Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate Program

This is a lab and simulated course that integrates theoretical learning across the program into practical experience. The objective of this course is to provide real-world simulated scenarios that incorporate as many of the CCA competencies and skills across a full process/task sequence. The instructor’s main objective is to connect the theoretical learning from Course 8 Body Structures & Functions into application to draw the connections from theory into practice. This is a test-try learning environment where the instructor is encouraged to pause, change a status/condition/illness/need, and resume during a scenario. Instructors can also pause and restart scenarios.

This is an introductory course of basic body structures, functions, and related health issues common within Continuing Care. The learner will gain a basic understanding of the normal structure and function of the body systems and be introduced to signs and symptoms of ineffective functioning, common illnesses/conditions, and the related care implications. This course aims to connect body anatomy and physiology to the technical skills and tasks of a CCA to draw the connection between theory and practical application to the role of a CCA.

This course prepares learners to recognize and support persons living with various mental health disorders. The course introduces types of mental health disorders, identifies impacts of mental health disorders, neuro-affirming care, and prevention and intervention strategies for behaviour expressions. This course extends the knowledge learners acquired from Course 3 – DUTJ by providing practical application for behaviour expressions.

The focus of this course is on basic nutrition and entry-level proficiency for preparing and cooking meals. The learner will understand the role of nutrition to health and wellbeing and the various types of therapeutic and special diets common in Continuing Care. Learners will demonstrate the preparing and cooking of basic meals, developing entry-level cooking skills.

This course allows the learner to cultivate an awareness of medications and the role of the CCA in supporting the needs of a person. The SoP and the Framework identifies the role of a CCA in medication administration and learners gain hands on experience applying medicated and non-medicated drops, ointments, and creams. Learners will gain a basic understanding of medications and the effects to support their tasks and responsibilities specified in the SoP.

Understanding the Scope of Work as a CCA

The job of a CCA involves caring for people of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds A CCA will be working with people who are very vulnerable and who will need help with their daily living activities such as bathing, mobility, and toileting. 

Students taking the CCA program understand that it is a requirement of the program and the work of a CCA to adhere to the Canadian Character of Rights and Freedoms, which states that all individuals have the right to equality before and under the law, without discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, age, or mental or physical disability. 

The most accurate and updated information regarding program fees for our 26-week Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate program can be found on our program fees page.

Salaries for caregivers in Nova Scotia are extremely good. Latest survey data shows that on average, caregivers are paid somewhere around $40,000 annually. This means you should be able to comfortably support yourself (and your family) once you start working in your career, as well as recover the cot of any investment in program fees very quickly.

There are a number of scholarships availavble for domestic and international students. Please read the full details found in the “Available scholarships” section below.

Halifax is a vibrant and growing city with a variety of accommodation options.

Through OICC Halifax campus, you can choose from two options:

1. Co-living apartments with private or double (shared) rooms.

2. Homestay with a local family.

Visit our Halifax campus accommodation page to learn more.

In addition to accommodation options available through OICC Halifax campus, students can also explore furnished and unfurnished rental apartments (Airbnb, Kijiji) or furnished and serviced apartments (Premier Suites Halifax).

We are very proud of the quality of our Continuing Care Assistant program, which has resulted in a graduation rate of more than 95% and employment for nearly all of our students. In addition, the demand for qualified caregivers in Nova Scotia is very high. We are confident that you will receive an offer of employment once you graduate.

We are so confident in our quality assurance that we commit to refunding your tuition fees in full if you successfully complete the OICC CCA program and pass the provincial certification exam, but do not receive an offer of employment. To be eligible, your OICC Halifax campus instructor will need to confirm that you:

• Maintained required attendance during the program and during your practicum placement(s).
• Received passing grades in both written and practical element sof your program.
• Received satisfactory reports from your practicum placement provider(s).
• Worked respectfully and professionally with senior residents from varied ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexes.
• Attended and positively participated in your job and interview skills classes.
• Attended interviews wih at least 3 potential employers in addition to your practicum placement provider(s).
• Demonstrated a strong desire to attain the position of a caregiver in Nova Scotia.
• Successfully passed the Nova Scotia provincial licensing exam, which you can take up to 3 times.

For International Students:

Please note that an offer of employment does not guarantee approval for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, Graduates in Demand stream, or any other Nova Scotia immigration stream, and is just one of the conditions that must be met. Some of the other conditions include sufficient settlement funds and a salary that will support your family. You can review all conditions on the International Graduates in Demand website. Acceptance to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program does not guarantee that a work permit will be issued by IRCC or that you will be approved for Permanent Residency.

For International Students

Getting your visa sorted is an important part of your journey to OICC Halifax campus.

The Canadian government sets the rules for visa applications, acceptance, and osts Because you’ll need to be in Canada at the start of your program, you should apply for a visa to study as soon as you can. If you are bringing family with you, they will likely need tourist visas.

Your visa determines when you can enter the country, how long you can stay after you graduate, and how many hours you can work while you’re in Canada. To support your visa application, we will issue you a formal Letter of Admission (LoA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) showing that you intend to join our Continuing Care Assistant Certificate program. OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges Halifax campus (formerly East Coast International College) is recognized as a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) and you should quote our DLI number of O267638647882 on your visa applications.

You should consult a qualified Canadian immigration consultant if you are unclear about what you must do when you apply for a visa. To assist you with this process, Oxford International has partnered with Encubate to provide visa and immigration support. Encubate offers expert visa and apaplication support along with complimentary and paid immigration guidance with a team of Regulated Immigration Consultants (RCICs).

Applicants should be between the ages of 19 and 53.

English language proficiency is demonstrated through one of the following:

• Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band below 6.0)
• The Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) 8
• TOEFL IBT 78
• Oxford ELLT Level 6 overall (no band below 6)
• OICC Halifax campus’ in-person UCP Level 400

Alternatively, applicants who are able to demonstrate 2 years of full-time academic study in the following countries where the language of instruction was English are exempt from supplying an English proficiency exam for admission into OICC’s CCA program:

Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada, England, Gambia, Ghana, Grand Caymen Islands, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Sierra Leone, South Africa, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands, Wales, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Applicants must also provide:

• A clear Criminal Record Check or Police Clearance Certificate 
• Proof of vaccinations required by healthcare facilities

In order to apply to our Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate program, please fill out an online application. Once you submit your application, our Admissions team will be in contact with you within a few days to confirm the next steps.

If you aren’t sure that you can meet the admission requirements for the program, we recommend you connect with your Oxford International representative to learn more. If you do not have the English levels required, OICC Halifax campus offers pre-sessional English programs that provide direct entry to the CCA program.

Please read your conditional offer letter carefully and keep it safe! You’ll see the lit of what you need to do to start your program at OICC Halifax campus. Pleaswse remember that it is your responsibility to meet any requirements or conditions outlined in your conditional offer letter.

In the conditional offer letter we outline the start date we’ve offered you, the fees you need to pay, and any additional conditions you are required to meet before you enroll. 

For Domestic Students

You are now able to book your CCA program interview to ensure you are a suitable candidate to begin the program. Your conditional offer letter will outline the steps you need to take to book your interview.

For International Students

You are now required to pay your $1,000 CAD Application Fee. Please ensure you are prepared to meet all requirements listed in your conditional offer letter before paying the Application Fee as it is non-refundable. Once you pay your Application Fee, you are now able to book your CCA program interview to ensure you are a suitable candidate to begin the program. Your conditional offer letter will outline the steps you need to take to book your interview.

Congratulations! You have now met one of the major requirements shown on your conditional offer letter! Only those applicants that demonstrate they are a good fit for the CCA program pass their interview.

For Domestic Students

You will now be issued your official offer of admission and be permitted to enroll as a student in the OICC CCA program!

For International Students

You are now required to pay your tuition deposit and will be issued your Letter of Acceptance (LoA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). These are required documents in order to apply for your visas. 

Apply for the Study Permit visa within 10 weeks of receiving the LoA and PAL. You also need to apply for the Co-op visa at this time.

For International Students:

Congratulations! You are now ready to begin your journey to becoming a CCA.

Read your documents carefully because they will say when you are able to travel. Do not travel before this date because you may be turned away at the border and this could impact your ability to enter Canada later on. Do not book flights or make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation from OICC that you have been given a seat in the program. We will tell you if there is still space for the program start date you have selected.

It is important that you arrive in time for the start of your program. With such an intensive program,w e do not allow students to start late. Late starters would miss valuable learning and experiences. If you think you will not be in Canada in time for your program start date, please notify OICC Halifax campus immediately.

Our Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate program qualifies graduates to work as caregivers.

There are around 25% of unfilled cargiving vacancies in Nova Scotia and with an aging population, the demand for caregivers is high. In many cases, our students build strong relationships with their practicum placement care insitutions and are successful in obtaining permanent work upon graduation.

For International Students 

One you have graduated from your 26-week Continuing Care Assistant Certificate program, you will need to apply to the Nova Scotia immigration department through one of the available immigration streams. It is important to note that although this program is 26 weeks, it still qualifies for the Nova Scotia Graduates in Demand stream as an exception to the 30-week program requirement. 

We strongly encourage you to apply for the Nova Scotia Immigration stream as soon as you graduate. Make sure you are financially prepared to cover your living costs in Canada while you wait for a work permit to be issued (if you are successful). This may take 6 – 8 weeks, but can be longer or shorter.

For International Students

Although our CCA program is 26 weeks, it still qualifies for the Nova Scotia Graduates in Demand stream as an excecption to the 30-week program requirement. 

1. Graduation

Graduate one you complete all CCA courses, practicum plaements, and the provincial exam, all covered under the Study and Co-Op Permits.

2. Secure a Job 

Secure a full-time CCA position in Nova Scotia, minimum 30 hours per week (NOC 33102).

3. Apply 

Apply for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program International Graduates in Demand stream. Your application will be assessed by a Nova Scotia Immigration Officer (approval is not guaranteed).

4. Submit 

Submit your Work Permit application before your existing Study Permit expires (supported by the employer).

5. Work Permit

Receive your Work Permit and begin working for a 2-year period (unless your passport expires before 2 years).

6. Residency

Apply to IRCC for your Permanent Residency visa within 6 months.

7. Processing 

Work in the healthcare field while your Permanent Residency application is being processed (approximately 18-22 months).

8. Complete

Become a Canadian Permanent Resident.