Program Information

As integral members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, Personal Care Attendants are responsible for providing support to clients in all aspects of daily living through companionship, physical, spiritual and psychosocial care. Through the use of classroom instruction, skills development laboratories, and supervised practicums; the PCA educational program provides learners with the necessary skills to work with clients in a variety of institutionalized settings.  
 
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program, graduates will be able to: 

1. Provide holistic, client-centered care across the life-span.
2. Provide safe, competent, and ethical care that adheres to legislation, employer policies and procedures, scope of employment, educational program, evidence-informed practice, and ethical principles.
3. Adhere to workplace safety legislation, employer policies for maintaining a safe working environment, and procedures for responding to and reporting workplace safety concerns.
4. Communicate effectively with clients, families, and the health care team.
5. Respect cultural diversity of the client, family, colleague, and community.
6. Document in a clear, concise manner that is consistent with legal requirements, employer policies, and the provision of care.
7. Report pertinent information in a timely manner to appropriate health care team professionals.
8. Recognize the significance of professionalism, life-long learning, self-care, well-being, and safety in the role of the PCA. 

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates will have potential employment opportunities to work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a variety of institutionalized health care settings within Newfoundland and Labrador.

CERTIFICATIONS
Students must possess valid Standard First Aid with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) /Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to be eligible for graduation from the College.

In addition, students must complete on-line modules in Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) as well as Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

Note:  Students may be expected to incur costs associated with completion of the First Aid/CPR certification and the on-line modules in GPA and WHMIS.

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.  
 
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to speak with program faculty at the beginning of the program.
 
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Personal Care Attendant program requires the applicant to meet one of the following criteria:

1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate, possess a Grade 12 diploma or Grade 12 equivalency documentation.
Note: Preference will be given to students who have successfully completed a Grade 12 English course.
2. Adult Basic Education (ABE)   
Adult Basic Education (Level III)
Note: Preference will be given to students who have successfully completed a Grade 12 English course.
3. Mature Student Requirements 
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one (1) year and demonstrate Grade 12 literacy and numeracy equivalency to be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

Note: Before final acceptance is granted, the applicant must also complete the School of Health Sciences Student Information and Program Awareness Form, and submit the requested documentation, including: 

1. Current Certificate of Conduct obtained from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or local provincial/municipal forces, including the “Vulnerable Sector Check”. Documents must be within no more than two months prior to registration. Applicants with a criminal offence listed on their Certificate of Conduct may be denied admission.
2. Student Immunization Record, providing evidence that the applicant has received the required vaccinations / screening tests. Completion of the immunization record will require physician’s visits, blood tests, and a TB screening test (2 step); detailed instructions are included on the School of Health Sciences Student Information and Program Awareness Form. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are fulfilled, and the immunization record complete, before submission. Certain vaccinations require a series of immunizations over a period of time; it is therefore important to start the process as early as possible. The applicant is also responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, physician fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

Effective Academic Year 2020-2021 Applicants must also:

1. Provide two reference letters supporting entrance into the program. References cannot be provided by family members or friends. References may be provided by individuals such as:
   • Employers
   • Teachers/instructors
   • Representative from a volunteer agency  
2. Perform 20 volunteer service hours within the past two years. Volunteer service may include, but is not limited to:
   • Community agencies
   • School programs
   • Church groups
   • Charitable organizations
   Written verification is required for all volunteer hours.
3. Complete a one page written personal statement. Personal statements must address the following:
   • Reason(s) for interest in the program
   • Personal characteristics/skills/abilities that applicants bring to the program
   • Knowledge gained from volunteer experience(s)
4. Demonstrate English proficiency at a minimum of level eight. * Applicable only to applicants whose first language is not English.