Certificate of Continuing Care Assistant

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Demand for health-care workers is high, and that includes demand for continuing care assistants. If you enjoy caring for others, and if you want to get into the workforce quickly, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Continuing Care Assistant program might be just what you’re looking for.

As a continuing care assistant, you’ll work directly with clients in long-term care, home care, assisted living, some areas in acute care, and even special needs classrooms. You’ll help them with mobility, personal care, assisting them to eat their meals, and medication monitoring. It’s a face-to-face, people-focused job.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Continuing Care Assistant program is a one-year certificate program that you can take in Saskatoon, Regina or Prince Albert. You can also take it through your local regional college or through part-time distance flexible learning through the School of Continuing Education.

The program combines hands-on classroom learning with practical clinical experience. You’ll build knowledge and skills in:

addressing individual psychosocial needs;
administering personal care;
dementia management strategies;
gerontology (a major area of study);
long-term care philosophy in different settings;
promoting independence in a safe environment;
working with individuals with different physical and cognitive impairments; and/or
working with people of different cultures.

Your clinical work experiences will give you a taste of different work settings. Under the supervision of a buddy or staff member, you’ll work directly with clients in home care, long-term care and acute care settings. It’s a great way to build your skills and your confidence.

Is it a fit?

Continuing care assistants have been called “the eyes and ears of the frail and vulnerable.” You need to be a caring, patient person, with an upbeat attitude and good people skills. Your most important asset is simply a desire to improve quality of life for others.

Your Career

Continuing Care Assistant graduates enjoy high employment rates. You could work in a home care setting, long-term care facility, private care home, acute care facility, integrated facility, supportive housing or special needs classroom. You’ll work as part of a health-care team under the supervision of registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses or licensed practical nurses.

Look for job postings in Saskatchewan’s 12 regional health authorities or the Athabasca Health Authority.