Section 1: Is this program right for you?

See how Health Care Aides make a difference every day.

Section 2: How the program works

Your pathway to becoming a Health Care Aide

From applicant to Certified Health Care Aide, the apprenticeship program guides you through every stage of learning, employment, education, and certification.

Get started

The next program starts in Fall 2026.

1. Apply to a participating employer

Participating employers will post job openings on their websites. Check employer websites regularly and apply for a Care Aide Learner (CAL) position.

2. Selected for an interview

If an employer is interested in your application, they will contact you for an interview.

3. Get hired as a Care Aide Learner (CAL)

If you are successful in the interview, you will be hired as a Care Aide Learner (CAL).

I saw that there is more than what the eye sees, like how meaningful the job is, especially with the people we are working with.”
~ HCAAP learner

Become a learner

4. Apply and accepted to the college HCA education program

After you are hired, you will apply to the college to enroll in the Health Care Aide (HCA) program. Your employer and CHAA will help you with the application process.

Before applying, make sure you meet the requirements to become a Health Care Aide in Alberta.   https://www.alberta.ca/health-care-aide-program

5. Attend the Care Aide Learner orientation

Once you are accepted by the college, you will begin a three-week orientation at a continuing care centre.

During orientation, you will:

Learn in both a classroom and a care setting.

Observe experienced Health Care Aides.

Practice some care activities with support from tutors.

Learn what it is like to work as a Health Care Aide.

6. Begin working and learning

After orientation, you will begin working at your assigned work site. You will work and study for about 11-12 months.

Of the learners that completed the orientation between October 2025 and March 2026, 97% said they are “more than ready” or “ready” to begin working as a Care Aide Learner.

Learn on the job

7. Working and learning

During the program, you will:

Work in the workplace
Work as a paid Care Aide Learner with your employer. Usually work about 3–4 days each week.

Attend online classes

Complete 6 courses online, classes taught by college instructors at scheduled times each week.
Pass an exam at the end of each course.
You must attend and participate in class.

Attend skills labs
Practice your Health Care Aide skills with a tutor at your work site. Tutors will support you as you learn and practice new skills safely.

Become certified

8. Earn the HCA certificate

After successfully completing all courses, you will receive your Health Care Aide certificate.

9. Pass the Alberta HCA registration exam and become a certified Health Care Aide in Alberta

After graduation, you must take the Alberta Health Care Aide provincial exam. Once you pass the provincial exam, you will become a certified Health Care Aide in Alberta.

10. Program is complete

The program takes between 11-12 months to complete.