Alberta Health Services: Government-Supported Health Care Assistant Training – Earn While You Learn
How to become a healthcare assistant through a government-supported HCA training program while earning money? What is the Government- Supported hca course application process?
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is one of Canada’s largest healthcare providers, offering a range of services including the government-supported Health Care Assistant (HCA) program and other courses. These programs allow participants to earn while they learn with no additional tuition costs, making it possible to start a healthcare career smoothly—even with zero experience.
Why Choose the AHS Government-Supported HCA Program?
- Government Support: Training costs are largely funded by AHS and the Government of Alberta
- Earn While Learning: Receive financial support during training and a salary of $21.43 – $25.52/hour after certification
- Professional Certification: Students in this program will be able to earn money while completing their Healthcare Assistant Certification.This unique opportunity combines paid work experience with post-secondary certification, supported by professional healthcare teams and mentors.
- Career Growth: Priority access to positions within Alberta Health Services upon graduation
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health coverage, retirement plans, and employee benefits included
Program Overview – Alberta HCA Course
- Training Duration: ~12 months
- Work Commitment: Minimum of 24 months in an HCA role after certification
- Training Costs: Most covered by AHS (some out-of-pocket costs apply)
- Certified Salary Range: $21.43 – $25.52 per hour
- Coverage: Rural and remote Alberta communities
Additionally, the Government of Alberta offers bursaries of up to CAD 9,000 for eligible students who enrolled in or graduated from a provincially approved HCA program on or after July 1, 2022.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Basic digital literacy
- Academic English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency
- Approved English Language Proficiency (ELP) test results
- Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
- Residence in a rural or remote Alberta community
No previous healthcare experience or certification is required.
Where Training Takes Place
Training takes place at AHS facilities with both in-person instruction and online assignments
Online work is completed outside of work hours, ensuring flexibility while maintaining steady income
Licensed Institutions
| Region | Institutions |
|---|---|
| Southern Alberta | ABM College, Academy of Learning, ABES, Bow Valley College, Columbia College, Health Care Aide Academy, Keyano College |
| Central Alberta | Blue Quills University, Health Care Aide Academy |
| Northern Alberta | Northern Lakes College, Northwestern Polytechnic, Mikai'sto (Red Crow Community College) |
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates can work in:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Home care agencies
- Clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Community health organizations
How to Apply for the Government-Supported HCA Program
The Government- Supported hca course application process is simple:
- Visit the Alberta Health Services website
- Review the program details and eligibility requirements
- Submit your application online
- Begin your training and start your healthcare career
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do participants get paid during training?
Participants receive financial support during training, and after certification, they earn $21.43 – $25.52 per hour.
Q2: Will I have guaranteed employment after graduation?
Yes. Graduates are given priority for HCA positions within AHS, typically in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community health centers.
Q3: Is certification possible?
Graduates will receive a "Medical Assistant Certificate" that is officially recognized by employers throughout Alberta.
Q4: Do I need healthcare experience to apply?
No. This program is open to individuals with no previous healthcare background.
Q5: Can I continue my education after becoming an HCA?
Yes. The HCA certificate can serve as a stepping stone toward roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
The AHS government-supported HCA program is the ideal pathway for individuals with no experience to launch a healthcare career. With financial support during training, salary of $21.43 – $25.52/hour after certification, government bursaries, full employee benefits, and long-term career growth, it offers a secure and meaningful future in healthcare.
