A group of eight Tla’amin Nation students are ready for careers in the health-care field after completing a health-care assistant (HCA) diploma program.
According to Jennie Burslem, the course instructor, this project was funded by North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society (NVIATS), in partnership with Tla’amin Nation and Excel Career College. This course typically runs for nine months, including all theory hours and clinical placement hours.
“Bringing the training to the nation itself helped to remove a barrier to education in that it brought the training to the students close to and within their homes,” said Burslem. “During the program, there was a COVID-19 outbreak within the community and we were able to pivot to virtual delivery very quickly to ensure training was able to continue. Although I was not there in person, I was able to see the students on screen daily and continue to support them in a new blended format.
“Thankfully, we were able to travel on-site to complete the hands-on training when they were ready. There is also a want and need to have the students stay and work within their community with their elders and other community members.”
Burslem said the demand for health-care workers is at an all-time high and employment prospects are extremely positive, whether it be in acute care, complex care or home care. She said all students are receiving job offers, often before graduation.
“Excel Career College students will be able to find work in whatever field they feel an affinity for, and now with the blended delivery option, students can learn the theory components from anywhere in the province, thus limiting the amount of on-site time needed,” said Burslem. “Students can be successful and gain a well-paid, rewarding career, while being there for their family and loved ones.”
Burslem said she had a wonderful experience teaching these students and is so proud of their accomplishments.
