Continuing Care

Overview

Our province needs more people like you who want to become a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages with a short or long-term illness through the provision of personal care and support services.

CCAs are critically important in the health-care sector and in-demand. The Nova Scotia Government increased the wage of the CCA by 23% in the past year to support the role of CCA.

View a day in the life of a student

See what’s it’s like to be a Continuing Care student at NSCC. Read a #DayInTheLife blog from Andrea

Clinical placement

• This program includes mandatory clinical placements that may take place in long-term care/home support and/or acute care environments.
  • Clinical placements can include weekday, evening, weekend and / or holiday shifts. Shifts range from 6-12 hours and start times vary, with some beginning at 7 am and 11 pm.
  • Clinical placements are mandatory credit courses. They provide you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and understand the everyday challenges of a work environment.
  • Placement opportunities are typically unpaid.
• Transportation, living accommodations and other costs related to clinical placements are your responsibility.
  • In order to meet placement partner requirements, students are required to provide their own transportation to placements. Public transportation will not provide you with full access to your scheduled placements.
  • Due to confidentiality issues, in some areas students are unable to have others drive them to their home care placements.
• For more information visit work experience opportunities.

• International students - all international students require a co-op work permit; you can't complete your NSCC program without one. This program also requires a medical exam to receive your co-op work permit. View co-op work permit - medical exam details.

Choose NSCC

• You benefit from our hands-on approach to learning.
• You learn the latest practices and standards of care. NSCC works in partnership with healthcare stakeholders and the provincial government in implementing the provincial curriculum standards for Continuing Care Assistant education.

Other info

• All placements must be successfully completed in order to graduate.
• Placement agencies may require an interview before accepting students for work experience.
• Work in this field is demanding and your ability to practice effective self-care strategies is essential for your success.
• The Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness requires all workers entering this field, in defined care settings, to have a Continuing Care Assistant certificate. Students who successfully complete all components of the Continuing Care program are eligible to write the provincial certification exam, which is administered by the Continuing Care Assistant Program Advisory Committee (CCAPAC)

January 2024

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Kingstec Campus/Online Kentville	Part time	Blended Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.	Seats available
Truro Campus/Online Truro	Part time	Blended Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.	Seats available

September 2024

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus Middleton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Burridge Campus Yarmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Burridge Campus Classes at Digby Learning Centre	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Cumberland Campus Classes at Amherst Learning Centre	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Pictou Campus Stellarton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Shelburne Campus Shelburne	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Strait Area Campus Port Hawkesbury	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country
• A clear criminal record check and vulnerable sector check are required for admission to this program.

Program requirements

• A current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check are required to complete work placements. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements.
• All programs in Health and Human Services require First Aid/CPR as a graduation requirement. For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including immunizations. You must submit proof that you've completed these requirements by the date provided to you at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete.
  • Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Inability to complete clinical placements and mentorships will impact your ability to complete program requirements and proceed through to graduation. 
• In order to meet placement partner requirements, students require a valid drivers license and access to a vehicle. Public transportation will not provide full access to your placements and due to confidentiality, you cannot have someone else drive you to your placement.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.
• Pass mark for this program is 70%.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College Services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View estimated program costs on fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Continuing Care
• Continuing Care – Part-time Year 1
• Continuing Care – Part-time Year 2

Career options

Graduates work in a variety of private or clinical settings, which may include:

• Client residences
• Long-term care facilities
• Home support agencies
• Acute care facilities

Future study options

• Graduates can go on to complete the Practical Nursing program to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

CONC 1002 - Body Mechanics and Activity
This course will provide students with a basic knowledge of the principles of body mechanics as well as the positioning, transferring and mobility of individuals. This knowledge will be applied during the performance of all personal care and care setting management activities in the classroom, lab and clinical settings. Students will demonstrate professional conduct competencies at all times in the lab setting.

CONC 1003 - Personal Care
In this course students will attain principles pertaining to personal care. Students learn, practice and demonstrate the practical skills necessary to safely and effectively provide personal care to the individual. Students will demonstrate professional conduct competencies at all times in the lab setting.

CONC 1004 - Care Setting Management
This course prepares the CCA to perform care setting management tasks across a variety of care settings. Students will develop skills to ensure the safety and security of the person as well as be prepared to organize and complete care setting management tasks according to the scope of employment. They will also learn how to set priorities and develop time management skills.

CONC 1005 - Nutrition and Meal Preparation
This course introduces students to the principles of nutrition with a focus on meeting the individual dietary needs of persons of all ages. It helps the CCA to plan meals, including developing grocery lists, preparing and serving meals specific to individual needs.

CONC 1011 - Personal and Professional Development
This course prepares students to become contributing members of the health care team. The CCA must demonstrate professional behaviour which reflects an understanding of personal values and beliefs, as well as ethical and legal implications of care. Knowledge and understanding of the roles of various members of the health care team enables the CCA to develop both personally and professionally. Students will also explore how lifestyle choices and personal health practices contribute to the personal and professional development of the CCA.

CONC 1012 - Communications for the Continuing Care Assistant
This course provides students with an introduction to basic communication skills required by workplaces within the continuing care sector. Students are introduced to concepts in interpersonal communication, written communication and documentation, and basic computer applications used in today’s workplace. Students will also explore effective job search techniques.

CONC 1013 - Professional Practice for Continuing Care
This course further investigates professional conduct that is required in the workplace while demonstrating effective communication and conflict management strategies. Students also explore strategies for building resilience while working in the health sector and develop effective job search techniques.

CONC 1016 - Body Structures and Functions and Related Health Issues
This course will enable students to acquire a basic knowledge of the body’s normal structure and function. It introduces common health issues of each body system and the implications for care.

CONC 1019 - Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care
The course is designed to prepare students to support persons who are in the final stages of the life cycle. Emphasis will be placed on the care and support of the person and family during the grieving and dying stage, including care required in the after death period. The outcomes of this course will be met through the delivery of the Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative care course developed by Pallium Canada. The student must attend all sessions of the course to meet the requirements.

CONC 1033 - Skills and Medications
Students will be introduced to basic pharmacological concepts specific to their role as a CCA. They will develop an awareness of common medications used across care settings and will receive specific education in the application of some medicated creams, ointments and drops. As well, they will continue to develop skills related to the role of a CCA.

CONC 1040 - Skills Development Long-term Care Clinical
The Skills Development Long-term Care Clinical placement provides students with an introduction to the long-term care setting. Students will demonstrate safe practice as a CCA in caring for persons with a variety of needs related to aging and/or health issues. Placements will occur in a Level II nursing home under the direct supervision of an instructor. Completion of 110 hours of skills development is mandatory.

CONC 1070 - Clinical (Home Support) I
The Clinical Home Support I placement provides students with an introduction to the home support setting. Students will demonstrate safe practice as a CCA in caring for individuals, with a variety of needs, at any stage of the life cycle. Students will work in partnership with a mentor. By completion of the program, students will have completed a total of 80 hours in home support placement (Clinical Home Support I and II).

CONC 1200 - Dementia: Understanding the Journey
This course prepares the student to work with persons experiencing Alzheimer Disease or other dementias in facility and/or community settings. Students will develop an understanding of dementia and the impact on both the individual and families. Strategies based on the philosophy of providing person-centred care to persons as well as support to family caregivers will be explored. The course will be delivered through completion of the provincial standard Dementia: Understanding the Journey Course. Students must attend all sessions and complete the final project of the course to meet the requirements.

CONC 2077 - Clinical (Home Support) II
The Clinical (Home Support) II placement provides students with the opportunity to consolidate their learning in the home support setting. Students will demonstrate safe practice as a CCA in caring for individuals, with a variety of needs, at any stage of the life cycle. Students will work in partnership with a mentor. By completion of the program, the learner will have completed a total of 80 hours in home support placement (Clinical (Home Support) I and II).

CONC 2200 - Open Mentorship
Open Mentorship provides students with the opportunity to consolidate their learning in partnership with a mentor. This mentorship may occur in one or more placement sites including acute care facilities, home care agencies, nursing homes/homes for the aged and other approved care settings. Completion of 60 hours of open mentorship is mandatory.

CONC 2555 - Long-term Care Mentorship
The Long-term Care Mentorship placement provides students with the opportunity to consolidate their learning in the long-term care setting. The student will demonstrate safe practice as a CCA in caring for individuals with a variety of health care needs. Students will be placed in a Level II nursing home/home for the aged in partnership with a mentor. Completion of 80 hours of Long-term Care Mentorship is mandatory.

CRIS 1022 - Introduction to Crisis, Mental Health and Social Issues
This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore various types of mental health issues, abuse, crisis, and related challenging behaviours. The course is designed to allow students to explore the role and responsibilities of caregivers as they support individuals and families experiencing these alterations in mental health and social wellbeing.

GDEV 1001 - Human Life Cycle
Students will be introduced to principles of growth and development which are the foundation for appropriate individual care. This course identifies the physiological, psychological and sociological needs to be met as individuals progress through the stages of the life cycle.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.