Niitsitapi Health Care Aide Program
Health Care Aides are valued members of the health care team.
Health Care Aides are valued members of the health care team. They provide basic health services, assistance, and support with activities of daily living for individuals who have medical conditions or major functional limitations.
The one-year Niitsitapi HCA Certificate Program provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop skills required to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients, via direct care and support services.
A First Nation-infused program, that incorporates the Blackfoot language, culture, and traditions into the curriculum. The program is delivered using Work-Integrated Learning, focusing on theory and clinical skills, concurrently in a health care setting.
The program consists of 6 theory-based courses, 3 clinical placements and 1 block course to be delivered during orientation.
Curriculum
First-Nation developed, delivered, and administered. Licensed to deliver the Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Curriculum 2019.
Program Contact: Elissa Heavy Runner
elissah@mikaisto.com | 403-737-2400 Ext.8675
Admission Requirements
High School Diploma
Grade 11
English 20-1
Accuplacer assessment
Valid Immunization
Police Information Check
500 Word Essay
Certificate
The program consists of 10 courses to be delivered in-person, full time, over 2 semesters, including an orientation week. The practicum requirements are divided into 3 separate sections to be completed in various health facilities throughout Southern Alberta.
Graduation Requirement
Students must pass the Alberta Provincial HCA Examination to graduate from the program and receive a certificate. Details and fees associated with writing the provincial exam will be provided prior to registration in the Health Care Aide Program.
Courses
KS120 – Kainai Studies
HCA01 Health Care Aide Role & Responsibility
HCA02 – The Human Body, Health & Chronic Illness
HCA03 – Communication & Documentation in the Health Care Environment
HCA04 – Providing Person-Centered Care & Comfort
HCA05 – Clinical Placement I
HCA06 – Meeting Complex Care Needs
HCA07 – Special Activities for Clients with Various Health Conditions
HCA08 – Clinical Placement II
HCA09 – Consolidated Clinical Placement
Ready to Enrol?
Funding Available
Contact a Student Funding Advisor to complete the funding application process.
Note: Continuing students must apply for funding every academic year.
Main Campus: Campbell Eagle Child - campbelle@mikaisto.com / (403) 737-2400Satellite Campus: Gerald Wright - geraldw@mikaisto.com / (403) 327-6984
Funding is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you don't see your answer please contact:
Is there funding for this program?
Yes, funding is available through BTEST https://bloodtribe.org/index.php/btest-swep/
What are the Graduation Requirements?
Students must pass the Alberta Provincial HCA examination to graduate from the program and receive a certificate. Details and fees associated with writing the provincial exam will be provided prior to registration in the Health Care Aide program.