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Continuing Care Assistant Certificate Program (CCA)

 

  • Achieve a recognized healthcare credential
  • Train for an in-demand profession in Nova Scotia
  • Get hands-on skills and mentorship placement experience working with patients in care facilities
  • Gain access to Career Academy Canada - a free program to build your career readiness skills for success in the workplace

Get started with our Career College programs

 

Program Duration

40 Weeks (2024)

Equivalency

Post-secondary certificate

Location

Halifax

Teaching Method

In-person

Continuing Care Assistant CCA Content Outline
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Step into a rewarding and vital role in healthcare

What is the Continuing Care Assistant Program?

Continuing care assistant program grads are members of a collaborative care team and contribute to the provision of high-quality, safe, compassionate, and efficient care to meet the needs of clients and families.

Caregiving is a client-focused job, where you work directly with clients in long-term care, providing home care, in hospitals or with assisted living.

What Will Students Learn?

The CCA program is designed to provide graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to deliver appropriate, timely, and respectful person-focused care to individuals. Our program offers a unique, blended approach to training that combines technical, employability, and other essential skills.

Placements may occur in a variety of employment settings, including Home Care, Nursing Homes/Homes for the Aged, Acute Care Facilities, and other approved care settings that employ CCAs.

Get Certified for the health care industry in Canada

Learn from Caregiver experts

Access to the most updated courses

Registration Process for CCA Program

01

Apply Online

We will review your application and get back to you as soon as we can.

02

Receive Conditional Offer

Shows all requirements and conditions you will need to meet to enroll. $1,000 CAD application fee due so you can book and attend your program interview ($350 non-refundable & $650 refundable on the basis of program interview or visa rejection)

03

Attend Program Interview

Book and attend your Program interview.

04

Receive Your Letter of Admission

Receive your letter of admission.

05

Apply for Your Study Permit and Coop Work Permit

Include the results of a medical exam (required for CCA healthcare program) when you apply for your visa.

06

Enroll in Your Program

Congratulations! Welcome to Oxford International College Halifax

$10,000 CAD due (50% course fees) no later than 2 weeks before your program start date. Final program fee of $10,000 CAD due by week 20 of CCA program.

continuing care assistant program in Canada

$40,000

average yearly salary in Nova Scotia

1,590

caregiver job openings in 2023

Continuing Care Assistant Career Opportunities in Canada

Whether you aspire to provide compassionate personal care, coordinate patient services, or even step into a leadership role in the future, the Continuing Care Assistant program in Canada can be your springboard into these exciting career opportunities.

Our program is designed to equip you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to excel in a broad range of rewarding career paths within the healthcare sector. From working in bustling hospitals and long-term care facilities to providing personalized care in home settings, the opportunities for CCAs are vast and continually growing.

As you navigate through this section, you will gain an understanding of the different roles that a CCA graduate can undertake. These roles underscore the versatility of this profession, affirming the fact that a career as a CCA is as dynamic as it is fulfilling.

  • Continuing Care Assistant
  • Personal Support Worker (PSW)
  • Home Health Aide
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant
  • Respite Care Provider
  • Patient Service Associate

Modules in the Continuing Care Assistant Program (2024)

Our Continuing Care Assistant program in Canada is meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of health care protocols, patient care techniques, and communication essentials to equip you with the necessary skills to excel in this demanding field.

Introduction to CCA Program and Health Care Sector

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.

CCA Personal and Professional Development

This module also introduces 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. Learning outcomes include the social philosophy of care; CCA Scope of Practice; professional responsibilities and the professional qualities and behaviours expected of a CCA.

Communication in the Care Setting

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 s/he might encounter as a CCA.

Documentation and Technology in the Care Setting

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 or 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.

Body Structure; Function and Care Implications

This module will enable the learner to acquire a basic knowledge of the normal structure and function of the body. It provides an introduction to common health issues and the implications for care.

Safe Handling and Mobility

This module introduces the principles of body movement and safety, to be followed during the performance of all direct and indirect assistance activities. Learners will learn how to position and transfer individuals by using person-specific assessments and the safe application of positioning and transfer strategies.

Care Setting Management

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, according to the scope of employment policies. It prepares the learner to organize and complete daily care setting management tasks, set priorities and develop time management skills.

Growth and Development

In this module, learners will acquire the knowledge related to the principles of growth and development and how to apply them in order to meet the person’s needs. Topics include: physical, emotional and social development across the life span

Personal Care

In this course learners will attain the skills and knowledge related to the provision of personal care. Using a person-centered philosophy of care approach. Learners will acquire the competencies required to implement respectful, safe and effective personal care, to individuals across the life cycle.

Environmental Safety

In this module, the learner will gain an understanding of his/her role as a CCA in providing a safe and secure environment. S/he will become familiar with strategies, rules, regulations and protocols that will help him/her to minimize workplace risk. There is an emphasis on infection control.

Nutrition and Meal Preparation

In this module learners will be introduced to nutrition and the role of the CCA in meeting the dietary needs of individuals of all ages. Learners will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, serve and prepare basic meals

Mental Health and Social Wellbeing

This module is designed to prepare the learner to recognize and support individuals who are experiencing mental health issues as well as various types of abuse and neglect. It explores strategies to maintain mental health and social well–being.

Medication

This module allows the learner to cultivate an awareness of medications and the role of the CCA in supporting the needs of the person. The module introduces commonly used medications as well as some basic principles of pharmacology. Students will acquire the skills to competently apply medicated topical creams, ointments and drops.

CCA Program Start Dates

Seasons
Spring
Spring
Summer
Summer
Fall
Fall
Winter
Winter
2024
May 6th
May 6th
July 8th
August 6th
July 8th
August 6th
September 9th 2024
November 4th
September 9th 2024
November 4th
December 30th
December 30th
2025
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA

* The schedule is subject to change

Nova Scotia Nominee Program

 

Nova Scotia Nominee Program steps

The Best Location in Canada to Study the CCA program

diploma programs in Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is home to some of the best healthcare facilities and educational institutions in the country. These institutions have made significant contributions to shaping the future of healthcare through advanced research and innovations.

Nova Scotia, ever supportive of students and professionals looking to make a mark in the healthcare sector, offers a golden opportunity for international graduates. Those who qualify under this category can directly apply for a work permit and eventually for permanent residence.

This unique combination of top-notch education, practical experience, and a clear pathway to a thriving career makes studying the Continuing Care Assistant program in Nova Scotia a decision that is as forward-thinking as it is rewarding.

Before You Apply

Successfully applying to the program

The Continuing Care Assistant program allows international students to qualify for work as a caregiver in Nova Scotia.

Applicants may have had previous experience providing care to seniors in their home country, possibly professionally or perhaps caring for a relative. So, many applicants will already know that this work can be both physically and emotionally demanding and requires dedication to those in their care. To meet Government eligibility requirements, applicants are likely to be between 19 and 53 years of age.

The program requires both academic study and practical vocational training. Applicants will need a High School diploma, or their home country’s equivalent; a licence that allows them to drive a vehicle in Canada; a good level of English language; and they will need to show that they have basic computer skills to enable them to keep records about seniors in their care. It’s likely that successful applicants will have already had some experience of international travel before they apply for the program.

If you aren’t sure that your background is right for the program, we’d encourage you to talk to us before you make your application. By making an application, we can look at your individual circumstances and give you a definite answer.

Program fees

The most accurate and updated information regarding program fees for our 40-week Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate program (2024) can be found on our program fees page. 

Salaries in Nova Scotia for caregivers are extremely good. Latest surveys show that on average, caregivers are paid somewhere between $39,000-$40,000 (Canadian Dollars) every year. This means that you should be able to comfortably support yourself and your family once you start work, as well as recover the cost of any investment in program fees very quickly.

There are a number of scholarships available for domestic and international students. Please read the full details found in the “I want to know about available scholarships” section.

Available scholarships

Scholarships Available for Domestic Students

The Government of Nova Scotia is offering free tuition for domestic students* who wish to earn their Continuing Care Assistant Certificate with Oxford International and work as a CCA in Nova Scotia!

Domestic students who begin the Oxford International Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate program throughout the remainder of 2024 – 2025 fiscal year (end March 2025) will qualify for free tuition! Students who benefit from this scholarship program will be required to work within the publicly funded Nova Scotia continuing care sector (long-term care or home care) for two years (4,160 hours) following their graduation. This scholarship covers the entire cost of domestic students’ application fees, tuition, and course materials, but does not include the cost of uniforms ($200 CAD). Please contact Oxford International College Halifax directly to learn more. 

*Domestic students = Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees.

Scholarships Available for International Students

There are a number of scholarships available for international students. Please contact your agent or local Oxford International representative for more information. 

Accommodations

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

With a large number of students, there’s a great choice of accommodation in Halifax designed to fit the unique needs of students. But the large student population also means that the best accommodation can get booked fast. So it’s important to start looking at least two months in advance of a program start date.

Many students choose the college’s homestay program. This offers a room with a hosting family and meals. At just $1040 (Canadian Dollars) a month, this is a great solution for students who are traveling to Canada by themselves, rather than bringing their family with them.

Students wanting their own space, or who are bringing a family with them, could look at furnished and unfurnished rental apartments, available at a range of prices. Typically, they might rent privately from well-known names such as Air B&B (Airbnb.ca) or Kijiji (kijiji.ca). They may also consider furnished and serviced apartments from a provider like Premier Suites Halifax (premiersuites.com).

Canadian visas

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

The Canadian Government sets the rules for visa applications, acceptance, and costs. 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. Your family will probably need tourist visas if they want to travel to Canada with you. 

You will be working in the healthcare field in the CCA program. This means that regardless of which country you live in or apply from, you must submit a medical report with your visa application. If you do not submit a medical, you will be excluded from working in the healthcare field and will not be able to take the CCA program.

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 are in Canada. To support your visa application, we will issue you a formal letter of admission showing that you intend to join our program as a Continuing Care Assistant in Nova Scotia. Oxford International College Halifax (formerly East Coast International College) is recognised as a Designated Learning Institute (DLI), and you may need to quote our DLI number of O267638647882 on your visa application. 

You should consult a qualified Canadian immigration consultant if you are not clear about what you must do when you apply for a visa. We ask all our scholarship students to attend an immigration interview so that they have the best advice before they make a visa application. We recommend you use the Canadian Government’s Student Direct Scheme if you can, since this can produce faster and better results than other application options.  

Study permits

International students in Canada need a permit to enroll in a program. 

You’ll need to have two permits for the Continuing Care Assistant program at Oxford International College Halifax. A Study permit covers your academic learning, and you’ll also need a Co-op Work permit so that you can take part in the regular work placements that are embedded into your program. These permits are in addition to any travel visa that you may have applied for to enter Canada. 

You must apply for your Study permit and your Co-op Work permit using your letter of admission before you leave your home country. Because you need to have both permits before your program starts, make sure that you are issued with both a Study permit and a Co-op Work permit when you enter Canada at the border. Oxford International College Halifax is recognised as a Designated Learning Institute (DLI), and you should quote our DLI number of O267638647882 when you apply for a permit. 

Scope of work as a CCA

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, feeding, 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 of mental or physical disability.

CCA class schedule

Classes are normally from 8:30am to 4:30pm AST Monday to Friday.

Tuition Fee Guarantee

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 almost all 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 CCA program and pass the provincial certification exam, but do not receive an offer of employment. To be eligible, your Oxford International College Halifax instructor will need to confirm that you:

  • Maintained required attendance during the program, including at your co-op work placement.
  • Received passing grades in both written and practical elements of the program.
  • Received satisfactory reports from your co-op work placement provider.
  • 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 with at least 3 potential employers in addition to your co-op work placement provider.
  • Demonstrated a strong desire to attain the position of a caregiver in Nova Scotia.
  • Successfully passed the Nova Scotia provincial licensing exam, which you are able to take up to 3 times.

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 (novascotiaimmigration.com) 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. 

Admission Requirements

Language Requirements

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
  • ELLT Level 6 overall (no band below 6)
  • Halifax’s 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 OICH’s CCA program.

Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada, England, Gambia, Ghana, Grand Cayman 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.

High School Requirements

Previous academic achievement demonstrated through one of the following:

  • Canadian Grade 12 Certificate, Diploma, or GED
  • Or International Grade 12 or higher

Age Requirements

Students should be between the ages of 19 and 53 to apply for the program.

Other Requirements

Clear Criminal Record Check or Police Clearance Certificate and vaccinations required by healthcare facilities

Applying to the Program

Submitting an application

We’ll ask you to formally apply for this 40-week program (2024) once you have decided it’s right for you. We’re interested in what experience you may have already had as a caregiver, your academic qualifications, your language skills and – very importantly – why you want to study and work as a Continuing Care Assistant. So, it’s best if you can show us all the documents that we ask for when you make your application. 

If you aren’t sure that you can meet the requirements of the program, we’d recommend that you make an application and find out. However, successful applicants are likely to have experience as a caregiver already, must be able to study and work in Canada, will be at least 19 years of age, and should intend to work as a caregiver once they graduate in Nova Scotia. 

I applied to the program

Well done. You’ve taken your first step towards a bright new future as a Continuing Care Assistant in Canada.  

We’ll now look through your application and any supporting documents. We know that you are keen to hear back from us, so we’ll do this as quickly as we can. We need to make sure that we only make conditional offers to the right applicants because we want every student who starts to get the best from their program. 

We aim to let you know if you have been successful within seven days of receiving your application. 

I received my conditional offer letter

Read your conditional offer letter carefully – and keep it safe! You’ll see what you need to do to start your program in Halifax. Please remember that it is your responsibility to meet any requirements or conditions shown in your conditional offer letter. 

We’ve tried to be clear about the start date that we’ve offered to you, what fees you need to pay, and any additional conditions that you need to meet before you enroll. But if we haven’t been clear enough, or you don’t think that you’ll be able to meet the deadlines, get in touch with us. We’ll always try to help. 

We now need you to pay your $1,000 (Canadian Dollars) Application Fee. Make sure that you are prepared to meet all the requirements shown in your conditional offer letter before you pay your Application Fee. In some cases we may be able to refund part, but not all, of this Application Fee.

After you have paid your Application Fee, you’ll need to book an interview with one of the admissions team as soon as you can. This is so that we can make sure that you are suitable to start the program – and it’s a great chance to ask any questions that you might have, and to find out what it’s like to study and work in Canada. Your conditional offer letter will show you how to book this interview. 

I passed my admissions interview

Congratulations – you’ve now met one of the major requirements shown on your conditional offer letter! Only those applicants who are a good fit for the Continuing Care Assistant program pass their admissions interview. You can be proud that you are one of these successful applicants and look forward to starting your program. 

We may also ask you to make a $10,000 (Canadian Dollars) Deposit against your program fees by a specific date. This Deposit is to secure your place in the Continuing Care Assistant program. We will deduct the value of any Deposit you pay against the total cost of your program fees. 

I received my offer of admission

You are there now. Your letter of admission confirms that we will sponsor you as a student for the Continuing Care Assistant program in Nova Scotia.  

Now it’s time to organise your study visa. You’ll need to send a copy of your letter of admission when you make your visa application, and the Government will ask you to pay an application fee.  

Don’t wait to make your visa application – do it as soon as possible – and use the Student Direct Stream if you can to make your application. Government processing times can vary, and you cannot enter Canada until you have been granted a study visa. If you apply too late, you could miss the start of your program, and if that happens, you will need to make another visa application.  

We have no influence over the visa process, application costs or even if a visa is granted. These are all managed by the visa authorities in the Government. It’s important that you show the Government that you are intending to come into Canada to study, that you have enough money to support yourself, and that you could return to your home country when you graduate if asked to do so. 

I received my travel authorization

At last! You are now ready to come into Canada and start your program. 

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 back at the border, and this could affect your ability to enter Canada later. Do not book your flights or make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation from the college that you have been given a seat in the program. The college will tell you if there is still space for the program start date you have selected. 

It’s important that you arrive in time for the start of your program. With such an intensive program, we do not allow students to start late. Late starters would miss valuable learning and experience and not get the best from their time on the Continuing Care Assistant program. If you think that you will not be in Canada in time for the start of your program, let us know immediately. 

Your life in Nova Scotia as a Caregiver

Working in Nova Scotia as a CCA

Bringing family to Nova Scotia

You can apply to bring your spouse and dependent children with you while you study and work on the Continuing Care Assistant program. 

We recommend anyone who wishes to accompany you enters Canada on a tourist visa, so would not be eligible to work in Canada unless they apply successfully for a work permit. Traveling on a tourist visa means that your family members have the best chance of being able to share their experiences in Canada. It’s particularly important that you and your family comply with any visa restrictions to protect your long-term chances to work and settle in Canada. We recommend that you take advice during your application from a licensed Canadian immigration consultant to consider your family’s specific visa requirements. 

Please remember that you’ll need to show that you have enough money to support any family you bring. Guidelines can change, but be prepared to budget for $20,635 for yourself and another $5,000 to $6,000 for each extra person in the household (Canadian Dollars).  

Nova Scotia will also offer free schooling for primary-age children at a suitable public school. This is a wonderful opportunity for your children to improve their language skills, experience a vastly different culture – and help you to make an informed choice about all your futures in Canada. If your child is not ready for primary school yet, and because Co-op work placement is an integral part of the CCA program, you may need make additional childcare provision to cover shift rosters, illness or school holidays.

Settling in Nova Scotia

Once your application has been assessed by Nova Scotia Immigration, and if you are successful, you can apply for a work permit from the Canadian Government.  You will then have the opportunity to apply to settle in Canada through the Canadian Government’s Permanent Residency process, which is often called ‘applying for PR’. 

Your qualification as a Continuing Care Assistant gives you an extremely compelling case to make an application for Permanent Residency to the Government. You’ll boost this by maintaining a good work history, and by showing that you have complied with any visa restrictions since you entered Canada. Your application for Permanent Residency can take some time – possibly up to 24 months – so be prepared to wait. Your work permit will allow you to support yourself, and your family, as a caregiver while the Government considers your application. 

After some time as a Permanent Resident, you would be eligible to apply for full Canadian citizenship.