Medical Assistant Courses at CDI College
Program Name:
Health Care Assistant
| Abuse |
| Course Number |
ABEE |
| Credits |
9.0 |
Students are introduced to concepts of family violence and abuse, including possible signs and actions to be taken if abuse is suspected. |
| Assisting the Family |
| Course Number |
AFME |
| Credits |
18.0 |
An understanding of the influence of cultural values, practices, religious beliefs, as well as the effects of illness, stress and disability on family relationships will be emphasized. |
| Assisting to Manage Ongoing Conditions |
| Course Number |
AMOE |
| Credits |
33.0 |
This course promotes understanding of the effects of disability, disease or special conditions so as to be able to provide appropriate assistance. |
| Assisting with Medications |
| Course Number |
AMSE |
| Credits |
12.0 |
Topics in this course include identifying purposes of medication, the required instruction/information about medications to be administered, and cautions with regard to medications. |
| Assisting a Person with Mobility |
| Course Number |
AMYE |
| Credits |
18.0 |
Practice good body mechanics in the many aspects of work performed to ensure safety and comfort to the client and self. |
| Assisting a Person Who Is Dying: Palliative Care |
| Course Number |
AWDE |
| Credits |
22.0 |
This course introduces the concept of dying as a part of life and the possible impact of life-threatening illness on the person and their family. |
| Dementia Care 1: Cognitive Impairment and Mental Health Issues |
| Course Number |
DC1E |
| Credits |
35.0 |
This part of the program explores disorders of the Nervous System. Students will gain knowledge, skill and comprehension of the interventions necessary to care for clients with cognitive and mental disabilities. |
| Dementia Care 2: Psychogeriatrics |
| Course Number |
DC2E |
| Credits |
30.0 |
This part of the program explores common psychogeriatric disorders and examines ways of promoting positive mental health for the elderly. Students will gain the knowledge and skill necessary to understand and care for residents with cognitive and mental disorders related to aging, while promoting postive mental health. |
| First Aid / Cpr / Food Safe / Whimis |
| Course Number |
FCWE |
| Credits |
25.0 |
In this segment students receive training for the various certifications required to work in the industry. |
| Household Management, Food Safety and Meal Preparation |
| Course Number |
HMME |
| Credits |
18.0 |
Students learn to assist the client with their nutritional needs, household activities and household management according to client preferences. |
| Individuality of the Person |
| Course Number |
IPNE |
| Credits |
15.0 |
This part of the program introduces students to the client/resident as a unique individual whose experience, family, and freedom of choice is an integral part of how they see and receive health care services. |
| Interpersonal and Communication Skills |
| Course Number |
ISCE |
| Credits |
22.0 |
This part of the program focuses on the communication and interpersonal skills essential to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, clients’ family members, and other members of the health care team. |
| Optimal Support / Care Planning |
| Course Number |
OSPE |
| Credits |
28.0 |
This section of the program stresses to the student how to provide sufficient support to assist clients to do what they wish without inhibiting them. |
| Personal Care and Hygiene |
| Course Number |
PCHE |
| Credits |
38.0 |
Students learn about the structure, function, aging changes and common conditions of the skin. |
| Role of the Resident Care Attendant |
| Course Number |
RCAE |
| Credits |
18.0 |
In this course the students will learn about the various tasks and duties that are carried out by the resident care attendant. This part of the program provides perspective into the working environment and the demands faced by the RCA. |
| Safety |
| Course Number |
SFYE |
| Credits |
9.0 |
In this segment of the program students learn to identify unsafe situations and take steps to reduce and prevent injury to the client, themselves and other members of the health care team. |
| Career and Employment Strategies |
| Course Number |
CESE |
| Credits |
25.0 |
his course looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview. |
| Practicum |
| Course Number |
PRAC |
| Credits |
100.0 |
This program includes a practicum component consisting of a specified number of weeks of work at a job site. This practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement and the business organization does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum. The number of practicum hours varies between programs. To learn more about the specific practicum hours for a specific program, speak with an Admissions Representative. |
| Student Success Strategies |
| Course Number |
SSSE |
| Credits |
25.0 |
This course will introduce students to skills and concepts that will help them achieve personal, academic, and career success. |
Program description: Health Care Assistants (HCAs) provide support for patients with physical or mental health issues who need permanent or temporary care in facilities such as retirement homes, hospices, group homes, and long-term care facilities. Health Care Assistants are an invaluable part of the Canadian healthcare system.
CDI College's HCA program teaches students to respond to the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of the client, to assist the client in interacting with family members, and to support the client's personal care such as bathing and hygiene. Students put the classroom work into practice as part of the mandatory 360-hour practicum placement, which will equip them with the real-world skills they need succeed.
Graduates of the program become skilled communicators who are able to listen and understand their clients while providing exceptional healthcare services. To graduate with an HCA diploma, students must complete 360 hours of clinical training. Combined with the Career and Employment Strategies and Student Success Strategies courses, the RCA program equips graduates with the knowledge and techniques to create a successful career in the healthcare industry