Care Workers Key Members of Interdisciplinary Health Care Team
Community Health Care program at UCW Academy of Health offers a well-rounded education
Victoria, BC (PRWEB) October 4, 2009 -- With the increased demand for personal care services on British
Columbia’s health care system, greater emphasis has been placed on the role caregivers play. Working directly
with clients in settings ranging from extended care facilities to group homes, caregivers need to be versatile and
well-trained. UCW Academy of Health’s Community Health Care diploma program combines comprehensive and
practical, hands-on training to prepare graduates for the demands of the health care industry.
“With all of the changes occurring in the health care field today, Community Health Care workers are becoming
an essential part of the interdisciplinary team,” says Patricia Hitchens, a health care instructor at the UCW
Academy of Health. “They are definitely the eyes and ears for many of the other team members.”
Community Health Care students follow an intensive 43-week curriculum that explores the caregiver position in
a variety of environments. They study anatomy, physiology and medical terminology as well as human
development and interpersonal communications. They learn about developmental disorders, behavior
management and mental health issues. Students also learn to plan recreational activity programs for clients,
including art and music therapy. Three separate practicum placements provide students with opportunities to
apply their knowledge and skill in intermediate and extended care facilities, as well as adolescent care.
For those looking to enter the Community Health Care field, a certain level of caring and compassion are
required.
“Community Health Care workers need to be empathetic and patient people,” says Hitchens. “The job often
requires them to be creative and think outside the box, so they should take a humanistic approach towards their
clients and be able to see the bigger picture.”
Graduates from the Community