As the demand for qualified health care providers grows in our province, we believe it is essential to support caring and conscientious individuals to attain their Provincial CCA designation. This is the educational requirement to work in long-term care facilities and home support agencies. The Northwood Career College is here to support you to achieve success through our CCA program. You will receive the necessary theory and hands-on training to prepare for this high demand and rewarding career. You’ll cover all aspects of CCA modalities, including speciality training in palliative care and in support of those with dementia. Once you have successfully completed the program you will be offered employment working in the role of a provincial CCA for one of Northwood’s facilities or within our home support community.s

To help meet the provincial need for Continuing Care Assistants, the Nova Scotia Government is covering full tuition for eligible domestic applicants starting in 2023-24.  Most program costs and fees are also covered through this provincial initiative. You must be a Canadian permanent resident or citizen to qualify. View more details about funding support here.

In addition to your class studies, NCC currently supports clinical and mentorship placements in Northwood long-term care and home support.

Students are required to maintain a 100% attendance rate and successfully complete all clinical and mentorship placements.

Placements are an important part of the CCA Program as it provides an opportunity for student learning, development and evaluation of the required entry-level skills and competencies within the CCA scope of practice.

Students are required to complete a total of 330 clinical placement hours including; 110 hours in Skills Development and 220 hours in 1:1 mentorship hours in long-term care and community.

Northwood Career College, placement sites, students and mentors work collaboratively to achieve a learning environment that will promote a successful placement experience and development of skills. 

Students are required to have a car or access to a car or reliable transportation for all classroom and placement attendance. (Skills and 1:1 mentorship)

Skills Development placement introduces the students to the work environment and allows them to develop their skills by providing hands-on experience with support from a clinical instructor (RN/LPN). Students complete this placement in Northwood homecare and long-term care facilities partnering with the Northwood Career College (Northwood Ivy Meadows, Northwood Bedford, and Northwood Halifax) under the supervision of an NCC clinical supervisor. 

Northwood Mentorship placements include 80 hours in long-term care, 80 hours in home care and 60 hours in open placement where the student can choose long-term care or home care.

Please refer to the Resource tab for current NCC Policies and Student Handbook

• NCC will provide you with the training and experience, and will guide you towards employment opportunities at Northwood.
• Northwood is a champion for diversity. We represent over 20 nationalities and are proud to do so. We embrace all students for who they are with no barriers.
• Northwood is a teaching organization, and you will benefit from our hands-on approach to learning with mentorship and skills placements.
• You learn the latest practices and standards of care. NCC works in partnership with healthcare stakeholders and the provincial government in implementing the provincial curriculum standards for Continuing Care Assistant education.

• All curriculum modules, tests, assignments and placements must be successfully completed in order to graduate.
• Placement locations may require an interview before accepting students for work experience.
• The Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care 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)