University Canada West Academy of Health

The changing needs of the business and health care sectors lead employers in these fields to continually seek out well-trained candidates for the job. As a result, the health care curriculum at UCW Academy of Health has been developed to ensure that our graduates are successful in meeting the employment requirements of all these industries. Our Academics Department maintains close ties with the business and health care sectors to continually assess our curricula and gain insight to ensure that students meet the needs of the industry.

We know that employers want graduates that are knowledgeable about their field and possess up-to-date skills. Our students receive focused and specialized training on the tools, techniques and technology used in their chosen career field. They work on intense, skill-building projects that prepare them for the challenges that they'll face on the job. By the end of their studies, graduates will have developed the confidence and abilities that employers in their field are looking for.

Our programs are designed to reflect the requirements of the employers in your chosen career field. Our instructors are also industry-experienced professionals who combine academic instruction with practical training to help you develop the knowledge and the skills the marketplace demands. You'll learn one subject at a time and focus strictly on career-relevant material that you'll use on the job.

At the campus, you'll have an enthusiastic support team that is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Everyone is committed to your success. From our admission process right through to our employment support after graduation, we will strive to give you a rewarding and life-changing educational experience.

Whether you are just beginning your training or you are looking for professional advancement through continued education, UCW Academy of Health can help you. In a matter of months, you can complete a career-focused program that ensures you build a skill set to help you launch a meaningful career.

The best way to learn about our admission requirements is to meet with an Admissions Representative. During this meeting, your Admissions Representative will discuss your career goals and aspirations and offer some recommendations about the programs available to you. You will be able to learn more about the UCW Academy of Health, tour the campus and meet students and instructors.

At this meeting, your Admissions Representative will also give you a complete Career Assessment. This assessment is designed to measure the essential skills and abilities that are required to successfully complete our diploma programs.

In addition, certain programs may have specific additional entrance requirements. Your Admissions Representative can provide further information about these requirements.

Addictions and Community Service Worker

  Back to top

The Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma Program has been designed to prepare students for a position in any facility that deals with alcohol and substance abuse clients. The program gives students the theoretical and practical skills to work in high-pressure environments. Students also learn conflict resolution skills, health information regarding drug and substance abuse, prevention and treatment planning.

Addictions Workers hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in a diverse range of settings such as child, youth and family social service agencies, and programs concerned specifically with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence and the aged. Additional work environments may include group homes, correctional and community mental health centres, and facilities for the physically and developmentally handicapped.

Community Health Care

  Back to top

The Community Health Care diploma program is an intensive program designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in care-giving. You'll learn residential care for clients living with chronic conditions or mental health issues. You'll also study behavior management, non-violent crisis intervention techniques, developmental disorders and basic special education principles. Recreational therapy and activity program planning will also be covered.

Seven weeks of practicum will allow you to combine theory and practice. You will gain hands-on experience in a three-week practicum in the community and a four-week practicum in a long-term care facility. As a graduate of the CHC program, you will be prepared to function collaboratively as a member of a multi-disciplinary health care team. Career opportunities include Long-Term Care Aide, Home Support Health Care worker, Resident Care Attendant, Nurse's Aide and Special Needs Assistant.

Dental Office Administrator

  Back to top

Dental Office Administrators make people smile. This program prepares students for challenging careers as dental office assistants, claims administrators or sales representatives for dental manufacturing companies. You will study office administration, dental terminology, pathology and pharmacology. You will also learn dental practice management software, billing methods and management techniques.

Medical and Dental Office Administrator

  Back to top

You can double your career opportunities by combining general office skills with specialized training for medical and dental offices. In the Medical and Dental Office Administrator program, you'll study medical terminology and pharmacology. You'll also learn to prepare medical and dental test, and respond to questions about various medical and dental conditions as well as prescriptions. Two practicum periods will allow you opportunities to explore both career fields. In addition, you'll receive Standard First Aid and CPR certificates.

As a graduate of this program, you'll be prepared to begin a career as an Admitting Clerk, Emergency Room Admitting Clerk, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Secretary, Medical Transcriptionist, Medical or Dental Office Administrator, Medical or Dental Receptionist, Medical or Dental Claims Administrator. You will also meet job requirements to work in specialty medical and dental offices and to act as sales representatives for medical or dental manufacturing companies.

Medical Office Assistant

  Back to top

Medical Office Assistants are important members of the health care team. In our Medical Office Assistants diploma program, you'll learn to organize a medical office, prepare and administer basic medical office tests and respond to questions about medical conditions and prescriptions. You'll also receive First Aid and CPR training and certification. In addition, you will learn general office procedures and administration including the use of medical billing software. You will also receive First Aid and CPR training and certification.

As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to begin a career as an Admitting Clerk, Emergency Room Admitting Clerk, Medical Secretary, Medical Transcriptionist, Medical Receptionist, Medical Billing Clerk or Medical Office Assistant.

Medical Records Administrator

  Back to top

Information management plays an important role in medical facilities. These institutions depend on well-trained professionals to collect and maintain detailed health records used to enhance the quality of patient care. The Medical Records Administrator program teaches students to compile, review, analyze and classify health-related information. Students learn medical terminology and disease classification systems. They also examine the various legal and ethical issues surrounding medical records, including government legislation relevant to confidentiality (Federal Privacy Act) as well as the release of information with and without patient consent. Gain hands on experience during a five-week practicum in a health care setting.

Career opportunities include Medical Records Clerk, Medical File Manager, Admitting Clerk, and Ward Clerk amongst others.

Practical Nursing

  Back to top

Practical Nurses work in concert with fellow health care specialists in settings like acute care wards, private homes, public schools and long-term care facilities. The Practical Nursing Diploma program at the Academy of Health trains students to work in medical, surgical and rehabilitation care in a variety of positions.

The 51-week intensive training program introduces students to the fundamental duties and responsibilities of a Practical Nurse. The curriculum follows standards laid out by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia. Students are trained in both holistic and clinical practices, with a focus on the Nursing Arts.

Courses combine classroom learning and lab work, as well as three practicum placements. During this supervised hands-on training, students gain experience in facilities dealing with acute care, gerontology and community medical care. At the end of the supervised learning, students participate in a preceptorship and job search training, to help transition them from student to graduate.

Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant

  Back to top

In the Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program at CDI College, you will develop the knowledge, skills and values to assist rehabilitation therapists during treatments in a variety of health care and community settings.

As a Rehabilitation Therapy student, you will study anatomy, physiology, human development, movement and human disorders. You will also learn about clinical physiotherapy, gerontology, communications and rehabilitation processes. In addition you will have opportunity to learn about the occupation therapy and various techniques used for physical disabilities as well as the psychiatry and pediatrics fields. As a graduate from the Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program, you will be prepared to work in partnership with, and under the direction of, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and/or Recreational Therapists. You may find employment in a range of settings, including community health centers, clinics, private agencies, rehabilitation centers. Other settings that employ Rehabilitation Therapy Assistants include hospitals, long-term care facilities, fitness centers and residential care homes.

Accreditation

  Back to top

University Canada West operates under the authority of the British Columbia Minister of Advanced Education, on recommendation of the BC Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB).

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from UCW Academy of Health - Victoria.