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Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Diploma Program

Become a Certified Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) in Just 25 Weeks—With Free Tuition CCATCM’s CCA Diploma is government-funded and fully licensed by the Health Association of Nova Scotia. Get hands-on training in dementia, Alzheimer’s, and palliative care, then graduate ready to support people of all ages in homes, long-term-care, and community settings.

Why Choose CCA Diploma?

Eligible domestic students study tuition-free, with textbooks and program-related costs fully covered by the Government of Nova Scotia.

An accelerated, blended format lets you graduate in only six months while balancing work or family commitments.

Enter a sector facing critical labour shortages; most graduates receive multiple job offers before completion.

CCAs in Nova Scotia typically earn $43,000 – $48,000 annually.

Curriculum covers dementia care, personal-care assistance, safe-mobility techniques, mental well-being, medication assistance, and more, so you’re confident on day one.

About the Program

The Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Diploma program at CCATCM is recognized and licensed by the Health Association of Nova Scotia (HANS) and overseen by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care (DSLTC). The East West College offers this program under CCATCM and focuses on the CCA program with a western medicine component.This program offers comprehensive theory and hands-on training essential for a career in this crucial, high-demand field. You’ll receive in-depth instruction on CCA practices, including specialized training in Alzheimer’s, dementia, and palliative care.

Nova Scotia’s health-care model increasingly helps people “age in place.” Families are assuming more day-to-day responsibilities, driving a surge in demand for trained CCAs who can deliver safe, dignified care at home and in long-term-care facilities. Our mission is to equip you to enhance quality of life and promote independent living across the community.

What You’ll Learn

Practicum Placements

Over 204 supervised hours, you’ll rotate through three distinct environments —long-term-care, in-home support, and an open placement (hospital, community clinic, or LTC). Each rotation is led by a preceptor-level CCA or RN who coaches you on core competencies such as safe transfers, personal-care routines, dementia communication techniques, and palliative-care best practices.

Weekly feedback sessions with your CCATCM practicum coordinator ensure you meet provincial skill-checklists and graduate “job-ready”—many students receive employment offers directly from their placement sites.

Placement
Hours
Setting
Part 1: Clinical
108
Long-term-care facility
Part 2: Mentorship – Home Care
40
Private residences
Part 3: Mentorship – Open
56
Hospital, community or LTC (varies)
Guaranteed Site Coordination: CCATCM secures all placements; you won’t need to “hunt” for a facility or preceptor.

Entrance Requirements

Who Thrives in This Program?

Career Outlook

Common Job Titles

Continuing Care Assistant
Home Support Worker
Personal Care Worker
Care Team Assistant

Work Settings

Home-Care Agencies
Nursing
Homes & Assisted-Living Facilities

Hospitals

Community Health Centres

Employment Demand

Nova Scotia’s Seniors & Long-Term Care division projects sustained shortages of certified CCAs over the next decade.

Ready to join the CCA Diploma Program?

Your future as a compassionate and skilled healthcare professional begins here.