Health Career Access Program (HCAP)

HCAP is a new entry-level opportunity for people interested in joining the health care sector and train as a health care assistant. We will pay 100 percent of your wages, tuition and books while you undergo an accelerated 12 to 18 month training program. This includes online and in-person training as well as the opportunity for hands-on learning in home support and long-term care.

Once your training is done, you’ll have a job with VCH, with a return of service commitment for at least one year.

This program offers an easy-entry, financially supported start to long-term career growth opportunities across VCH. When your training is successfully completed, you’ll be eligible to register as a Care Aide with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry and become a qualified health care assistant.

For external applicants, please start your application by clicking one of the buttons below:  

HCAP for Home Support   HCAP for Long Term Care   

For internal applicants, please follow the internal application process by clicking here.

As a Health Care Support Worker at Vancouver Coastal Health, you will: 

• Work under the direction of a Registered Nurse or another regulated healthcare professional. 
• Perform various non-direct and/or non-clinical healthcare supports for clients and residents in long-term care, assisted living, and home settings in accordance with the established care plan and safety requirements.

Qualifications

Education and experience 

• Proof of Grade 10 completion (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C.
• For applicants with three years of full-time instruction in English: English 10 completion or equivalent
• For applicants with less than three years of full-time instruction in English: Standardized English language proficiency test score. If English is not your first language, an English test may be required.

Knowledge and abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to deal with others effectively. ​
• Ability to organize work. 
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. 
• Ability to operate related equipment.

For more information about entry requirements, view the HCA entry requirements document.​

1. Apply: Submit your application to the Talent Acquisition Team. 
2. Train: Attend orientation and work with a mentor as a Health Care Support Worker. 
3. Learn: Attend classes and graduate from a post-secondary institution. 
4. Work: Register as a Care Aide with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry and work as a Community Health Worker or Health Care Assistant 

Your time commitment

The Long-term Care and Assisted Living  (HCAP LTC) program requires a total commitment of 1.5 to 2 years. Successful candidates are expected to be available 37.5 hours a week, including mornings, evenings, and weekends during the program. They may also work as healthcare support workers for up to six months before starting school. The school program typically lasts between seven to eight months. After graduation, candidates are required to fulfill the Return of Service Agreement for 12 months.

Questions? Please email hcap@vch.ca.