funded education to eligible applicants beginning in early 2022. These programs are market-driven, demand-driven, and student success-focused. During each program, students will receive a combination of a Western Community College education, basic skills training through one of our community partners, and employment support. (https://tinyurl.com/4rpr72cz)

We currently have two government fully funded nursing training programs open to everyone:

1: Skills Training for Employment (STE) Program for Medical Office Assistants

This is a 28-week dual-certificate free program designed for those who want to become certified and qualified to work as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) who is specifically trained in acute care. Combination of online and in-person classes Training begins Monday through Friday, April 7, 2025, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (https://tinyurl.com/4rpr72cz)

This free dual-certificate professional training program is designed for students who wish to obtain Health Care Assistant (HCA) certification and receive training in the acute care specialty. HCAs provide specialized care and supervision to client residents with complex health challenges in protective and supportive health care environments.

Program Eligibility Requirements:

▸ Resident of British Columbia

▸ Canadian Citizen

▸ Permanent Resident

▸ Convention Refugee with legal right to work in Canada

▸ Currently unemployed or underemployed participants with some experience in the industry

▸ Grade 12 or 19 years of age or older with evidence of three years of full-time English instruction and Grade 10 English instruction, or evidence of English proficiency requirements through TOEFL, IELTS, CLB, CELPIP

▸ Clear criminal record check

This free dual certificate program is for:

Individuals who self-identify as facing two or more barriers to employment, such as:

▸ Lack of recent and/or Canadian work experience

▸ Lack of basic employability skills

▸Individuals who belong to the following groups: Minorities, Newcomers, Refugees; At-risk Youth; Older Workers; Survivors of Violence and/or Abuse;

2: Skills Training for Employment (STE) Program for Medical Office Assistants

This is a free 16-week program designed for those who want to work as a Medical Office Assistant (MOA). (https://tinyurl.com/4rpr72cz) The Medical Office Assistant (MOA) course will provide students with the knowledge and training they need to be successful in a medical office. Students will learn how to communicate accurately with medical professionals and patients. They will learn skills to perform office duties in a medical office or clinic, such as medical billing, medical transcription, and medical office procedures. The course includes an 80-hour internship.

A combination of online and in-person classes, training begins on May 12, 2025 (Monday-Friday) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (https://tinyurl.com/4rpr72cz) This free professional training program is designed for students who want to work as a Medical Office Assistant (MOA). They will learn the skills to perform office duties in a medical office or clinic, such as medical billing, medical transcription, and medical office procedures in order to be successful in a medical office. (https://tinyurl.com/4rpr72cz)

Program Eligibility Requirements:

▸ BC Residents

▸ Canadian Citizens

▸ Permanent Residents

▸ Convention Refugees with the legal right to work in Canada

▸ Currently unemployed or underemployed participants with some experience in the industry

▸ Grade 12 or 19 years of age or older with evidence of 3 years of full-time English-speaking secondary education or a standardized language test.

This free program is open to the following:

Individuals who self-identify as facing two or more barriers to employment, such as:

▸ Lack of recent and/or Canadian work experience

▸ Lack of basic employment skills

▸Individuals who belong to the following groups:

People of color, new immigrants, refugees; at-risk youth; older workers; survivors of violence and/or abuse;

I hope this information can provide you with valuable references and help you take a solid step in your learning journey. May you continue to grow in this process, gain knowledge and skills, and achieve your goals.