Continuing Care

Overview

Our province needs more people like you who want to become a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA). Enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages with a short or long-term illness through the provision of personal care and support services in settings like hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care and community support.

CCAs are critically important in the health-care sector and in-demand. The Nova Scotia Government increased the wage of the CCA by 23% in the past to support the role of CCA.

Clinical placement

• This program includes mandatory clinical placements that may take place in long-term care/home support and/or acute care environments.
  • Clinical placements can include weekday, evening, weekend and/or holiday shifts. Shifts range from 6-12 hours and start times vary, with some beginning at 7 am and 11 pm.
  • Clinical placements are mandatory credit courses. They provide you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and understand the everyday challenges of a work environment.
  • Placement opportunities are typically unpaid.
• Transportation, living accommodations and other costs related to clinical placements are your responsibility.
  • In order to meet placement partner requirements, students are required to provide their own transportation to placements. Public transportation will not provide you with full access to your scheduled placements.
  • Due to confidentiality issues, in some areas, students are unable to have others drive them to their home care placements.
• For more information visit work experience opportunities.
• International students - all international students require a co-op work permit; you can't complete your NSCC program without one. This program also requires a medical exam to receive your co-op work permit. View co-op work permit - medical exam details

Choose NSCC

• You benefit from our hands-on approach to learning.
• You learn the latest practices and standards of care. NSCC works in partnership with healthcare stakeholders and the provincial government in implementing the provincial curriculum standards for Continuing Care Assistant education.

Other info

• All placements must be successfully completed in order to graduate.
• Placement agencies may require an interview before accepting students for work experience.
• Work in this field is demanding and your ability to practice effective self-care strategies is essential for your success.
• The Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness requires all workers entering this field, in defined care settings, to have a Continuing Care Assistant certificate. Students who successfully complete all components of the Continuing Care program are eligible to write the provincial certification exam, which is administered by the Continuing Care Assistant Program Advisory Committee (CCAPAC)

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus Middleton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Burridge Campus Yarmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Burridge Campus Classes at Digby Learning Centre	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Cumberland Campus Classes at Amherst Learning Centre	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Part time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Pictou Campus Stellarton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Shelburne Campus Shelburne	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Strait Area Campus Port Hawkesbury	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Truro Campus Truro	Part time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before the first day of the program.
• A criminal record and vulnerable sector check are required for admission to this program.
  • Findings related to violent crimes or offences will not be considered for admission. Other findings will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
• Canadian nationals, or individuals living in Canada for 7 months or more are required to submit a Canadian Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
  • The Canadian CRC and VSC can be from any Canadian province issued within 6 months prior to starting the CCA Program. Non-violent convictions will be determined on a case-by case basis.
  • Newcomers with 6 months or less time in Canada are required to submit their Police Clearance Check (i.e., Federal Background Check used for immigration). Non-violent convictions will be determined on a case-by case basis.

Program requirements

• A current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check are required to complete work placements. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements.
• All programs in Health and Human Services require First Aid/CPR as a graduation requirement. For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including immunizations. You must submit proof that you've completed these requirements by the date provided to you at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete.
  • Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Inability to complete clinical placements and mentorships will impact your ability to complete program requirements and proceed through to graduation. 
• In order to meet placement partner requirements, students require a valid drivers license and access to a vehicle. Public transportation will not provide full access to your placements and due to confidentiality, you cannot have someone else drive you to your placement.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.
• Pass mark for this program is 70%.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College Services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View estimated program costs on fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Continuing Care
  

Career options

Graduates work in a variety of private or clinical settings, which may include:

• Long-term care facilities
• Home care/ home support agencies
• Acute care facilities

Future study options

• Graduates can go on to complete the Practical Nursing program to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

CARE 1010 - CCA Fundamentals
This course introduces students to the CCA role, the Framework, and the healthcare sector. It sets expectations and provides a theoretical understanding of the workplaces of a CCA. Students will also begin to develop awareness of self-care and learn the importance of self-care as a CCA. Instructors will provide a psychologically safe space for students to explore and learn about self-care, EDIRA, and psychological safety.

CARE 1011 - Practicum Essentials
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.

CARE 1012 - Dementia: Understanding the Journey
No two persons experience dementia in the same way, and there is no singular approach to supporting persons living with dementia. The course provides a range of information that should be used to support and enhance the student’s approach. Each of the sessions leads into the next, supporting the care practices collaboratively and collectively. The session addressing behaviours is situated toward the end of the course. In doing so, we want the student, as a care provider, to understand that if they approach care for persons with dementia in ways that are appropriate and meaningful for them, they can reduce the potential for, or eliminate, behaviours that are difficult to understand. Earlier sessions provide the information to set up relationships, approaches, and environments that best meet the needs of the person living with dementia. As the course progresses, tools and approaches are offered to assist the student in recognizing when to change their own perceptions and approach. The program finishes with a session dedicated to the student as the care provider and their role within a care team, as well as barriers they may encounter.

CARE 1014 - Personal Care
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. Students must pass the lab component to pass the course.

CARE 1015 - Safe Handling and Mobility
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.

CARE 1016 - Clinical Skills Development
The student will apply the technical and essential skills for supporting persons in care with the oversight and guidance of a CCA mentor and under direct supervision by a Primary or Secondary Instructor within a Long-Term Care facility.

CARE 1019 - Integrative Skills Part I
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.

CARE 2010 - Body Structures and Functions
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.

CARE 2011 - Social and Mental Well Being
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 previously by providing practical application for behaviour expressions.

CARE 2012 - Mealtime Assistance
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.

CARE 2014 - Medication
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 Standards of Practice and the Framework identifies the role of a CCA in medication administration and students gain hands on experience applying medicated and non-medicated drops, ointments, and creams. Students will gain a basic understanding of medications and the effects to support their tasks and responsibilities specified in the Standards of Practice.

CARE 2017 - Home Care Mentorship
The student will apply the technical and essential skills needed for supporting persons in care with the oversight and guidance of a CCA mentor within a Home Care setting.

CARE 2018 - Open Mentorship
The student will consistently demonstrate entry-level technical and essential skills needed for supporting persons in Home Care, long term care, or acute care setting with the oversight of a CCA mentor.

CARE 2019 - Integrative Skills Part II
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.

CARE 2020 - Integrative Skills Part III
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.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.