Overview
SaskPolytech offers a continuing care assistant certificate program that helps students learn the
skills and knowledge to help them enter the workforce quickly into a high-demand career. As a
continuing care assistant, you’ll work directly with long-term care, home care, assisted living,
some areas in acute care, and even special needs classrooms. This course will give you the
knowledge for a face-to-face, people-focused job to help with mobility, personal care, assisting
them with their meals, and medication monitoring. The continuing care assistant program is a
one-year certificate program through a combination of hands-on classroom learning with
practical clinical experience available in a full-time or part-time course schedule. Clinical work
experience will help give you a taste of the work settings, and a great way to build your skills.
The hands-on approach to learning will help with:
- addressing individual psychosocial needs;
- administering personal care;
- dementia management strategies;
- gerontology (a major area of study);
- long-term care philosophy in different settings;
- promoting independence in a safe environment;
- working with individuals with different physical and cognitive impairments; and/or
- working with people of different culture
If the flexibility of part-time courses is more what you are looking for – courses are also available on a part-time basis or by distance.
Why Parkland College?
“The best thing about Parkland College is the location and small class sizes. The instructors are awesome and if you need extra resources they are available.
I would recommend the College because it opens door to a better career and life.”
– Deidra Missens
Tuition & Course Info
Tuition: Approx. $4,921.05
**International students: Please refer to International Student Admissions for tuition information.
Mandatory tuition and fees: Approx. $5,898.05
Books & Materials: Approx. $417.00
Cohort 1 Dates: September 5, 2023 – May 31, 2024
Cohort 2 Dates: February 5, 2024 – December 18, 2024
Length: 32 weeks
Location: Yorkton, SK
Courses
The program is made up of 16 theory courses, 3 clinicals, and several additional certificates (Food Safe, TLR, PART, First Aid/CPR)
| ANAT 100 BODY SYSTEMS | Students in this course study the structure of organs and systems in the human body and how they function efficiently. |
| CLIN 100 CLINICAL 1: SPECIAL CARE | In a long-term care setting, you will participate in a supervised clinical experience following the hours of work at that site. You will assist clients who require personal care/comfort. |
| CLIN 219 CLINICAL 2: SPECIAL CARE | In a long-term care setting, you will participate in a supervised clinical experience following the hours of work at that clinical site. You will provide care for clients who require assistance with activities of daily living. |
| COMM 197 HELPING SKILLS | COMM 291 is required before taking this course. The course studies how you will apply communication skills to facilitate a helping relationship with your clients, their families,significant others, other health care staff, as well as various other professionals. |
| COMM 291 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | You will develop employability skills through the study of interpersonal communications theory and applications in the workplace. Learning outcomes include the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and nonverbal messages, listening skills, creating positive communication climates, and resolving interpersonal conflict. |
| DEMC 100 DEMENTIA CARE | You will study the types, behaviours and assessment techniques for dementia. You will learn how to promote optimal levels of functioning throughout the disease progression and manage critical incidents. Issues related to institutional care placement and the impact dementia has on the family will be examined. |
| HUMD 187 HUMAN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT | Studies focus on the physical, social, intellectual and emotional aspects of human growth and development from infancy to old age. |
| SOCI 171 CULTURE AND DIVERSITY IN CANADIAN SOCIETY | You will explore culture and diversity in Canada and the challenges they present. You will discuss the impacts of oppression, multiculturalism, immigration, social inequalities, and social justice at both personal and professional levels. You will discuss the historical and contemporary challenges of Indigenous peoples. You will also examine tools to foster social change and diversity competencies. |
| SPCR 101 OBSERVING, REPORTING & RECORDING | Students learn written and oral communication skills required in the workplace, including basic medical terminology. |
| SPCR 102 END OF LIFE CARE | Your studies will cover death and dying in the Canadian context. You will study the basic needs and interventions of the dying client. You will also cover grief, the grieving process, and the impact of life-threatening illnesses on the family members. |
| SPCR 104 PERSONAL CARE 1 | You will have the opportunity to become skilled at assisting clients in meeting personal care needs. You will study infection control, body mechanics, bed making, positioning clients, range of motion, oral care, and assisting to feed clients. |
| SPCR 105 PERSONAL CARE 2 | Building on the skills you learned in Personal Care 1, you will become skilled at assisting clients in meeting personal care needs. You will study grooming and dressing, foot and nail care, and elimination care. |
| SPCR 106 INTRODUCTION TO CAREGIVING | You will examine the role of the Continuing Care Assistant as part of the interprofessional team and discuss the attributes that are required to be a successful team member. Client and family-centered care will be discussed with the use of effective communication to build rapport and trust. Safe practices will be explored to ensure safety for the client and caregiver. |
| SPCR 107 COMMUNITY CARE | You will learn how to promote client independence in a safe home environment. Examination of community resources will help you learn how to promote socialization for seniors. Nutritional challenges and activity for seniors will be discussed as well as the employment standards for working alone in home care. This course includes a 1 day observed community exercise. |
| SPCR 108 SPECIAL PROCEDURES | You will be introduced to the Continuing Care Assistant’s role in assisting with special procedures. You will learn about delegation and perform basic measurements and simple treatments. Client assessment will also be discussed. You will acquire the theory and skills required to assist clients who have post-acute surgical or medical conditions. |
| SPCR 192 PERSONAL COMPETENCE | Your studies will focus on the goals and philosophy of health care services in Saskatchewan. You will learn how these goals are reflected in the activities of the agency and on your role as a caregiver. You will learn about your role in providing care services within a multicultural dynamic setting. The course content also includes interprofessional work environments, personal health, employability skills, and types of abuse (for example: caregiver, neglect and abandonment, sexual and financial). |
| SPCR 284 SPECIAL NEEDS 1 | Studies focus on the basic needs and interventions of clients with disruptions in their sensory organs, body systems, and body functions. |
| SPCR 285 SPECIAL NEEDS 2 | Your studies will cover the basic needs and interventions of clients with infectious diseases, cancer, altered mental abilities, disruption in mental health, and alcohol and drug dependency. You will learn the specific care required for bariatric clients. |
Important Notes
- Clinical components involve shift work and travel. Some clinical placements may be located in communities outside the City of Yorkton. Travel arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the student. A driver’s license and vehicle are strongly recommended.
- Immunization records are required. To obtain a copy of your immunization records, contact your local public health office. You may require your immunization to be updated. All costs associated with vaccines will be the responsibility of the student.
- The passing grade for all theory courses is 60%.
- There is a Continuing Care Assistant attendance policy. This policy and other Saskatchewan Polytechnic academic policies will be followed.
- PLAR/Transfer Credit: For those with previous work, training or life skills related to this program, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) may be an option. To learn more about PLAR availability, visit the Saskatchewan Polytechnic website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Did You Know?
When you complete the Business, Office Administration, or Continuing Care Certificate at Parkland College your certificate will be issued by Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
When can I apply?
You can apply anytime for SaskPolytech certificate programs at Parkland College. However, please note that applicants are accepted on a first come/first qualified basis. Original transcripts are required for acceptance into a program. Applications can be sent without the original but will not be officially considered until all entrance requirements are met (original transcript included).
If a program runs full-time can I still take it on a part-time basis?
Yes, most of the programs are available on a class by class basis (for domestic students only). If you are interested in taking a program but can only do a few classes per semester we can create a schedule that will suit your needs. Some classes do have a prerequisite requirement and need to be taken in a certain order. We can help guide you through the process!
How do I apply for a program as an International Student?
Students can complete the online application form and pay the $140.00 processing fee. Applications must include secondary and post-secondary transcripts and documents. English proficiency results must also be attached.
Are there English language requirements for International Students?
All programs require an IELTS minimum 6.5 with no bands less than 5.5.
Will there be assignments and homework as part of the program?
Students will cover several courses in each semester and are responsible for assignments and studying. This will definitely require homework outside of class time.
Career Opportunities
Continuing Care Assistant graduates enjoy high employment rates. You could work in a home
care setting, long-term care facility, private care home, acute care facility, integrated facility,
supportive housing, or special needs classroom. You’ll work as part of a healthcare team under
the supervision of registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, or licensed practical nurses.
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 or successful completion of fifteen (15) post-secondary credits from a
recognized institution - English Language Requirement
- Applicants should have personal and physical suitability.
- Accepted applicants may be required to undergo an interview and will be required to
provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search prior to
entering the clinical component of the program. At the discretion of the clinical agency,
you may be declined access to a clinical placement based on the contents of the
Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost of the Criminal Record
Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility. - Standard First Aid and CPR Heart Saver ‘C’ AED or equivalent are required prior to entry
into clinical. - Accepted applicants are required to provide current immunization records.
- Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask
testing prior to entry into the clinical practicum. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is
your responsibility. - Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally
Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification
will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is
your responsibility. - Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current Transferring, Lifting and
Repositioning (TLR®) © certification, Professional Assault Response Training (PART®)
© Intermediate certification and Food Safe Level 1 Certification prior to entry into the
clinical practicum. Students are responsible for the costs of these certificates. - International students will require a co-op work permit to participate in the mandatory
CLIN 100 and CLIN 219 in this program. This will need to be in place by June 30.