Health Care Aide Challenge Self Study Program - Calgary Campus Only Program Starts Monthly. Contact Us Today!

Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Certification

Skills Development and Assessments
The HCA Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process is for individuals currently employed as Health Care Aides, Personal Support Workers, Nursing Attendants, and out of province trained HCA’s etc. who do not currently posses a Government of Alberta recognized certificate and feel that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the standards for a Health Care Aide certificate.

HCA PLAR Process
1. Self-Assessment and Analysis
    Applicants are required to complete a self-assessment. This self-assessment lists the     course learning outcomes and requires applicants to determine their level of     proficiency in each one.

2. Creation of an Individual Study Plan
    From this self-assessment, Robertson’s education department will identify knowledge     and skill gaps and create an individualized study/training plan.

3. Challenge of the Course's Written Exam
    If the self assessment indicates thorough competency and knowledge of the subject,     the student may challenge the course exam in a proctored environment. An 80% grade     is required to pass. The HCA certificate consists of 9 courses. Applicants wishing to     obtain their certificate must challenge/pass all 9 courses.

4. Self-Study/Online Study (or Site-Based Workshops)
    Should a student not be successful in completing their challenge exam for a course or     if a student and/or Robertson College assessor has indicated they require training in a     course, the student will be provided with a self study module and/or enrolled in an     online course to take the appropriate training. LPN’s or RN’s identified by the     employer may act as tutors for the student(s) under the mentorship of Robertson     educators. Students may also choose to attend a site based learning session at a     Robertson College facility.

5. Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
    When the student achieves a passing grade on the individual course exam, the next     step requires them to successfully complete an in lab skills assessment facilitated by a     Robertson College educator or an authorized off-site RN or LPN.