Duration: 6 weeks
Overview
The Home Support Worker (HSW) program is designed to introduce learners to the foundational knowledge and skills used to support individuals in home and community-based care settings. The program focuses on person-centred support, communication, safety, and professionalism in non-clinical care environments.
This short-term, online certificate program is suitable for individuals interested in gaining introductory knowledge related to community support work or exploring entry-level roles in home support settings.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this program, learners will gain foundational understanding of:
- Principles of person-centred and respectful care in home and community settings
- Personal safety, infection prevention, and safe body mechanics
- Supporting activities of daily living (ADLs) such as mobility, grooming, hygiene, and basic personal care
- Communication skills for interacting with clients, families, and care teams
- Basic nutrition support and meal-related assistance
- Introduction to documentation practices, professional boundaries, and ethical conduct in support roles
Learning outcomes are introductory and designed to support foundational awareness rather than independent or clinical practice.
Program Format & Duration
Duration: 6 weeks
Total Instructional Hours: 24 hours
Delivery Mode: Online (Asynchronous)
Schedule: Weekly learning modules with flexible completion deadlines.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fee details vary by intake and are provided directly to students during the admissions process. For current information, please contact our admissions team.
Learning Structure
The program is delivered through recorded lectures, guided readings, learning activities, and assessments. Learners progress through the content independently while meeting weekly submission requirements.
Important:
This program is fully online and does not include any in-person practicum, clinical placement, or supervised work experience
Admission Requirements
Domestic Applicants
- Government-issued photo identification
- High school completion or equivalent
- (Applicants without a high school diploma may be considered under a mature student pathway)
- English proficiency sufficient for post-secondary study
- (Assessment may apply)
International Applicants
- Valid passport and appropriate study authorization (if required)
- Academic documents translated and/or assessed if not in English
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or internal assessment)
Note:
Because this program does not include a practicum or placement, criminal record checks, vulnerable sector checks, or immunizations are not required to complete the program. Such documentation may be requested by employers or regulatory bodies after program completion, depending on workplace requirements.
Credential Awarded
Certificate of Completion – Home Support Worker
This credential is issued by Silver Oak College upon successful completion of the program requirements.
Career Outcomes
This program is designed to provide foundational knowledge for individuals interested in entry-level, non-regulated support roles in home and community-based care settings.
- Potential roles may include:
- Home Support Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Personal Support Worker (in private or non-regulated settings)
- Employment opportunities are subject to:
- Employer hiring criteria
- Regulatory and workplace policies
- Individual background checks or approvals, where applicable
Important:
This program does not guarantee employment.
Professional Scope & Recognition
This program is not equivalent to, or recognized as, a BC Health Care Assistant Program. Graduates are not eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. Registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry is required before working in BC’s public health sector as a care aide, health care assistant, personal support worker, community health worker or an equivalent position.
Why Choose Silver Oak College
- Fully online, asynchronous learning designed to support flexible schedules
- Short-term certificate programs focused on foundational and practical knowledge
- Clear program information and transparent admissions processes
- Structured learning materials with assessment-based progression
- Programs designed to support entry-level career exploration
