Thinking of becoming a Health Care Aide? Now is the best time to do so. The Government of Alberta launched the Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program, allowing a government bursary of up to $9,000 available for students who are starting their Health Care Aide (HCA) program after July 1st, 2022. This is due to the high demand for HCA workers across the province.

Rosewood College students are eligible to receive the funding and can also receive a $1,000 award. Application for the government funding is through NorQuest College, which is the government-appointed administrator.

• Visit the Alberta Health Care Aide bursaries on the NorQuest website.

• Provide proof of enrollment to Rosewood College’s licensed Health Care Aide certificate program.

• Submit the Return to Service Agreement.

• $3,000 – Completing courses 1 to 5 of the Health Care Aide Bursary program.

• $6,000 – Completing the licensed HCA course, including the provincial final exam, and signing of a 'Return to Service Agreement' with NorQuest College.

• $1,000 – Completion award from Rosewood College once you have completed the course and passed the provincial exam.

• A Return to Service Agreement means that you have agreed to work a minimum of 2000 hours as a Health Care Aide at one of the 170+ identified continuing care operators within two years from your employment start date.

In order to be eligible for this bursary you should:

• Be enrolled in an Alberta licensed Health Care Aide program that begins on or after July 1, 2022.

• It is preferred if you attend a Health Care Aide program full-time or currently work for a continuing care operator (community or facility) in a non-clinical capacity.

• Submit a Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary application form along with the supporting documents.

• Be willing and able to sign a return to service agreement with NorQuest College.

• You must complete your HCA program within 18 months (78 weeks). Rosewood College’s program runs 32 weeks long.

• Within two months of completing the program, you must start your employment with an approved continuing care operator.

• Report any changes in employment status to NorQuest College.

  If eligibility and requirements are not met, students will need to pay back the bursary money.

There is still financial help available to you if you have already graduated or are working.

Additional bursaries available include:

• Financial Incentive Program: For those who were students in a Health Care Aide program between January 1st and June 30th, 2022 or received a Health Care Aide certificate.

• Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program (Dual Credit): For those enrolled in an Alberta secondary school and the school or school division is not paying for some or all your tuition.

• Health Care Aide Workplace Program Bursary: For those who are currently hired as Health Care Aides by a continuing care operator contracted by Alberta Health Services.