Saint Elizabeth Health Career College launches blended learning for HCAs

Canada's largest social enterprise innovates to meet the growing demand for front-line talent and quality care

VANCOUVER, July 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Fusing its strengths in virtual education, knowledge leadership and health care delivery, Saint Elizabeth today announced the launch of a blended delivery diploma program for health care assistants in British Columbia. Starting in September, the new program will be offered through the Vancouver and Victoria campuses of the Saint Elizabeth Health Career College.

As the population ages and the need for front-line talent and quality care continues to grow, research shows that blended learning can be an effective way to meet workforce and societal needs, while supporting economic development. Blended delivery offers a convenient and accessible option for students who are balancing work/life demands as well as those living in rural and remote communities.

"Many of the trends shaping health care today are also influencing education," said Shirlee Sharkey, CEO of Saint Elizabeth. "Our goal in designing the program was to balance the strengths of virtual learning and technology with the richness of personal interaction and hands-on experience."

The 32-week health care assistant (HCA) diploma program features a combination of interactive learning modules and weekly group seminars completed through virtual technologies. The skills lab session is held on-campus, followed by practicum placements within various care facilities and community agencies. Upon completion, HCA graduates are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aid Registry.

As the not-for-profit leader in health care education, Saint Elizabeth offers a range of post-secondary career training programs and continuing education courses through four schools in Ontario and BC. Saint Elizabeth students enjoy high levels of success, with 91.5% graduating and at least 83% employed within six months.

Registration is now open for the September 2016 intake of both the blended delivery and in-class HCA diploma programs. An enriched ESL-HCA stream is also available. To learn more or attend an information session, visit the Saint Elizabeth Health Career College at saintelizabeth.com/careercollege.

FAST FACTS:

• According to the Conference Board of Canada, health care will be the top source of job creation over the next five years.
  
  
• As one of the largest health care providers and employers in Canada, Saint Elizabeth has been caring for communities since 1908, delivering 50 million health care visits in the past 10 years alone.

About Saint Elizabeth
Saint Elizabeth is a national health care provider that has been opening the door to new possibilities and care experiences for more than a century. Recognized as Canada's largest social enterprise, we employ 8,000 people and visit 18,000 clients every day. With Elizz, our breakthrough brand dedicated to all things caregiving, we are bringing fresh thinking, exceptional services and positive change to caregivers nationally. Through the Saint Elizabeth Research Centre, our Health Career Colleges and the Saint Elizabeth Foundation, we are helping to make the future of health care brighter and stronger. saintelizabeth.com 

SOURCE Saint Elizabeth Health Care

Image with caption: "Canada’s largest social enterprise innovates to meet the growing demand for front-line talent and quality care (CNW Group/Saint Elizabeth Health Care)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160704_C8926_PHOTO_EN_724022.jpg

Media Contact: Madonna Gallo, 905-968-6430, [email protected]; Admissions Department: Saint Elizabeth Health Career College, 1-855-447-3422, [email protected]