Graduate of an HCA Program in Canada but outside of BC (or HCA Equivalent) – Expedited Pathway

Application Process

Submit Online Application 

Summary of requirements: 

1. Proof of training from your Educational Institution(s)
2. Change of Name – Official Documentation (If applicable)
3. Chronological Format Resume
4. English requirement
5. HCA Practice Hours Verification Form
6. HCA Competency Reference Form
7. After you submit your initial application

1. Proof of training from your Educational Institution(s)

You will need to provide proof of your Health Care Assistant (HCA) or equivalent education and training by uploading one of these documents: 

• Certificate 
• Official Transcript 

Important Note:
The Registry only recognizes HCA or equivalent Education programs that are in good standing with the Ministry of Advanced Education or equivalent in the originating Canadian province/territory. Programs offered in distance delivery formats must have instructor-led, face-to-face lab and clinical practice components. Education programs that do not meet these requirements will not be recognized (see below*). 

*Graduates from the ‘Health Care Aide Challenge’ Program (Manitoba) do not qualify for the Expedited Pathway. Applicants presenting this credential will be able to apply and pursue registration via the HCA Competency Assessment pathway

2. Change of Name – Official Documentation (If applicable)

If the name on your documents does not match the name on your application, please upload official proof of your name change: 

• Marriage Certificate 
• Certificate of Name Change 

How to apply for a legal change of name  (British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency website) 

3. Chronological Format Resume

Please upload a resume including dates / employer name / locations to outline your education, qualifications and health care work experience, citing the most recent HCA position or equivalent experience first and then listing previous positions. 

4. English requirement

Applicants will indicate whether English is their first language within the online application for registration. Definition of first language: the language you learned at home as a child, the language you were educated in, AND the language primarily used in your work. 

This information will be considered with other documentation. If English is not your first language, the Registry reserves the right to request further evidence confirming English Language Proficiency.

5. HCA Practice Hours Verification Form

Category 1: Applicants with 1125 out of province practice hours in the last three years or 450 out of province practice hours in the previous year must submit a verification form(s) from a previous or current out of province employer(s) confirming dates / hours of practice. 

Form Completion Instructions 

If you have not worked the required practice hours with one out of province employer, you will need to have each additional out of province employer submit a HCA Practice Hours Verification Form on your behalf. 

After you complete Part A, you are responsible for asking your Employer (may be done by HR personnel) to complete and submit this form directly to the Registry. It is your responsibility to follow up with your employer to ensure they complete and submit the hours form. 

HCA PRACTICE HOURS VERIFICATION FORM

Category 2: Applicants who graduated from a Canadian HCA education program in the last two years, who do not have enough practice hours to qualify for Category 1 are not required to submit HCA Practice Hours Verification Forms(s).  Proceed to the HCA Clinical Instructor Competency Reference Form section below. 

6. HCA Competency Reference Form

Category 1: Applicants with 1125 practice hours in the last three years or 450 practice hours in the previous year must submit a competency reference form from their previous or current out of province nurse supervisor(s) confirming their ability to practice safely and effectively as a HCA. 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with their clinical supervisor/manager (i.e. nurse) to ensure the nurse completes and submits the competency reference form directly to the Registry. To review/download the form, click here. 

HCA NURSE MANAGER COMPETENCY REFERENCE FORM

Category 2: Applicants who graduated from a Canadian HCA education program in the last two years, who do not have enough practice hours to qualify for Category 1 must submit a confirmation from their Clinical Instructor (nurse) confirming their ability to practice safely and effectively as a HCA. 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with their Clinical Instructor to ensure the nurse completes and submits the competency reference form directly to the Registry. 

Note: The Clinical instructor (nurse) must have supervised/evaluated the applicant’s clinical skills in the clinical setting during their HCA education program. To review/download the form, click here. 

HCA CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR COMPETENCY REFERENCE FORM

7. After you submit your initial application

• i) Within 5-10 business days of submitting a completed application (all forms received), qualified applicants will be directed to complete the HCA Standardized Orientation Program. (12 hours)
• ii) Once you provide evidence of completion of the HCA Standardized Orientation to the Registry, you will be registered within 2-3 business days.

Please be advised that it takes 5-10 business days for the Registry to complete an initial application review. Applicants are asked not to contact the Registry to enquire about application/registration status until at least 10 business days after an application is submitted. Your patience is appreciated. If you have questions about application process or requirements, please contact register@cachwr.bc.ca.