Program Details

CSTP 100 - Role and responsibilities of a health care attendant
Throughout this course, you will explore the role and responsibilities of a caregiver working in a variety of employment settings. The objective of this course is to share information that will result in safe, ethical and respectful care based on the needs of the client. Care that meets these standards is commonly referred to as person-centred care. To achieve the goal of person-centred care, the caregiver must be familiar with provincial legislation governing safe, ethical and personalized care. In addition, knowing how to work as part of a health care team is as essential as the ability to follow not only your employer's policies and procedures, but also your job description. Caregivers are responsible for identifying, managing and preventing potential environmental hazards in healthcare and community settings, while paying particular attention to their own and the client's safety in different contexts. Note: Students must obtain a passing grade of at least B- to continue in the program.

CSTP 101 - Communication and documentation in a healthcare environment
This course will focus on the caregiver's role and responsibilities in effective communication as a member of a collaborative care team. Strong communication skills are required to be an effective caregiver. The healthcare environment requires verbal, written and electronic communication skills that fall under the umbrella of digital literacy. This course will focus on professional communication between team members, clients and their families: written communication, including adding documentation to client files and submitting reports; problem-solving strategies; positive conflict management. We will also pay particular attention to effective communication with clients from all cultures, demonstrating a high level of cultural competence and understanding of diversity. Communication strategies to overcome the challenges and barriers to communication caused by illness and aging will also be discussed. Note: Students must obtain a passing grade of at least B- in order to continue in the program.

CSTP 110 - The human body, health and chronic disease
In this course, you'll study the systems that make up the human body and discuss the key stages of growth and development over the course of a lifetime. You'll read about and discuss the most common chronic diseases, so you can understand how to provide the best evidence-based care for your clients' diagnoses, needs and care plans. The content learned in this course will provide you with care strategies to support your client and family throughout the end-of-life process. Note: Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of B- to continue in the program.

CSTP 120 - Providing person-centred care
In this course, the student will learn how to support clients in maintaining their independence while meeting their needs according to individual care plans. The student will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to provide clients with daily toileting and hygiene care, and assistance in the safe use of mobility aids and wheelchairs. The student will learn new ways to coordinate the transportation and transfer of clients, always with an emphasis on client safety and comfort. At the end of the course, the student will have acquired an excellent basic knowledge of how to meet the nutritional needs of clients and comply with the strict guidelines for safe food handling, as stipulated by provincial legislation. Note: Students must obtain a passing grade of at least B- to continue in the program.

PSSTC 150 - Integrated clinical internship I
Under the direction of a licensed health care professional, the student will work in a continuing care setting, such as home care, a seniors' residence, a long-term care facility or a nursing home, providing person-centred care and support to clients and their families. Note: Students must obtain a minimum passing grade of B- to continue in the program.

CSTP 121 - Meeting complex needs
This course builds on the fundamental skills and concepts introduced in previous courses and also introduces new skills to students, who will have the opportunity to acquire the necessary advanced knowledge and skills such as active and passive range-of-motion exercises, wound care, intubation feeding, catheter-based care, ostomy care, specimen collection and respiratory care. In addition, accurate measurement of vital signs is demonstrated, practiced and evaluated. This course will also enable students to provide medication safely, within a framework of respect for the legal roles and responsibilities of health care aides as stipulated by the province. This course is included in the provincial standards for employment preparation for health care aides. Note: Students must obtain a passing grade of at least B- to continue in the program.

PSSTC 122 - Special activities for customers with various health problems
The goal of this course is to introduce care strategies for a variety of patients. Students will learn strategies to meet the special needs of a variety of clients with a diagnosis of mental illness, and clients with developmental or physical disabilities. Caregivers employed by home care agencies may provide care for infants and children, as well as meet the needs of clients living with life-limiting illnesses who may benefit from palliative and end-of-life care. This course provides the information and skills needed for such health care assignments. Note: Students must obtain a passing grade of at least B- to continue in the program.

PSSTC 151 - Integrated clinical internship II
During this second clinical placement, students will experience the role of a health care attendant, working under the direction of a regulated health care professional. Students will work in a health care setting such as continuing care and acute care, providing person-centred, safe, ethical and respectful care and support to clients and their families. Note: Students must obtain a minimum passing grade of B- to continue in the program.

PSSTC 160 - Integrated clinical internship III
In this final clinical practicum course, students will practice the role of health care attendant, working under the direction of a regulated health care professional and in collaboration with an unregulated health care professional. Students will work in health care settings such as continuing care and acute care, providing person-centred care and support to clients and their families that is safe, ethical and respectful. Note: Students must obtain a minimum passing grade of B- to complete the program.