Continuing Care Assistant Progressive Education Plan

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We have been selected to take part in Nova Scotia’s Continuing Care Assistant Progressive Education Plan, delivering the program through the “Work and Learn, 3 and 2” CCA Education Model! Watch the video announcement below.

Under this new, Work and Learn, 3 and 2 model, students can complete their Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) course by attending three days a week and working two days a week in paid positions within the continuing care environment. The Progressive Education Continuing Care Assistant program will be available in Sydney, Dartmouth, and rural areas throughout the province.

Tuition, administration and exam fees, and books, will be provided to Nova Scotia residents who qualify for this unique program!

The Work and Learn, 3 and 2 CCA program consists of approximately eight weeks of in-class instruction before students move to the 3 and 2 Work and Learn model. Individuals will learn to provide care to meet the various needs of the elderly, disabled, and convalescents. An interview may be required before accepting students for clinical experience. Students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical placements and work experience. Shift work is an integral part of this occupation. Furthermore, physical demands include moving, lifting, and continued standing.

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Job Market

As the global population continues to age, there is an increasing demand for healthcare services, including long-term care and support for elderly individuals. CCAs play a crucial role in providing direct care and assistance to seniors in various settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care.

Program Outline

Please click on the course title to see the course description.

This module is designed to enable the learner to develop the skills required for the basic safety and cleanliness of the person’s care setting, whether a private residence or within another type of care setting, according to the scope of employment policies. It prepares the CCA to organize and complete daily care setting management tasks. He or she will also learn how to set priorities and develop time management skills.

This module will introduce the learner to the role of the CCA and the CCA’s general responsibilities as an integral provider of care and member of the health care team. The learner will recognize how the social philosophy of care and the CCA scope of practice are consistent dimensions of the CCA role, regardless of environment. The learner also will recognize the professional responsibilities associated with the CCA role, and will be introduced to the professional qualities and behaviours that contribute to a successful career as a CCA.

This module will introduce the learner to effective interpersonal communication practices for CCAs. The learner will become familiar with different types of professional relationships and the appropriate forms of interpersonal communication that occur in care settings. The learner will assess his/her strengths and areas for improvement in interpersonal communications generally. The learner also will understand and practice communication strategies and approaches that will strengthen his/her ability to deal with the varied situations he or she might encounter as a CCA.

Learners in this specialized course will gain skills to effectively and appropriately respond and/or seek appropriate help when any change occurs in individuals’ physiological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of people across the life cycle. The DUTJ Committee oversees this course, maintains currency of content and sets policies for delivery. The course is administered through the Health Association of Nova Scotia (HANS). Learners are required to complete a final project to demonstrate their knowledge about some aspect of dementia.

This module will provide an introduction to the various forms of written communication required of CCAs in care settings and how CCAs can approach care-related written communication appropriately and effectively. The learner will recognize the importance of documentation in the coordination and monitoring of care and will overview various forms of documentation. The learner also will develop his/her written communication and documentation skills. Additionally, the learner will be introduced to the appropriate uses of technology by CCAs both inside and outside care settings.

Home Support placements provide the learners with the opportunity to work in partnership with the mentor to develop and practice the skills unique to home support. The Home Support Mentorship Placement occurs with a home support agency providing services to the Department of Health and Wellness. Learners gain practical experience in meeting the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) needs of individuals.

This module introduces the learner to the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program and the health care sector by providing an overview of the program, and an understanding of the program's role within the Nova Scotia health care sector. It also introduces the learner to the framework governing the delivery of care and the various types of health care services and service providers in Nova Scotia. Components of the health care system including long-term care, home support, acute care and mental health across the continuum will also be discussed.

This module allows the learner to cultivate an awareness of medications and the role of the CCA in supporting the needs of the person. It provides an introduction to commonly used medications as well as some basic principles of pharmacology. Under the CCA Scope of Practice and The Practice Guidelines for CCA (Schedule B) this module also allows the learner to competently demonstrate the application of medicated topical creams, ointments and drops to the skin, eyes, ears, nose, rectum or vagina.

Mentorship Placements learners will function under the indirect supervision of an RN/LPN and direct supervision of a mentor. All mentorship placement hours must be completed by learners to meet program requirements and may be delivered at any point throughout a 24-hour period during the term of the program. All mentorship placements must meet the learning outcomes and objectives of mentorship placement.

Nursing Homes/Homes for the Aged placements provide the learners with the opportunity to apply theory and skills in the workplace as they work in partnership with a mentor. The Nursing Home/Homes for the Aged Mentorship Placement occurs in Department of Health and Wellness licensed settings. Learners gain practical experience in meeting the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) needs of individuals.

The instructor will provide specific guidelines so that placement experiences are put into proper context. Requirements for placements will be reviewed, such as confidentiality, supervisor contacts, and evaluations. Students will actively participate in practicum seminars where they will share ideas and experiences with their peers through guided discussion and activities. Facilitated seminars allow students to exchange ideas for working with different groups and to practice interpersonal skills to develop professional learning. Students will also have an opportunity to develop and share resources to support their practicum placements.

During Skills Development learners will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a Nursing Home/Homes for the Aged setting. This placement is meant to introduce the student to a real work environment to develop their skills by providing hands-on experience under the direct supervision of an RN or LPN. Learners gain practical experience in meeting the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) needs of individuals. All Skills Development placement hours must be completed by learners to meet program requirements. Skills development hours may not necessarily be scheduled during daytime hours and may be scheduled on weekdays and/or weekends.

Admissions Requirements

Progressive Education CCA Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or GED, or Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) Certificate

Alternate Entrance:

Be a minimum of 19 years of age and have been out of school for at least one year
Demonstrate the necessary numeracy and literacy skills
Achieve a minimum score of 12 on the Wonderlic assessment test

Additional Requirements

Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check indicating no criminal conviction (current Canada wide police check) – the check must be dated less than 6 months as of the program start date
Proficient in the official language in which the Program is delivered; as required, a recognized testing tool will be used to gauge proficiency.
Language proficiency level will meet or be equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8 as per the CCAPAC Admission Requirements
Interview with an Admissions representative

Student discloses the ability to meet requirements on admission:

Travel to and from placements using transportation that is acceptable to the placement site
Perform basic computer literacy skills (basic word processing, checking and sending email, basic web browsing skills) before skills development placement
Perform job requirements (physical and other)

This program is an excellent fit for:

Someone who wants their career to make a positive impact.
Someone determined to build strong and meaningful relationships with both your colleagues and patients.
Learn more almost anywhere in Nova Scotia under the 'Work and Learn' model.

Why choose the Continuing Care Assistant Progressive Education Plan program?

The demand for Community Support Workers is often high, which can provide you with job stability and a range of career options.
Several different opportunities for employment, including self-employment, full-time or part-time.

Save time & money

Finish most programs and become job-ready in less than a year!
Get the skills you need to get hired with programs that cut the extras and give you the skills you need to get hired.
With career support for life with CBBC Career College, our experts will help find you employment no matter how long ago you graduated.
You don't need three to four years of school to enter the workforce with the skills to start a great paying career!

Your future is our priority

Start school NOW with most program intakes happening frequently (no need to wait!)
No waiting lists, even in our most-popular programs. We'll get you the job training you need to start your career ASAP.
We take a student-centric approach to learning, with small class sizes to empower you to collaborate with your peers and receive more attentive support from your instructors.

Career-relevant education

Our programs are programs aligned with real-world, in-demand occupations. We will get you job-ready!
Most CBBC Career College programs include practicum experience so you can hit the job search running with a great education AND experience.
We have real relationships with employers who are waiting to hire qualified CBBC Career College graduates!

What Our Graduates Are Saying

I highly recommend CBBC Career College to anyone interested in pursuing what they have to offer. They have gone far to support all the students in my class in pursuing their goals. I have been very satisfied with my experience at the college.

Thom H. Boehm

Continuing Care Assistant Program

Continuing Care Assistant Progressive Education Plan

Job Market

Program Outline

Admissions Requirements

Progressive Education CCA Admission Requirements

Related Programs

This program is an excellent fit for:

Why choose the Continuing Care Assistant Progressive Education Plan program?

Save time & money

Your future is our priority

Career-relevant education

Related News

Student Profile: Thom Boehm

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