Offered at Surrey Campus

Start date: August and January (Full-time)

Description

The Resident Care Attendant program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary to function as a front-line caregiver in a residential care facility. The graduate is prepared to provide care to older adults experiencing diverse, often complex but relatively stable health and illness needs.

Graduates are prepared to function collaboratively as members of a multi-disciplinary health care team. Graduates work under the direction and supervision of an appropriate health professional.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to work in a variety of community or residential care facilities, for example: Adult Day Care, Intermediate, Extended and Special Care Units.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the regular Kwantlen University College requirements, the following specific prerequisites also apply to the Resident Care Attendant program:

• Acceptable english language assessment score as determined by established program criteria*
• Upon acceptance to the program additional admission requirements need to be completed prior to entering. These include:
• satisfactory medical assessment by a physician completed within 6 months prior to entry into the program.
• two supportive employment references or letters of recommendation from persons in a responsible position (excluding family).
• a criminal record search completed within three months prior to enrolling in the program.
• immunization consistent with the requirements of clinical agencies.
• two supportive employment references or letters of recommendation from persons in a responsible position (excluding family).
• a valid First-Aid Certificate and CPR level C.

Examples of first aid courses that qualify are:

• St. John's Ambulance standard Enhanced or Emergency First Aid for Adult Residential Care.
• An interview with the Program Coordinator or designate may be required for final acceptance.

*If the applicant's first language is not English and he/she has taken less than 9 years of education in Canada then the recommended procedure is to take the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) with a minimum score of 55 required for program consideration. An interview may be required. If an applicant's first language is English, a CAT exam is required.

Students in the Resident Care Attendant program are required to demonstrate the ability to perform a variety of cognitive, emotional and psycho-motor skills safely and knowledgeably. Students with physical, intellectual or emotional disabilities are obligated to contact the Coordinator of the Resident Care Attendant program to discuss the required skills and competencies.

Requirements for Re-admission

To be considered for re-admission to the Resident Care Attendant program, the applicant must:

• Complete any remediation specified at the time of withdrawal.
• Meet the original admission requirements at the date of re-application.
• Re-entry will be based upon seat availability. Returning students will be individually assessed to determine the most appropriate placement in the program at the time of re-entry.

Content

(The Curriculum is Currently under Review)

The program is 19 weeks in length. There are two intakes per year, scheduled for August and January.

The student will spend an approximate total of 600 hours in a variety of learning environments over the program length, including classroom, nursing laboratory, and resident care facilities. They will be expected to do both daytime (0700-1500) and evening (1500 - 2300) shifts.

The last 3 weeks of the program will be a full-time work experience in an extended care setting.

HSCI 1100 Lifestyles and Choices for Wellness

HSCI 1120 Health and Healing

HSCI 1140 Communication Skills in Health Care

RCAR 1201 Personal Care Skills for Resident Care

RCAR 1210 Work Role

RCAR 1220 Clinical Practice

RCAR 1231 Changes in Mental Functioning

RCAR 1300 Resident Care Attendant Practicum

Costs

In addition to tuition fees, students will spend approximately $1,500 for textbooks, course materials, uniforms and shoes, transportation and parking, etc. during the program. Students are also responsible for providing their own transportation to clinical experiences.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Resident Care Attendant Citation.