Willis College
Continuing Care Assistant
Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Healthcare
Dartmouth
Program Length:
25 weeks
Program Hours:
686
Sydney
Program Length:
25 weeks
Program Hours:
686
Credentials:
- NS Diploma
Study Options:
- Hybrid
- In Person
Start Dates
September 14, 2026
September 21, 2026
October 13, 2026
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Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Healthcare
Designed to meet Nova Scotia’s growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, this hybrid program blends the flexibility of online learning with hands-on lab training and a practical work placement in real healthcare settings.
- Remote Theory Classes: Learn foundational healthcare concepts from the comfort of your own home, guided by experienced instructors.
- In-Person Labs: Gain practical skills through interactive, hands-on training in a supportive environment.
- Work-Term Placement: Apply your knowledge in a real-world healthcare setting, building valuable experience and confidence.
You’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills to provide high-quality, compassionate care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home care settings. From personal care and safe mobility to dementia support, mental health awareness, and medication assistance, the program prepares you to confidently support individuals in need while maintaining dignity and respect in every interaction.
With free tuition available to eligible students through Nova Scotia’s CCA funding initiative, becoming a CCA has never been more accessible. Graduates of this program are in high demand across the province, with excellent job prospects, stability, and opportunities for career growth.
Whether you’re starting your first career or seeking a new purpose helping others, Willis College will equip you with the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience to thrive in this rewarding field. Begin your journey toward a brighter future — and make a difference in your community every day.
$23.00
Average Wage/HR$25.18
High Wage/HRProgram Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course is designed for adult learners to enhance their academic skills and professional readiness. It prepares learners with essential strategies to succeed in a multifaceted learning environment and develop professional workplace readiness skills. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and self-reflection, participants will develop the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in both their studies and careers. By the end of this course, students will feel empowered in their learning journey and prepared to navigate both academic and professional landscapes.
In this hybrid program, students will complete a combination of online coursework and instructor-led sessions focused on the essential competencies that personal support workers and care aides provide in palliative care.
This course reviews the safe handling of food, and investigates best practices in maintaining a safe and secure environment in which to prepare food.
Learners who are successful in this course will be certified in Standard First Aid and Level C Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Upon completion of this workshop the participant will successfully complete the objectives outlined in government approved curriculum.
This course allows the student to cultivate an awareness of medications and the role of the CCA in supporting the needs of a person. The SoP and the Framework identifies the role of a CCA in medication administration and students gain hands-on experience applying medicated and nonmedicated drops, ointments, and creams. Students will gain a basic understanding of medications and the effects to support their tasks and responsibilities specified in the SoP.
The focus of this course is on basic nutrition and entry-level proficiency for preparing and cooking meals. The student will understand the role of nutrition to health and wellbeing and the various types of therapeutic and special diets common in Continuing Care. Students will demonstrate the preparing and cooking of basic meals developing entry-level cooking skills.
This course prepares students to recognize and support persons living with various mental health disorders. The course introduces types of mental health disorders, identifies impacts of mental health disorders, neuro-affirming care, and prevention and intervention strategies for behaviour expressions. This course extends the knowledge students acquired from Course 3 – DUTJ by providing practical application for behaviour expressions.
This is an introductory course of basic body structures, functions, and related health issues common within Continuing Care. The student will gain a basic understanding of the normal structure and function of the body systems and be introduced to signs and symptoms of ineffective functioning, common illnesses/conditions, and the related care implications. This course aims to connect body anatomy and physiology to the technical skills and tasks of a CCA to draw the connection between theory and practical application to the role of a CCA.
This is a lab and simulated course that integrates theoretical learning across the program into practical experience. The objective of this course is to provide real-world simulated scenarios that incorporate as many of the CCA competencies and skills across a full process/task sequence. The instructor’s main objective is to connect the theoretical learning from Course 8 Body Structures & Functions into application to draw the connections from theory into practice. This is a test-try learning environment where the instructor is encouraged to pause, change a status/ condition/illness/need, and resume during a scenario. Instructors can also pause and restart scenarios. Ratio of supervision will be maintained at 1 instructor to 8 students. This course is segmented into 3 parts to provide an integrative skill development approach to learning. Each part is dispersed across the program to provide instructors with the time required to develop scenarios and prepare the lab environment.
Segment 2 – Clinical Placement: The student will apply technical and essential skills identified in the Practicum Guide Mentorship Checklist for supporting persons in care with the oversight and guidance of the instructor within a Long-term Care facility. The Student will demonstrate technical and essential skills identified in the Practicum Guide: Skills Assessment within a Long-Term Care facility under direct supervision by a Primary or Secondary Instructor.
Segment 4 – Mentorship Placement: Open; The student will demonstrate entry-level technical and essential skills as identified in the Practicum Guide: Mentorship Checklist Open for supporting persons in Home Care, long-term care, or acute care setting with the oversight of a CCA mentor.
The student is introduced to the principles of body movement and safety to be followed during the performance of all direct and indirect assistance activities in the classroom, lab, and placement settings. The student will acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure personal safety and that of the person when assisting with positioning and transferring. The learning of this course aligns and integrates with PACE.
This course is an introduction to the principles relating to activities of daily living and personal care. The student will learn, practice, and demonstrate the practical skills necessary for respectfully, safely, and effectively providing personal care by providing meaningful engagement and applying the philosophy of care.
This course recognizes that every person experiences dementia differently and equips students with practical, person-centred strategies to provide meaningful support. Each session builds on the last, guiding students through relationship-building, communication, and environmental approaches, reinforcing care practices in a collaborative and holistic way.
Throughout the program, students learn tools to adjust their own perceptions and techniques to better meet individual needs. The course concludes with a focus on the care provider’s role within a team and how to navigate common barriers in dementia care.
In this course students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to successfully participate in lab demonstrations and practicum placements. This course focuses on the fundamentals of a CCA deepening their understanding of the SoP and the Framework by exploring and practicing the behaviours and essential skills of a CCA. Additionally, students will build the foundational knowledge of teamwork, reporting & documenting, infection control, and risk management to develop the theoretical foundation to inform and shape their approach to care.
Learners will complete a certificate course that introduces the standard safety concepts and practices of WHMIS used within today's Industry. Students in this course will learn about critical occupational health and safety issues, practices, and legislation, including their rights as employees in the workforce.
Job Market
As the global population continues to age, there is an increasing demand for healthcare services, including long-term care and support for elderly individuals. CCAs play a crucial role in providing direct care and assistance to seniors in various settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care.
Salary Information
Nova Scotia
Average Wage ($/hr) – $23.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $25.18
Canada Wide
Average Wage ($/hr) – $24.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $28.84
Admissions Requirements
Continuing Care Assistant Program Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 or GED, or Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) Certificate
- High School Graduate with an IPP/IEP identified, must:
- Demonstrate minimum literacy and numeracy skills through a Program Administrator approved testing tool
Alternate Entrance:
- Be a minimum of 19 years of age and have been out of school for at least one year
- Demonstrate the necessary numeracy and literacy skills
- Achieve a minimum score of 12 on the Wonderlic assessment test
Additional Requirements
- Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check indicating no criminal conviction (current Canada wide police check) – the check must be dated less than 6 months as of the program start date
- Proficient in the official language in which the Program is delivered; as required, a recognized testing tool will be used to gauge proficiency.
- Language proficiency level will meet or be equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8 as per the CCAPAC Admission Requirements
- Interview with an Admissions representative
Student discloses the ability to meet requirements on admission:
- Travel to and from placements using transportation that is acceptable to the placement site
- Perform basic computer literacy skills (basic word processing, checking and sending email, basic web browsing skills) before skills development placement
- Perform job requirements (physical and other)
Practicum Requirements:
No later than 14 days before the first date of the work placement in the Progressive Education Continuing Care Assistant program, proof of immunizations against the following must be provided:
- Tetanus/Diptheria
- Hepatitis A/B
- Tuberculosis (Tuberculin Test – PPD)
- COVID-19 double vaccination
Students must submit a second criminal record check with vulnerable sector search for practicum. Previous CRC/VSS submitted for Admissions is not acceptable. A second check is required.
For Mature Students
Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify under Mature Student Status by meeting the following criteria:
- Age: Must meet provincial minimums (18 in ON; 19 in the rest of Canada), verified via government photo ID.
- Assessment: Achieve minimum cut-off scores on the securely proctored Wonderlic test.
- Prerequisites: Satisfy all program-specific and language proficiency requirements.
For full details, see the Willis College Mature Student Admissions Policy.
Language Requirements:
All students need to meet or exceed the language requirements set by Willis College. Click here to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Graduating from the program makes you an Exam Candidate, which is the required stepping stone to full certification. To officially practice as a Certified Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) in Nova Scotia, you must pass the Nova Scotia CCA Certification Exam. Willis prepares you completely for this; your instructors will submit your competency assessments four weeks prior to the exam, and you will write the standardized provincial exam online through the province’s official testing portal.
Yes! Because CCAs are in such high demand across the province, the Government of Nova Scotia frequently partners with private career colleges like Willis to offer fully covered tuition, textbooks, and even living allowances for eligible students. To qualify for these provincial grants, you must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident living in Nova Scotia and agree to a Return-of-Service Agreement, meaning you commit to working as a CCA in a publicly funded Nova Scotia long-term care or home care facility for two years following graduation.
To ensure you are fully job-ready and compliant with Nova Scotia healthcare workplaces on day one, the Willis program embeds several mandatory industry certifications directly into your 25-week curriculum. You will graduate with:Standard First Aid & Level C CPR (St. John Ambulance certified)WHMIS & Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) CertificatesFood Handlers Course CertificationLEAP Personal Support Worker (Palliative Care Approach) CertificationDementia: Understanding the Journey Course Certification
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Compassionate individuals who want a rewarding, people-centered career in healthcare.
- New grads ready to enter the healthcare workforce quickly with hands-on training and real-world experience.
- Career changers seeking meaningful, stable employment in a trusted and growing field.
- New Canadians pursuing Canadian-recognized credentials and practical experience to start a healthcare career.
Why choose the Continuing Care Assistant program?
- Graduate in Just 25 Weeks: Complete accelerated training and enter one of Nova Scotia's most in-demand healthcare careers.
- Learn with Hybrid Flexibility: Complete theory online while gaining practical experience through in-person labs and placements.
- Earn Valuable Industry Certifications: Graduate with First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, OH&S, Food Handler Safety, and LEAP Palliative Care certification.
- Gain Real-World Experience: Build confidence through supervised clinical and mentorship placements in long-term care, home care, and healthcare settings.
- Train for a High-Demand Career: Prepare for rewarding opportunities in long-term care, home care, hospitals, and community healthcare.
- Make a Difference Every Day: Build the skills and confidence to provide compassionate care that improves the lives of others.
What You'll Learn
- Compassionate Personal Care: Learn to provide safe, respectful care that supports clients' comfort, dignity, and independence.
- Health & Wellness Foundations: Build an understanding of body systems, common health conditions, medications, nutrition, and mental well-being.
- Dementia & Person-Centred Care: Develop practical strategies to support individuals living with dementia through meaningful, relationship-focused care.
- Safe Care Practices: Learn safe mobility, infection control, workplace safety, and risk management to protect both clients and caregivers.
- Professional Communication & Teamwork: Strengthen your reporting, documentation, communication, and collaboration skills within healthcare teams.
- Hands-On Healthcare Experience: Apply your learning through labs and supervised practicum placements in real healthcare settings.
Why You'll Love Willis College
- Industry-Aligned Programs: Career-ready curricula designed alongside top employers to ensure your skills match current market demands.
- Instructor-Led, Applied Learning: Hands-on training taught by industry experts who bring real-world knowledge, mentorship, and practical insight into the classroom.
- Flexible Learning Pathways: Tailored study options—in-person, online, or hybrid—that fit your lifestyle and meet you where you are.
- Personalized Small-Class Support: Dedicated guidance and encouragement in smaller group settings where you are a person, not a number.
- Accessible Funding Assistance: Direct support navigating student loans, grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans to make your education attainable.
- Lifetime Career Services: Continuous job-search support and career counseling to help you transition smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.
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What Our Graduates Are Saying
"Attending Willis gave me my self-confidence back. It helped me turn my life around. I came to Willis broken and I came out fixed and reinvented. Invest in yourself and go to Willis! The school and faculty invest themselves in you."
Ryan Shank
Executive Business Administration Graduate