Fraser Health HCA Career Pathway

Paid Training | Certification Included | $21.37/hour | No Experience Required

Entering the health care field does not always require years of schooling or previous clinical experience. In British Columbia, a government-supported initiative offers a structured pathway into care work through paid employment combined with formal training. This pathway supports individuals who wish to become Health Care Assistants (HCAs) while earning an income during the learning process.

💼 Paid Employment During Training

Participants are hired into entry-level health support roles and receive an hourly wage that begins around $21 per hour, depending on role and placement. While working, participants complete an approved Health Care Assistant education program, gaining both practical experience and classroom instruction at the same time.

This model reduces financial pressure and allows individuals to transition into health care without pausing income.

🔎 Understanding the Health Career Access Program (HCAP)

HCAP is a provincial workforce development initiative supported by the BC Ministry of Health and regional health authorities such as Fraser Health. The program addresses ongoing demand for trained care workers across hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living environments, and community-based services.

Rather than requiring candidates to complete training independently, the program connects employment, education, and certification into a single pathway.

Participants typically begin as Health Care Support Workers, then progress toward full HCA qualification through an accredited post-secondary program.

🏆 Key Program Features

💰 Income While Studying

Participants remain employed throughout the training period, receiving regular wages while completing required coursework and clinical practice.

🎓 Education Cost Coverage (With Service Commitment)

For eligible candidates who complete the required post-training service period, education and training costs are covered through government and employer collaboration.

📅 Structured Full-Time Format

Most training pathways run approximately 12 months, combining classroom learning, supervised clinical placements, and paid work shifts.

🧭 Recognized Certification

Graduates complete a recognized HCA credential and become eligible for registration, enabling long-term employment across multiple care settings in British Columbia.

❤️ What Health Care Assistants Do

Health Care Assistants provide essential daily support to individuals who need help maintaining comfort, safety, and independence. Work environments may include:

• 🏥 Acute and community hospitals

• 🏡 Long-term care and assisted living residences

• 👥 Home and community support programs

Common responsibilities involve mobility assistance, personal care, meal support, and observing basic health changes under supervision.

✅ General Eligibility Considerations

Typical applicant requirements include:

• Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status

• Completion of basic education

• Functional English communication skills

• Clear vulnerable-sector background screening

• Interest in caregiving and service-oriented work

Applications from Indigenous peoples and individuals from underrepresented communities are encouraged under equity-based hiring approaches.

📘 Application Process Overview

1️⃣ Submit an application through the Fraser Health careers platform

2️⃣ Screening and interview for a health support role

3️⃣ Begin paid employment while enrolled in an approved HCA education program

4️⃣ Complete certification and fulfill the required service period

🌱 Why This Pathway Is Considered Valuable

• Reduced financial barriers through paid training

• Clear transition from entry-level support roles to certified positions

• High employment demand across multiple care sectors

• Meaningful work supporting individuals and families in need of care

📊 Age Suitability Reference (Informational)

🎯 Summary

The Fraser Health-supported HCA pathway offers a practical route into the health care sector by combining employment, structured education, and certification into one coordinated process. For individuals seeking stability, purpose, and long-term career prospects in health services, this program represents a clear and supported entry option within British Columbia’s public health system.

2026.01.12

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