For individuals looking to enter the healthcare field quickly and affordably, Health Care Assistant (HCA) training in Canada offers a fast track into a growing industry—often with government support and short course durations.
Health Care Assistant Training in Canada: Short-Term & Job-Ready
For individuals looking to enter the healthcare field quickly and affordably, Health Care Assistant (HCA) training in Canada offers a fast track into a growing industry—often with government support and short course durations.
Who Should Consider This Training?
Health Care Assistant training is ideal for:
• Jobseekers with no prior experience: Entry-level access with no healthcare background required
• Adults seeking career change: Short retraining cycle with high employment demand
• Immigrants and newcomers: Recognized credentials for quick integration into the workforce
• Caregivers or support workers: Certification improves job security and pay
• Budget-conscious learners: Accessible tuition-fee support through publicly supported education initiatives, low tuition fee burden
Course Duration & Formats
Training Type Length Mode
Full-Time Accelerated 4–6 months In-class + hands-on placement
Part-Time Flexible 8–12 months Evening/weekend with placement
Online Hybrid Varies Online theory + in-person labs
Public Support Tuition Assistance
Many Canadian provinces offer public assistance to reduce training costs, such as:
• Tuition support through WorkBC, Employment Ontario, etc.
• Living allowances or wage top-ups for trainees
• Targeted bursaries or grants for eligible residents
• Pilot projects offering low-cost access to training
Availability depends on location, school, and applicant eligibility. Check with employment centres or training providers for details.
Government-Supported Health Care Assistant Training Programs in Canada
Province Program Name Funding Type Key Features
British Columbia (BC) Health Career Access Program (HCAP) Tuition-supported + paid work experience Offers HCA training + paid employment as Health Care Support Worker during study, low tuition fee burden, 12-month return of service
Ontario Medical Assistant Program Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify Blended (2 days a week in class, the rest online), can be completed in as little as 9 months, receive a recognized certificate upon completion
Alberta Foundational Learning Assistance Tuition & supply support Financial support for low-income individuals in full-time HCA or similar post-secondary programs, SAIT Polytechnic, Norquest College, etc. provide certificates upon completion
Manitoba Health Human Resource Action Plan Tuition subsidies Financial support, and faster entry into the workforce
New Brunswick Tuition support for the HCA Program Tuition support Supports students enrolling in provincial HCA certification programs
Note: Availability, eligibility, and application procedures may vary by intake period and location. Always verify with official provincial or institutional websites before applying.
Career Outlook Regional Salaries
Due to aging populations and workforce gaps, demand for certified HCAs is rising across Canada.
Province Starting Salary Range (CAD/hour)
British Columbia $23 – $27
Ontario $20 – $25
Alberta $22 – $26
Quebec $20 – $24
Most graduates find employment within 3 months, particularly when training includes a strong placement component.
Admission Criteria (Typical)
• 18 years or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Updated immunization records and TB test
• Criminal background clearance
• English proficiency (CLB level required by some institutions)
No prior healthcare experience is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this program supported by the government?
Yes, many provinces provide public support to reduce costs for eligible learners.
Can I study while working?
Yes. Part-time and evening schedules are available to accommodate working adults.
Can I complete training fully online?
Not fully. While theory may be online, hands-on labs and clinical placements are required.
Do I need healthcare experience to apply?
No. Programs are designed for beginners and career changers.
How to Get Started
Explore available HCA programs in your province
Ask about cost reduction options through public education support
Gather required documents (ID, health clearance, etc.)
Apply to a recognized institution and begin training
All individuals must complete a provincially standardized health care support worker orientation and onboarding program.
All individuals must complete a provincially standardized health care support worker orientation and onboarding program.
You will be paid for your time and one-time funding is available for pre-requisite course fees
When you complete the orientation, you will begin work as a health care support worker
Your employer might require further training at your worksite
After your work placement as a health care support worker, you will begin a full-time health care assistant education program at a post-secondary institution.
Participants must complete the health care assistant orientation
The program is a partnership between participating employers and post-secondary institutions
The training is expected to last approximately one year and is offered at no expense
Participants will be paid a weekly living allowance equivalent to a full-time health care support worker salary while attending full-time classes or participating in clinical training as part of the education program
Upon completion of the education program, you will earn a recognized post-secondary certificate and are eligible to register as a health care assistant.
Once registered as a health care assistant, you are required to complete a 12-month return of service
If you do not accept employment or complete the 12-month return of service, you must pay back the weekly living allowance and other education costs
Health care assistants can work throughout B.C. in long-term care homes, assisted living facilities and acute care hospital settings and provide community home support