The Province is investing $614,385 at public post-secondary institutions in six rural communities to train 82 health care assistants across B.C., announced Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.
"These new seats will help build on our initiatives to boost the rural workforce in the health care sector, making sure all British Columbians have access to top-notch services when they're needed," said Stilwell. "We're also making sure students have more access closer to home to programs they need to fulfil their potential and fully participate in the economy."
This funding will support the delivery of the six-month program at six rural post-secondary institutions in 2009-10. Health care assistant graduates will provide front-line care in a variety of institutional and community settings, including both home support agencies and residential care facilities.
To help build health care capacity in Aboriginal communities in B.C., 34 spaces are targeted to Aboriginal learners studying at Vancouver Island University and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
"The two programs for health care assistants for Aboriginal learners will offer new opportunities for Aboriginal students in their communities," said George Abbott, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. "We are committed to providing educational opportunities for Aboriginal students to close the gap between them and other British Columbians."
"We know that if we support health care students in more regions, once they graduate they'll be more likely to serve in those communities in which they've trained," said Stilwell. "The Province is doing its part to meet the province's current and future demand for health-care workers."
The programs will train health care assistants to provide care that promotes and maintains the physical, emotional, cognitive and social well-being of clients. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work in any level of continuing care, including home support, adult day care, assisted living, and complex care.
Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $937 million in health-related operating and capital funding at post-secondary institutions across B.C.
