Health Care Aide Certificate Program

Applicants are eligible for standard admission into a licensed HCA program if they meet all of the following criteria:

1. Completion of one of the following academic English requirements:
   • English 20-1 or 20-2 with a minimum score of 60% achieved or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent.
   • English 30-1 or 30-2 with a minimum of 55%; or Canadian jurisdiction equivalent, such as a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma; General Education Development-test (GED); or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).
   • Deemed equivalent by completion of Next-Generation ACCUPLACER (assessment placement test) reading and writing tests, with a minimum score of 237 in each category. The math test is not required.
     • Note: Students who have not met the ELA requirement (i.e., 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, or 30-2 English level) with the minimum grade are subject to completing the Next- Generation ACCUPLACER assessment test. This can include students out of province, out of country, or mature students that have been out of school for a significant length of time.
2. Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program.
   • Be able to communicate, research and understand information
   • Know how to use computer to surf web, email
   • Be able to critically evaluate and understand how technology can affect one’s behavior
   • Be able to create, produce content and effectively communicate using email, media, internet.

Candidates where English is a Second Language (ESL) must meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement in addition to the Academic English requirement.

Equivalencies are as follows:

• Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development-test (GED)) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).
• Attending high school in Canada. Studies must have been in English at an approved Canadian high school (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) with at least three consecutive years of full-time academic study.
• Attending two consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English in a subject other than an HCA program at a Canadian institution. 
• Submitting one of the following approved ELP tests:
  • IELTS Academic: Overall 6 (no individual band below 5.5)
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall score 71
  • CELPIP General: Overall score 7 (with no section score below 6)
  • CLB: Level 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and not an average of 7.
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): Score 95
  • CELBAN: Level 7 in each of the 4 language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and not an average of 7.

Additional considerations:

• MaKami College supports multiple entry points and may recommend upgrading, preparatory studies, or conditional admission, where appropriate.
• Official test results must be submitted directly to the institution.
• Test Currency: Results must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program.
• Test Validity: IELTS (Academic) and TOEFL results are valid for two years from the day of testing. Results that expire prior to the Start Date of the program will not be accepted.

Applicants may be eligible for admission through a transfer pathway based on prior post-secondary education.

Transfer pathways may include:

1. a) Internal Program Transfers

• Students from MaKami HCA programs may transfer into another MaKami HCA cohort, subject to:
  • Program equivalency
  • Academic standing
  • Credit transfer eligibility
  • Institutional approval

1. b) External Transfer Agreements

• Applicants who have completed coursework at recognized post-secondary institutions offering the same Government of Alberta HCA Provincial Curriculum will be considered for admission and/or advanced standing through the Government of Alberta HCA Provincial Curriculum & Licensing Policies.

1. c) Transfer Alberta

• Transfer credit will be granted in accordance with Transfer Alberta guidelines and the Government of Alberta HCA Provincial Curriculum & Licensing Policies.

• Transfer decisions are subject to:

• Government of Alberta HCA Provincial Curriculum & Licensing Policies.

• • Transfer Alberta equivalency listings
  • Institutional policies
  • Program-specific learning outcomes

Transfer credit does not guarantee admission and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants still are required to meet the program admission standards.

Applicants may be considered for admission and/or advanced standing through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

PLAR recognizes knowledge and skills gained outside of formal education, including but not limited to:

• Work experience
• Professional certifications or licenses
• Military training
• Volunteer experience
• Non-credit training or workshops

PLAR assessment methods may include:

• Portfolio review
• Skills demonstration
• Challenge exams
• Interviews or competency validation

PLAR decisions are made in accordance with Government of Alberta HCA Provincial Curriculum & Licensing Policies, the Health Care Aide Provincial Program Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Guides and institutional policy, and may result in:

• Admission eligibility
• Granting of course credits
• Requiring the completion of full program