Personal Care Attendant

A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is a member of the interdisciplinary team who is responsible for providing support to clients in all aspects of daily living through companionships, physical, spiritual, and psychosocial care.  PCAs support and promote independence, safety, and quality of life for clients across the lifespan.

PCAs provide client-centred care under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).  In Newfoundland and Labrador, PCAs are considered unregulated health care workers as they are not a licensed or regulated profession.  However, standardized curriculum assists the effective and efficient use of PCAs as part of the interdisciplinary team in institutional settings across the province.

The Personal Care Attendant Educational Program is 30 weeks in duration and consists of two semesters, each containing 15 weeks.  Travel to other institutions/agencies will be required for clinical and may be required for some laboratory offerings.  Students are responsible for transportation to/from clinical and laboratory experiences; these travel hours are not included in the program hours.