College of the North Atlantic

College of the North Atlantic

  • 1-888-982-2268
  • Apply Now
  • Contact Us
  • Giving to CNA
  • Shop CNA
  • Online Learning
  • My CNA
Apply Now
  • What We Offer
    • Explore our Schools
    • Program Guide
    • Microcredentials
    • Course Descriptions
    • Apprenticeship Training Schedule
    • Continuing Education
    • Resources for Teachers & Counsellors
  • Become a Student
    • Canadian Students
    • International Students
    • Financing your Education
    • Transfer Guides
    • Definitions and Regulations
    • Contact Us
  • Our Campuses
    • Avalon
      • Carbonear
      • Placentia
      • Prince Philip Drive
      • Ridge Road
      • Seal Cove
    • Central
      • Baie Verte
      • Gander
      • Grand Falls-Windsor
    • Eastern
      • Bonavista
      • Burin
      • Clarenville
    • Labrador
      • Happy Valley-Goose Bay
      • Labrador West
    • Western
      • Bay St. George
      • Corner Brook
      • Port aux Basques
      • St. Anthony
    We have 17 campus locations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador
    • 1-888-982-2268
    • Live Chat
    • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Student Support
      • Accessibility Services
      • Counselling Services
      • Child Care Centers
      • Health and Dental
      • Internet Services
      • Library Services
      • Registrar's Office
      • Scholarships & Awards
      • Sexual Violence Support
      • Student Housing
    • Student Employment
      • Co-operative Education
      • Student Job Finder
    • Business & Industry
      • CNA Foundation
      • Alumni
      • Entrepreneurship Hub
      • Research & Innovation
      • Workforce Innovation
      • CNA Global
      • Customized & Continuous Learning
      • Office of Institutional Research
    • Search our Staff Directory
      • Search by Name/Title:
        Leave fields blank to query entire directory 




        Search by Campus:
        For Online Learning contacts, click here.
        For our campus locations, or to contact one of our campuses directly please click here.


    • Webmail Access
    • Careers @ CNA
    • Employee Login
  • News & Events
    • News Archive
    • Currents Magazine
    • Events
Contact Us
Online Learning
My CNA

Webmail Access
Careers @ CNA
Employee Login

 


Program Information

  • Home
  • What We Offer
  • Program Guide
  • Program Information

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

Rate this content
     

CERTIFICATE

  • School of Health Sciences
  • Duration: 2 Semesters

Applications closed to international applicants for the Bonavista, Burin, Carbonear, Clarenville, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Placentia and Prince Philip Drive campuses.

 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Bonavista - Blended delivery - September 2025
Burin - Blended delivery - September 2025
Carbonear - Blended delivery - September 2025
Clarenville - Blended delivery - September 2025
Corner Brook - Blended delivery - September 2025
Grand Falls-Windsor - Blended delivery - September 2025
Happy Valley-Goose Bay - Blended delivery - September 2025
Placentia - Blended delivery - September 2025
Port aux Basques - Blended delivery - September 2025
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...OBJECTIVES | CERTIFICATIONS | CLINICAL PLACEMENTS

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Bonavista - Blended delivery - September 2025
Burin - Blended delivery - September 2025
Carbonear - Blended delivery - September 2025
Clarenville - Blended delivery - September 2025
Corner Brook - Blended delivery - September 2025
Grand Falls-Windsor - Blended delivery - September 2025
Happy Valley-Goose Bay - Blended delivery - September 2025
Placentia - Blended delivery - September 2025
Port aux Basques - Blended delivery - September 2025
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

As integral members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, Personal Care Attendants are responsible for providing support to clients in all aspects of daily living through companionship, physical, spiritual and psychosocial care. Through the use of classroom instruction, skills development laboratories, and supervised practicums; the PCA educational program provides learners with the necessary skills to work with clients in a variety of institutionalized settings.  
 
 

OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program, graduates will be able to: 
  1. Provide holistic, client-centered care across the life-span.
  2. Provide safe, competent, and ethical care that adheres to legislation, employer policies and procedures, scope of employment, educational program, evidence-informed practice, and ethical principles.
  3. Adhere to workplace safety legislation, employer policies for maintaining a safe working environment, and procedures for responding to and reporting workplace safety concerns.
  4. Communicate effectively with clients, families, and the health care team.
  5. Respect cultural diversity of the client, family, colleague, and community.
  6. Document in a clear, concise manner that is consistent with legal requirements, employer policies, and the provision of care.
  7. Report pertinent information in a timely manner to appropriate health care team professionals.
  8. Recognize the significance of professionalism, life-long learning, self-care, well-being, and safety in the role of the PCA. 
CERTIFICATIONS
To be eligible for clinical and graduation, students must possess valid Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – Health Care Provider (CPR-HCP) / certification.  BLS or CPR-HCP must have an in-person delivery or a blended delivery model where skills are practiced hands-on with an instructor.

In addition, students must complete on-line modules in Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) as well as Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

Note:  Students may be expected to incur costs associated with Mask-fit testing and completion of the Standard First Aid and BLS/CPR-HCP certification and the on-line modules in GPA and WHMIS.
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.  
 
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.
 
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.

Admission Requirements


Eligibility for admission to the Personal Care Attendant program requires the applicant to meet one of the following criteria:

1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate, possess a Grade 12 diploma or Grade 12 equivalency documentation.
2. Adult Basic Education (ABE)   
Adult Basic Education (Level III)
3. Mature Student Requirements 
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one (1) year and demonstrate Grade 12 literacy and numeracy equivalency to be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:
  • Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
  • Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
  • NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form
 2. Program specific requirements:
  • Standard/Intermediate First Aid
  • CPR (BLS) – Annual renewal required for duration of program. CPR (BLS) has to be a direct delivery model or a blended model where skills are practiced hands on with supervision.
  • Reference letters - Provide two reference letters supporting entrance into the program. References cannot be provided by family members or friends. References may be provided by individuals such as:
    • Employers
    • Teachers/instructors
    •  Representative from a volunteer agency 
  • Volunteer hours - Perform 20 volunteer service hours within the past two years. Volunteer service may include, but is not limited to:
    • Community agencies
    • School programs
    • Church groups
    • Charitable organizations
    • Written verification is required for all volunteer hours. Note: If an applicant was unable to obtain the 20 volunteer hours; a letter indicating the extenuating circumstances must be submitted.
  • Personal Statement - Complete a one page written personal statement. Personal statements must address the following:
    • Reason(s) for interest in the program
    • Personal characteristics/skills/abilities that applicants bring to the program
    • Knowledge gained from volunteer experience(s)
 
See the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants (Definitions and Regulations) section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.
 
Notes: 
  • Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
  • The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
  • The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
PC1120
close
Foundations for Practice 3 3 0
CM1170
close
Essentials for Communication & Documentation 3 3 0
PC1130
close
Workplace Safety 2 2 0
PC1141
close
Understanding Aging, Dementia & Dying 3 3 1
PC1145
close
Fundamentals I: Care Basics 6 5 3
PC1150
close
Clinical Practice I 4 0 4 wks
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
PC1210
close
Basic Concepts for Medication Awareness 2 2 0
CM1215
close
Personal and Career Development Seminars 1 1 0
PC1220
close
Mental Health Concepts 2 2 0
PC1225
close
Fundamentals II: Body Systems Approach to Care 6 5 2
PC1230
close
Clinical Practice II 5 0 5 wks
PC1235
close
Clinical Preceptorship 3 0 3 wks
         
Course Lecture (Le) and Lab (La) hours per week are based on a 15 week semester. The actual lecture and lab hours during both semesters will be adjusted to account for the clinical training component.

 

Careers & Pathways


CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates will have potential employment opportunities to work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a variety of institutionalized health care settings within Newfoundland and Labrador.


Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Application fees must be paid for each application to the College.
    Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
line-separator

Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $1,301.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $625.00
line-separator

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $320.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due within two (2) weeks of date of Letter of of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay this non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • First Semester Tuition- which includes the $1500 Deposit Fee
      Deposit fee - $1500 non-refundable, non-transferable fee.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
line-separator

Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $4,685.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $2,344.00
line-separator

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $354.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $354.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $313.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
PayMyTuition Logo


Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
line-separator

Related News

Six CNA students walk home with awards
Six CNA students walk home with awards

Students show off their skills in national skills competition...

View All News Posts

Menu

What We
Offer
Explore our
Schools
Program
Guide

Course
Descriptions

Apprenticeship
Training Schedule

Continuing Education
Resources for
Teachers & Counsellors
Like, Follow and Subscribe:
College of the North Atlantic

College... Your Way

© All Rights Reserved
About Us | Business & Industry | Staff Directory | Open & Limited Call Awards | Careers
A-Z Site Map | College Merchandise | Privacy Policy