Question 1

School and Program Accreditation

Accepted Answer

Vancouver Career College is designated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). For more information, visit the PTIRU site here .

Question 2

Start Dates

Accepted Answer

Our campuses offer a variety of start dates, in some cases, every two weeks. To learn more about our upcoming start dates, please reach out to your campus of choice HERE .

Question 3

Loans and Grant Information

Accepted Answer

Our experienced Student Financial Planners can provide further information on program funding. You may also refer to your provincial funding webpage for more information.

Question 4

Studying Online

Accepted Answer

Programs may be available in a variety of modalities. Please refer to the specific program page to learn more. If you have additional questions about learning online, please click HERE to speak to an admissions representative.

Question 5

What is the cost of my program?

Accepted Answer

You can find our tuition listed HERE .

Question 6

How long does the program take?

Accepted Answer

You can find the length of your program on our website under programs! If you have further questions regarding the length and hours of any of our offered programs, please click HERE to speak to an admissions representative.

Question 7

How long does it take to become a Registered Massage Therapist in BC?

Accepted Answer

The Registered Massage Therapy program at Vancouver Career College is 88 weeks in length. It is delivered full-time over eight semesters, with each semester lasting 11 weeks and short breaks between terms. Students attend classes five days a week and complete extensive hands-on clinical training as part of the program.

Question 8

Does this program prepare graduates for the CCHPBC registration exams?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The program is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA). Graduates of a CMTCA-accredited program qualify to register and take the College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia (CCHPBC) board exams.

Question 9

Is the Registered Massage Therapy program accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The program is approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of British Columbia and accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA). This accreditation allows graduates to pursue registration with CCHPBC.

Question 10

How many clinical hours are required to graduate?

Accepted Answer

Students must successfully complete all practical clinical requirements, including a minimum of 330 hands-on hours of massage therapy provided to the public, along with achieving at least 70% in each course and final examinations.

Question 11

Where is the Registered Massage Therapy program offered?

Accepted Answer

The program is offered in person at the Burnaby and Abbotsford campuses.

Question 12

Is Acupuncture in demand in BC, Canada?

Accepted Answer

Job Bank's outlook for Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (NOC 32200) in BC is "Good" for 2024–2026, and "Moderate" for 2025–2027, meaning opportunities exist with growth and retirements contributing.

Question 13

Is being an acupuncturist a good career?

Accepted Answer

It can be a strong option if you like hands-on clinical work and want a career in complementary healthcare. BC has a formal regulator (CCHPBC) and a defined path to registration, including the pan-Canadian entry-level exams. Job prospects in BC are currently rated good/moderate by Job Bank for the occupation group that includes acupuncturists.

Question 14

How much does an acupuncturist make in BC, Canada?

Accepted Answer

Job Bank reports people working as a registered acupuncturist in BC usually earn between about $36,973/year and $71,000/year, with wages varying by region and how you practice.

Question 15

What is the regulatory body for TCM in British Columbia?

Accepted Answer

The regulator is the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), which regulates Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture in BC.

Question 16

How long does it take to become an acupuncturist?

Accepted Answer

The Acupuncture diploma is 96 weeks long and delivered in person at the Burnaby campus, with supervised clinical placements included as part of the program.

Question 17

How long is the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program?

Accepted Answer

The program is 40 weeks in length and focuses on advanced coursework in TCM clinical sciences, best practices, Western medicine, and Traditional Chinese Classics.

Question 18

Who is eligible to apply for the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must meet general entry requirements (high school or equivalent / mature student status, language proficiency) and must also have a Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (or equivalent).

Question 19

Does the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program qualify graduates to write the PAN-CAN exams in BC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Graduates are positioned to write the PAN-CAN examinations, and the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) recognizes this program.

Question 20

Is there hands-on clinical training included in the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students participate in supervised clinical placements involving patient diagnosis and treatment to strengthen advanced skills such as emergency management, botanical pharmacology, immunology, and advanced acupuncture.

Question 21

Where is the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program offered?

Accepted Answer

The program is delivered in-person. The school also offers an Acupuncture & TCM Student Clinic where treatments are provided by advanced students under close instructor supervision (clinic location: #100–5021 Kingsway, Burnaby).

Question 22

What is practical nursing?

Accepted Answer

Practical nursing is a regulated healthcare profession focused on providing direct patient care. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work as part of a healthcare team and support patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, health monitoring, and assistance with daily living activities. In British Columbia, LPNs must complete an approved Practical Nursing program and pass the REx-PN exam to become licensed.

Question 23

How much does practical nursing make in BC?

Accepted Answer

In British Columbia, Licensed Practical Nurses typically earn between $28 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, employer, and location. This translates to an approximate annual salary range of $55,000 to $80,000+ for full-time positions. Unionized hospital roles and senior positions may offer higher earnings.

Question 24

What is the difference between a practical nurse and a registered nurse?

Accepted Answer

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) complete a Practical Nursing diploma (usually around 2 years or less) and provide direct patient care under a defined scope of practice. Registered Nurses (RNs) complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (typically 4 years) and have a broader scope of practice, including more complex assessments, leadership roles, and advanced clinical decision-making. Both roles are essential members of the healthcare team.

Question 25

Is there a demand for Licensed Practical Nurses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Licensed Practical Nurses are in demand across British Columbia due to population growth, an aging population, and increased healthcare needs. LPNs are needed in hospitals, long-term care homes, community clinics, home care, and specialized care units. Healthcare remains one of the strongest employment sectors in the province.

Question 26

What does a practical nurse do?

Accepted Answer

A practical nurse provides frontline patient care. Responsibilities typically include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with personal care, supporting patients in acute care and long-term care settings, providing health education, documenting patient progress, and collaborating with physicians and Registered Nurses.

Question 27

Can you be a health care assistant with no experience?

Accepted Answer

You can pursue a path to becoming a Health Care Assistant even with no prior experience. In BC, the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) helps people get hired and trained. Participants may start in paid positions, receive on-the-job training, and complete a recognized HCA education program. To work as an HCA in the public health sector you will eventually need to complete a recognized HCA training program and register with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.

Question 28

What does a health care assistant do?

Accepted Answer

Health Care Assistants are frontline care providers working in hospitals, long-term care homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and home support. Core duties include providing personal care and support (bathing, grooming, dressing), assisting with meals and nutrition, helping with mobility and transfers, taking and reporting vital signs, communicating changes in client condition to nurses or supervisors, and supporting dignity, comfort, and independence of clients.

Question 29

How do I become a health care assistant?

Accepted Answer

To become a Health Care Assistant in BC: complete a recognized HCA program (provincially mandated curriculum), register with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry upon graduation, and complete the required classroom training and practical clinical experience. If you have little or no experience, programs like the Health Career Access Program can help you get hired and supported through education.

Question 30

How much does a health care assistant make in BC?

Accepted Answer

Wages for HCAs in BC vary by region, employer, and experience. Job Bank data shows an average hourly wage of around $21.23–$28.74 per hour. Independent salary reports show averages around $30+ per hour recently. You can typically expect wages between the mid-$20s and low-$30s per hour in the province.

Question 31

Is health care assistant the same as caregiver?

Accepted Answer

In BC, "caregiver" is a broader term that can refer to family members or paid workers who support daily living activities. A Health Care Assistant (HCA) is a regulated role with specific education and registration requirements, especially for publicly funded settings like hospitals or long-term care. Completion of a provincially recognized program and registry approval distinguishes an HCA from a general caregiver working without formal credentials.

Question 32

How long is the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program?

Accepted Answer

The Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program is 40 weeks in length and is designed to be completed in less than a year.

Question 33

Who can apply for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must have a Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (or equivalent), plus meet general admission requirements such as high school (or equivalent) or mature student status, and English/Chinese language proficiency.

Question 34

Does the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program include clinical training?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students participate in supervised clinical placements involving patient diagnosis and treatment, with advanced topics such as immunology, botanical pharmacology, emergency management, and advanced acupuncture.

Question 35

Is the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program recognized for licensing exams in BC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Graduates are positioned to write the PAN-CAN examinations in BC, and the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) recognizes this program.

Question 36

Is there a student clinic available for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Acupuncture & TCM Student Clinic offers treatments provided by advanced students under close supervision. You can book by calling 604-433-1299 or visit #100–5021 Kingsway, Burnaby.

Question 37

How long is the Construction Electrician Foundation program?

Accepted Answer

The program is 37 weeks in length.

Question 38

Is the Construction Electrician Foundation program offered online or in person?

Accepted Answer

It is delivered in a combined (hybrid) format, with both in-person and online components.

Question 39

Which campus offers the Construction Electrician Foundation program?

Accepted Answer

The program is available at the Burnaby campus.

Question 40

What are the admission requirements for the Construction Electrician Foundation program?

Accepted Answer

You can qualify through either route: high school graduation or equivalent (GED / BC Adult Basic Education / or 1 year post-secondary from an English-language teaching institution) plus English language proficiency; or mature student status (19+ at program start) and passing the Trades admissions exam (minimum 52%), plus English language proficiency.

Question 41

What jobs can graduates pursue after the Construction Electrician Foundation program?

Accepted Answer

The program prepares students for work with electrical contractors, general contractors, and maintenance departments.

Question 42

How much does a medical laboratory assistant make?

Accepted Answer

In British Columbia, the typical hourly wage for a medical laboratory assistant is around $22–$26/hour, with annual earnings often between $45,000 and $55,000 depending on experience and location. WorkBC data shows a median hourly rate of about $26/hour in BC.

Question 43

What does a medical laboratory assistant do?

Accepted Answer

A Medical Laboratory Assistant supports laboratory operations in healthcare. Core duties include collecting, labeling, and preparing specimens like blood, urine, and tissue for testing; setting up and maintaining lab equipment; conducting routine pre-analysis tasks and quality control; and processing samples and logging results under established protocols. They work in hospitals, clinics, research labs, and diagnostics settings.

Question 44

Is medical laboratory assistant a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it is generally considered a solid healthcare career. There is strong demand and job openings in healthcare and diagnostics settings, short training timelines (often under a year) with hands-on practicums, competitive wages for entry-level healthcare roles, and potential for career progression to supervisory or technologist roles with further education.

Question 45

What is a medical laboratory assistant?

Accepted Answer

A Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) is a healthcare support worker who helps laboratories run smoothly by preparing and processing patient specimens, maintaining equipment, and performing routine tasks that support diagnostic testing. They are part of the broader team that ensures accurate lab results are available for clinical decision-making.

Question 46

Is the Medical Laboratory Assistant program approved or recognized by an industry body?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS) has established standards for MLS training and approves MLA educational programs. Graduates of BCSLS-approved programs are eligible to apply for BCSLS certification, which validates the knowledge and skills needed to work in BC labs.

Question 47

How much does a medical office assistant make in BC?

Accepted Answer

According to Job Bank wage data for British Columbia, Medical Office Assistants typically earn $18.00/hour (low), $24.00/hour (median), and $30.00/hour (high). These are provincial prevailing wages based on the Labour Force Survey (reference period 2023–2024; updated Nov 19, 2025).

Question 48

What does a medical office assistant do?

Accepted Answer

Medical Office Assistants handle administrative tasks in medical settings. Typical duties include scheduling appointments, maintaining patient files and records, handling correspondence, and supporting front-desk workflow in clinics, hospitals, and physician offices.

Question 49

What is a medical office assistant?

Accepted Answer

A Medical Office Assistant is an administrative professional who performs clerical and office support work specifically in healthcare environments such as doctor's offices, medical clinics, and hospitals.

Question 50

How to become a medical office assistant?

Accepted Answer

In Canada, employment requirements generally include secondary school and usually completion of a 1–2 year college program or specialized training for medical administrative work. Many MOA programs also include practical experience through a practicum placement.

Question 51

Is medical office assistant a good career?

Accepted Answer

It can be a solid choice if you want faster entry into healthcare and prefer organized, people-facing work. There are clear career pathways starting in general clinics or records roles and moving into specialist offices or supervisory roles with experience. Wages in BC range from $18 to $30/hour on Job Bank.

Question 52

How do you become a social service worker in BC?

Accepted Answer

To become a social service worker in BC, you typically need a diploma or certificate in Social Service Work, Child and Youth Care, or a related field. Most programs take 1–2 years and include a practicum. Employers usually require a criminal record check, and some roles may require registration with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW).

Question 53

What is a social service worker?

Accepted Answer

A social service worker (SSW) supports individuals and families facing challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, poverty, homelessness, or family conflict. They work in community agencies, non-profits, healthcare settings, and government organizations to help improve clients' quality of life.

Question 54

What does a social service worker do?

Accepted Answer

Social service workers assess client needs and create support plans, provide case management and crisis intervention, connect clients to housing, financial aid, or community services, advocate for client rights, and facilitate group programs or outreach initiatives.

Question 55

How do you work in social services?

Accepted Answer

To work in social services: complete a relevant diploma or degree, gain experience through practicums or volunteering, obtain certifications like First Aid/CPR or crisis intervention training, pass a criminal record check, and note that some roles may require professional registration.

Question 56

Is social service worker a good career?

Accepted Answer

Social service work can be a rewarding and stable career, especially for those passionate about helping others. It offers diverse job opportunities across non-profits, healthcare, and government, though the work can be emotionally demanding.

Question 57

How do you become a social service worker in BC?

Accepted Answer

To become a social service worker in BC, you typically need a diploma or certificate in Social Service Work, Child and Youth Care, or a related field. Most programs take 1–2 years and include a practicum. Employers usually require a criminal record check, and some roles may require registration with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW).

Question 58

What is a social service worker?

Accepted Answer

A social service worker (SSW) supports individuals and families facing challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, poverty, homelessness, or family conflict. They work in community agencies, non-profits, healthcare settings, and government organizations to help improve clients' quality of life.

Question 59

What does a social service worker do?

Accepted Answer

Social service workers assess client needs and create support plans, provide case management and crisis intervention, connect clients to housing, financial aid, or community services, advocate for client rights, and facilitate group programs or outreach initiatives.

Question 60

How do you work in social services?

Accepted Answer

To work in social services: complete a relevant diploma or degree, gain experience through practicums or volunteering, obtain certifications like First Aid/CPR or crisis intervention training, pass a criminal record check, and note that some roles may require professional registration.

Question 61

Is social service worker a good career?

Accepted Answer

Social service work can be a rewarding and stable career, especially for those passionate about helping others. It offers diverse job opportunities across non-profits, healthcare, and government, though the work can be emotionally demanding.

Question 62

What is Early Childhood Education (ECE)?

Accepted Answer

Early Childhood Education (ECE) focuses on the teaching and care of children from birth to about age eight. It supports children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through play-based learning and structured activities that prepare them for lifelong success.

Question 63

How much do Early Childhood Educators make in Canada?

Accepted Answer

According to recent Job Bank data (NOC 42202): entry-level $16.00/hour, median wage $21.30/hour, experienced $29.05/hour. Wages vary based on experience, location, and role, with leadership or specialized positions earning more.

Question 64

Is Early Childhood Education in demand in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In British Columbia, the employment outlook for Early Childhood Educators and Assistants is rated "Good" for 2024–2026. Demand is driven by ongoing employment growth, government investment in affordable childcare, and expansion of licensed childcare spaces. This makes ECE a strong career choice in BC and across Canada.

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