Health Care Aide Certificate

Bow Valley College in downtown Calgary provides a student-centered, career-focused education designed for practical outcomes. Founded in 1965, the college emphasizes small classes, applied learning and strong support services, serving a diverse community with programs aligned to local and global labour needs. Its compact urban location gives students access to Calgary’s business and cultural scene while benefiting from a close-knit campus atmosphere.

Programs at Bow Valley prioritize employability through practicum placements, industry-relevant curricula and active partnerships with employers. Faculty and staff bring real-world experience to the classroom, and the college’s high graduate employment rate reflects its commitment to career-ready training. Support services, language instruction and workshops ensure students develop both technical skills and the intercultural competencies needed to succeed in multicultural workplaces.

International students will find resources to help with transition, including advising, orientation and opportunities to engage in volunteer and campus activities that build networks and professional experience. The college’s focus on affordability and transfer pathways also makes it attractive for those planning further study in Canada. If you want a practical, supportive environment with direct links to employment, Bow Valley College offers a purposeful route to skills, credentials and local industry connections.

The Health Care Aide Certificate at Bow Valley College is a non-degree program for students who want to care for individuals with various health care needs. This program takes one year to complete and is available in different delivery options, including full-time and part-time study.

The curriculum includes topics like personal care, assisting with mobility and nutrition, communication, and clinical skills. Students learn through a combination of on-campus labs, in-class learning, and clinical instruction in continuing care, acute care, and community/home care settings. They also gain practical experience through clinical placements.

Graduates can work as Health Care Aides, Personal Care Assistants, Home Health Aides, or Nursing Assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, or community care settings. They can also work in related industries like healthcare or social services.