Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker

Program Overview

The Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care in various healthcare settings. Through a combination of theoretical instruction, practical training, and work practicums, graduates are prepared for multiple employment pathways in the healthcare sector. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, employability skills, and ethical conduct, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the well-being of patients and their families.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker program aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work within the full scope of practice of a health care aide/personal support worker in various healthcare settings. Graduates will be prepared to provide safe and effective patient care, supporting their physical, emotional, and social needs.

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of a health care aide/personal support worker.
• Acquire the knowledge and skills required to provide safe and effective patient care in various healthcare settings.
• Enhance communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities essential for working in a healthcare environment.
• Prepare for multiple employment pathways in the healthcare sector upon graduation.

Program Description:

The program combines theoretical instruction, practical training, and real-world experiences through work practicum rotations. Students will gain hands-on experience in providing patient care under the supervision of registered nurses. The program also includes participation in MITT's Bridging to Work workshops, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with a strong foundation of employability and essential skills.

Outline:

Content:

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Patient Care Fundamentals
• Medical Terminology
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Infection Control
• First Aid and CPR
• Nutrition and Meal Preparation
• Mental Health and Addictions
• Ethics and Legal Responsibilities

Structure:

The program is structured as follows:

• 8 months of full-time study
• Two 4-week preceptor-led work practicums
• A combination of classroom instruction, practical training, and work experience

Course Schedule:

The course schedule includes:

• Semester 1: Anatomy and Physiology, Patient Care Fundamentals, Medical Terminology, Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Semester 2: Infection Control, First Aid and CPR, Nutrition and Meal Preparation, Mental Health and Addictions
• Semester 3: Ethics and Legal Responsibilities, Work Practicum 1
• Semester 4: Work Practicum 2

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

Module 1: Anatomy and Physiology

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the human body, including its structure, function, and major systems.

Module 2: Patient Care Fundamentals

• Covers the basic principles and techniques of patient care, including hygiene, mobility, and nutrition.

Module 3: Medical Terminology

• Introduces the language and terminology used in the healthcare field.

Module 4: Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Develops effective communication and interpersonal skills essential for interacting with patients, families, and colleagues.

Module 5: Infection Control

• Emphasizes the importance of infection control practices to prevent the spread of disease.

Module 6: First Aid and CPR

• Provides training in first aid and CPR techniques to respond to emergencies.

Module 7: Nutrition and Meal Preparation

• Covers the principles of nutrition and meal preparation for patients with specific dietary needs.

Module 8: Mental Health and Addictions

• Explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment of mental health and addiction issues.

Module 9: Ethics and Legal Responsibilities

• Discusses ethical and legal considerations in healthcare, including patient rights, confidentiality, and informed consent.

Module 10: Work Practicum 1

• Provides supervised work experience in an acute care setting.

Module 11: Work Practicum 2

• Provides supervised work experience in a long-term care setting.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Practical demonstrations
• Work practicum evaluations

Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of course material
• Application of skills in practical settings
• Communication and interpersonal abilities
• Professionalism and ethical conduct
• Successful completion of work practicum requirements

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Demonstrations
• Role-playing
• Simulation exercises
• Work practicum supervision

Faculty:

• Experienced healthcare professionals with expertise in their respective fields.

Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on hands-on training and practical experience through work practicums.
• Integration of Bridging to Work workshops to enhance employability skills.
• Collaboration with healthcare partners to ensure program alignment with industry needs.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Health Care Aide
• Personal Support Worker
• Home Care Aide
• Hospital Aide
• Long-Term Care Aide
• Rehabilitation Aide

Opportunities:

• Employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, and rehabilitation centers.
• Opportunities for career advancement through further education and training.
• Contribution to the well-being of patients and their families.

Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to work effectively as health care aides/personal support workers, providing compassionate and skilled care to patients.
• Graduates are eligible to apply for certification through the Manitoba Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker Association.
• Graduates have a strong foundation for pursuing further education and career advancement in the healthcare field.