Why Choose Our Continuing Care Assistant Program in Halifax, Nova Scotia
-
Tuition Fee Guarantee
Successfully become a licensed CCA, and if you’re unable to secure a job offer within 6 months, your tuition will be refunded providing all terms and conditions have been met. -
100% Placement Guarantee
Guaranteed 204 hours of hands-on placement experience that we coordinate for you, allowing you to put academic theory into practice. -
High-Quality Training
Learn from experienced instructors in state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire collaboration and engaged learning. -
Affordable Education
We offer a range of scholarships to support students from diverse backgrounds, in addition to financial aid options and tuition payment plans that are available.
What is a Continuing Care Assistant?
A Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) plays a vital role in Canada’s healthcare system, especially in long-term care, home care, and assisted living. CCAs provide compassionate, hands-on support to individuals who need help with daily activities due to aging, illness, or disability. In Nova Scotia, CCAs are key frontline professionals in both public and private healthcare settings, contributing to a person’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Attributes of a great CCA:
- Conducts themselves in a caring manner, listen attentively, acts ethically, and responds appropriately.
- Mains a positive, professional, and compassionate attitude.
- Demonstrates respect for the client’s personal circumstances, cultural beliefs, and differing opinions.
Where a CCA Career Can Take You
CCA Careers and Future Opportunities
Healthcare is one of Nova Scotia’s most rapidly expanding employment sectors. Employment opportunities for Continuing Care Assistants in Nova Scotia are expected to grow due to the aging population in Atlantic Canada and increasing demand for home care and long-term support.
Graduates from our Continuing Care Assistant Certificate program have secured healthcare roles such as:
- Continuing Care Assistant (CCA)
- Home Support Worker (HSW)
- Personal Support Worker (PSW)
- Care Team Attendants (CTA)
97%
With a high graduation rate, our CCA students consistently complete their studies and transition confidently into the workforce. Information has been sourced from the Government of Canada Job Bank.
-
Salary Potential
CCAs earn up to $51,646 CAD per year -
Job Outlook
CCAs are in high demand in Nova Scotia -
Work Settings
Long-term care facilities, hospitals, residential care homes, assisted living facilities
What Our Students Say About Us
CCA Scholarships and Funding
Tuition Payment Plans
| Domestic Students | ||
|---|---|---|
| Installment 1 | 10% | Before program start date |
| Installment 2 | 20% | 15% of program completion |
| Installment 3 | 20% | 30% of program completion |
| Installment 4 | 20% | 45% of program completion |
| Installment 5 | 15% | 60% of program completion |
| Installment 6 | 15% | 75% of program completion |
| International Students | ||
|---|---|---|
| Installment 1 | 50% | Before program start date |
| Installment 2 | 12.5% | 10% of program completion |
| Installment 3 | 12.5% | 25% of program completion |
| Installment 4 | 12.5% | 40% of program completion |
| Installment 5 | 12.5% | 50% of program completion |
CCA Program Courses
Guaranteed Practicum Placements
Put course theory into practice and develop the skills employers are looking for with guaranteed placements (204 hours) that we coordinate for you, which are a fantastic way to not only build real-world skills, but also help you learn how to engage with clients in an appropriate manner.
- Clinical placement (108 hours) at a long-term care facility
- Mentorship placement (40 hours) at a home care setting
- Mentorship placement open (56 hours) at long-term care, home care, or acute care setting
Student & Instructor Stories
Discover Oxford International Career Colleges Halifax campus - where careers and community come together. Because we care.
This video is served by YouTube and may use cookies, please accept the cookies to play the video.
CCA Program Fees
| Program Fees for Domestic Students | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Application | Administration | Materials & Uniforms | Total |
| 12,500 | $100 | $250 | $200 | $13,050 |
| Program Fees for International Students | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Application | Materials & Uniforms | Total |
| $19,800 | $1,000 | $200 | $21,000 |
Admission Requirements
Applicants must provide previous academic achievement demonstrated through one of the following:
- Canadian Grade 12 Certificate, Diploma, or GED
- International Grade 12 or higher
Applicants should be between the ages of 19 and 53.
All programs are delivered in English. Proof of English proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following:
- English competency testing (valid for 2 years)
- Academic IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.5)
- Academic IELTS 5.5 (one band at 5.0) + 5 weeks of UCP 400
- General IELTS 6.0 (no band below 6.0)
- ELLT Level 5 (no band below 5)
- ELLT Level 5 (one band at 4) + 5 weeks of UCP 400
- CLB 8
- CELBAN Level 7
- CELPIP Level 7
- TOEFL IBT 78
- Pearson PTE Academic minimum score 55 (no band below 50)
- Duolingo 95 (no sub score below 95)
- Oxford International Halifax UCP 400
- Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) Pathways English Online (PEO) for Higher Education Canada – Undergraduate level
- Unaccommodated Canadian Grade 12 Certificate, Diploma, GED or CAEC (minimum score of 60)
- Completed at least two years in an accredited high school offered in English.*
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP)
- English A Literature Level 5
- English A Language and Literature Standard Level 5/Higher Level 4
- English B Language Acquisition Standard Level 6/Higher Level 5
- Minimum two years of consecutive full-time academic study where the language of instruction is English are exempt from supplying an English proficiency exam for admission. Credential evaluation document required (for example, WES, ICAS).
- Two years of full-time academic study in the following countries where the language of instruction is English: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada, Gambia, Ghana, Grand Cayman Islands, Grenada, Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
*Students are required to provide proof that the medium of instruction (MOI) was English. An accepted MOI is to be provided with the school stamp.
For International Students
Getting your visa sorted is an important part of your journey to OICC Halifax campus.
The Canadian government sets the rules for visa applications, acceptance, and costs. Because you’ll need to be in Canada at the start of your program, you should apply for a visa to study as soon as you can. If you are bringing family with you, they will likely need tourist visas.
Your visa determines when you can enter the country, how long you can stay after you graduate, and how many hours you can work while you’re in Canada. To support your visa application, we will issue you a formal Letter of Admission (LoA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) showing that you intend to join our Continuing Care Assistant Certificate program. OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges Halifax campus (formerly East Coast International College) is recognized as a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) and you should quote our DLI number of O267638647882 on your visa applications.
You should consult a qualified Canadian immigration consultant if you are unclear about what you must do when you apply for a visa. To assist you with this process, Oxford International Career Colleges has partnered with a local Immigration firm led by a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Prospective students who hold a valid Open Work Permit may be eligible to study in this program without obtaining a study permit, depending on their specific immigration status and the requirements in effect at the time of enrolment.
Immigration regulations can change and eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Prospective students are responsible for ensuring they are authorized to study in Canada and may wish to seek independent immigration advice if they are uncertain about their eligibility.
If you currently hold an Open Work Permit and are interested in this program, please contact our Admissions team for information about the enrollment process and required documentation.
The Oxford International Career Colleges (OICC) Tuition Fee Guarantee for the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate program is applicable to all students. Note that an offer of employment does not guarantee approval for the Nova Scotia Nominee program, Graduates in Demand program, or any other Nova Scotia Immigration stream – it’s just one of the conditions that must be met. Some of the other conditions include sufficient settlement funds and a salary that will support your family. You can review all conditions on the Graduates in Demand website. Acceptance to the Nova Scotia Nominee program does not guarantee that a work permit will be issued by IRCC or that you will be approved for Permanent Residency.
To remain eligible for the Tuition Fee Guarantee, participants must meet the following conditions within six (6) months of graduating from the CCA program:
1. Attendance & Academic Performance [1]
- Attendance: Maintain a minimum 90% attendance throughout the program, including all practicum placements. [2]
- Academic Performance: Achieve passing grades of 70% or higher in all written and practical components of the program.
2. Receive satisfactory evaluations from all practicum placement providers.
3. Demonstrate respectful and professional conduct with senior residents from diverse ethnic, gender, and sexual backgrounds.
4. Actively participate in Career Services throughout the 6-month post-graduation period, including at least one (1) workshop and at least three (3) one-on-one sessions, or until a job offer is received [3].
5. Participate in all assigned check-ins initiated by the school’s Career Services team.
6. Attend a minimum of three (3) in-person job interviews [4], including at least:
- One with a rural employer, and
- Two others, with one being from a practicum placement provider [5].
7. Successfully pass the Nova Scotia provincial licensing exam.
8. Understand that if you receive a job offer within the 6-month period, you are no longer eligible for the Tuition Fee Guarantee.
Please see the Tuition Fee Guarantee policy for full details and a list of non-refundable fees.
[1] If a student has at least 2 warnings (for example, either one from attendance and one (1) from academic performance; two (2) from attendance or two (2) from academic performance) they are not eligible for the tuition fee guarantee. The warnings are for both in-school or in placement components of the program.
[2] Missed attendance due to medical reasons is excluded; however, participants must have provided proper documentation.
[3] Oxford International Career Colleges – Career Services is not responsible to set up interviews on the student’s behalf. This includes sending resumes or directly contacting employers. All interviews must be secured by the student.
[4] On-the-spot interview(s) at a Job Fair does not qualify as a job interview.
[5] Evidence of the interview taking place (i.e., confirmation email from the employer that the interview took place, email follow up email from the interviewee thanking them for the interview, etc.) must be submitted.
OICC Halifax Campus Life
From an affordable coastal lifestyle and welcoming student community to strong career opportunities and beautiful landscapes, Halifax, Nova Scotia is an exciting place to study. Explore our modern campus in the heart of downtown near the Halifax Waterfront and ferry terminal, with modern facilities, bright spaces, and hands-on skills labs that foster inspired and engaged learning.
This video is served by YouTube and may use cookies, please accept the cookies to play the video.
FAQs
Yes. The CCA program is open to international students. OICC Halifax is a designated learning institution (DLI), which means it is approved to enroll international students.
While salaries vary by employer, Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) in Nova Scotia typically earn between $43,000 and $51,646 CAD per year, depending on experience, role, and work setting. Demand for certified CCAs remains consistently high across the province.
Through Oxford International Career Colleges' Halifax campus, students can choose from two affordable accommodation options:
- HI Halifax Heritage House Hostel: Stay in a shared or private room in a central Halifax location, just minutes from the waterfront, shops, restaurants, and public transit.
- Homestay: Experience Canadian culture by living with a welcoming local host family. Choose from full-board, half-board, or room-only options based on your needs.
You’ll receive certifications in Emergency First Aid & CPR, WHMIS, Dementia Care, Infection Control, and Body Mechanics, alongside your CCA certificate.
In Canada, CCAs work under the supervision of healthcare professionals to ensure clients' physical, emotional, and social needs are met. Their work is essential in long-term care, palliative care, and community support environments.
Graduates can work in nursing homes, home care agencies, assisted living facilities, and hospitals throughout Halifax and Nova Scotia.
There are around 25% of unfilled cargiving vacancies in Nova Scotia and with an aging population, the demand for caregivers is high. In many cases, our students build strong relationships with their practicum placement care insitutions and are successful in obtaining permanent work upon graduation.
For International Students
One you have graduated from your 26-week Continuing Care Assistant Certificate program, you will need to apply to the Nova Scotia immigration department through one of the available immigration streams. It is important to note that although this program is 26 weeks, it still qualifies for the Nova Scotia Graduates in Demand stream as an exception to the 30-week program requirement.
We strongly encourage you to apply for the Nova Scotia Immigration stream as soon as you graduate. Make sure you are financially prepared to cover your living costs in Canada while you wait for a work permit to be issued (if you are successful). This may take 6 – 8 weeks, but can be longer or shorter.
In Canada, CCAs work under the supervision of healthcare professionals to ensure clients' physical, emotional, and social needs are met. Their work is essential in long-term care, palliative care, and community support environments.
In order to apply to our Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate program, please fill out an online application. Once you submit your application, our Admissions team will be in contact with you within a few days to confirm the next steps.
If you aren’t sure that you can meet the admission requirements for the program, we recommend you connect with your Oxford International representative to learn more. If you do not have the English levels required, OICC Halifax campus offers pre-sessional English programs that provide direct entry to the CCA program.
Students may be assigned to either a morning or afternoon class schedule based on enrollment and availability:
- Morning schedule: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM AST
- Afternoon schedule: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM AST
Your assigned class schedule will be confirmed prior to the start of your program. While we make every effort to accommodate student needs, class schedule placement is based on enrollment and seat availability.
Credentials & Partners
This program is not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).