HCA Competency Assessment Bursary

To meet the increasing demand for Health Care Assistant (HCA) staff in BC, Health Match BC (HMBC), a division of the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC), which offers professional recruitment services on behalf of British Columbia’s public health employers, has developed the HCA Bursary Program (HCA Competency Assessment & Remedial Education Bursaries). These bursaries provide support to graduates of an HCA (or HCA equivalent) program in Canada and Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals (IEHCP), who are seeking to complete the HCA registration process with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry (the Registry). This Bursary helps candidates with the costs associated with the HCA Single Track Assessment, which may be a requirement of registration with the Registry.

In an effort to provide additional support to Registry applicants living in rural and remote locations in BC, applicants may also be eligible for a Rural Travel Allowance to help cover the costs associated with travel and accommodation to complete this assessment. Note: Upon completion of the HCA Single Track Assessment, applicants may be referred for additional remedial education before being eligible for registration with the Registry. A separate Remedial Education Bursary will be available to those candidates and will require a distinct application. 

HCA Competency Assessment Bursary Eligibility

A one-time payment of up to $ 2,100 (based on official receipts) will be paid by HEABC to applicants of the Registry based on the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicant has submitted an application to the Registry.
• Applicant has the intention of completing Remedial Education courses (if required) to become a registered HCA.
• Applicant has a scheduled date for the HCA Single Track Simulation-Lab Assessment (SLA) component.
• Applicant has submitted original receipts for the HCA Single Track CBA and SLA assessments.
• Applicant has completed a consultation call with the HMBC HCA team.
• Applicant has, with the support of the HMBC HCA team, completed the Important Timelines outlined in their application form within the established timeframes.
• Applicant must submit a completed Bursary Application Form with all supporting documents.
• Applicant must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). Applicants without a valid SIN may be eligible for bursary support but will not receive payment until they have a valid Canadian SIN.
• Applicant has or will receive the HCA Single Track Assessment outcome within three months of the application form submission date.

Further notes on eligibility:

• Eligibility for the rural travel allowance is determined by HEABC and based on distance between the applicant’s primary residence and the Simulated Lab Assessment (SLA) site.
• Notwithstanding the above, HEABC may, in its exclusive discretion, depart from the above guidelines.

 Rural Travel Allowance Eligibility (if applicable)

A one-time payment ranging between $750 – $1,000, will be paid by HEABC to applicants of the Registry based on the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicant meets all eligibility criteria for the HCA Competency Assessment Bursary as outlined above.
• Applicant’s primary residence is located at least 300 km (or requires taking a BC ferry) from the Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA) site.
• Applicant provides proof of primary residence by submitting one of the following documents issued within the last 2 months (except for #3);
  1.  Utility (water, hydro, TV, internet) and/or cell phone bills showing the individual is living at that Canadian address.
  2.  Any letter, statement, bill, or certificate issued by an insurance company registered in Canada, including home insurance, tenant insurance, auto insurance, or life insurance.
  3.  Driver’s license or vehicle registration from the relevant province/territory.
  4.  Statements of accounts (e.g. bank accounts) from a Canadian branch or institution.

Application Process

• To apply for this bursary, please complete the Bursary Application Form, and upload all required documents within 3 business days of receiving the HCA Competency Assessment Bursary Application Form.
• The HCA team will acknowledge receipt of your application within five (5) business days from the submission date. Please note the processing time may vary if the application is incomplete.

Required Documents 

• Original receipts for HCA Single Track CBA & SLA assessments showing the total amount paid, as proof of registration.
• Rural travel allowance supporting documents (see Rural Travel Allowance Eligibility section above for options) as proof of primary residence.
• Void Cheque or Direct Deposit Form.

**Please ensure to review all requirements and gather appropriate documents required before completing the application form. If you experience any issues with the application form, please contact info@choose2care.ca.

HCA Competency Assessment Bursary Application Form