School and Program Accreditation
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Studying Online
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.
What is the cost of my program?
How long does the program take?
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.
How long does it take to become a Registered Massage Therapist in BC?
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.
Does this program prepare graduates for the CCHPBC registration exams?
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.
Is the Registered Massage Therapy program accredited?
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.
How many clinical hours are required to graduate?
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.
Where is the Registered Massage Therapy program offered?
The program is offered in person at the Burnaby and Abbotsford campuses.
Is Acupuncture in demand in BC, Canada?
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.
Is being an acupuncturist a good career?
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.
How much does an acupuncturist make in BC, Canada?
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.
What is the regulatory body for TCM in British Columbia?
The regulator is the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), which regulates Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture in BC.
How long does it take to become an acupuncturist?
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.
How long is the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program?
The program is 40 weeks in length and focuses on advanced coursework in TCM clinical sciences, best practices, Western medicine, and Traditional Chinese Classics.
Who is eligible to apply for the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program?
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).
Does the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program qualify graduates to write the PAN-CAN exams in BC?
Yes. Graduates are positioned to write the PAN-CAN examinations, and the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) recognizes this program.
Is there hands-on clinical training included in the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program?
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.
Where is the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program offered?
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).
What is practical nursing?
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.
How much does practical nursing make in BC?
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.
What is the difference between a practical nurse and a registered nurse?
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.
Is there a demand for Licensed Practical Nurses?
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.
What does a practical nurse do?
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.
Can you be a health care assistant with no experience?
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.
What does a health care assistant do?
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.
How do I become a health care assistant?
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.
How much does a health care assistant make in BC?
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.
Is health care assistant the same as caregiver?
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.
How long is the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program?
The Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program is 40 weeks in length and is designed to be completed in less than a year.
Who can apply for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program?
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.
Does the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program include clinical training?
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.
Is the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program recognized for licensing exams in BC?
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.
Is there a student clinic available for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner program?
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.
How long is the Construction Electrician Foundation program?
The program is 37 weeks in length.
Is the Construction Electrician Foundation program offered online or in person?
It is delivered in a combined (hybrid) format, with both in-person and online components.
Which campus offers the Construction Electrician Foundation program?
The program is available at the Burnaby campus.
What are the admission requirements for the Construction Electrician Foundation program?
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.
What jobs can graduates pursue after the Construction Electrician Foundation program?
The program prepares students for work with electrical contractors, general contractors, and maintenance departments.
How much does a medical laboratory assistant make?
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.
What does a medical laboratory assistant do?
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.
Is medical laboratory assistant a good career?
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.
What is a medical laboratory assistant?
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.
Is the Medical Laboratory Assistant program approved or recognized by an industry body?
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.
How much does a medical office assistant make in BC?
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).
What does a medical office assistant do?
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.
What is a medical office assistant?
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.
How to become a medical office assistant?
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.
Is medical office assistant a good career?
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.
How do you become a social service worker in BC?
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).
What is a social service worker?
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.
What does a social service worker do?
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.
How do you work in social services?
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.
Is social service worker a good career?
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.
How do you become a social service worker in BC?
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).
What is a social service worker?
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.
What does a social service worker do?
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.
How do you work in social services?
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.
Is social service worker a good career?
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.
What is Early Childhood Education (ECE)?
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.
How much do Early Childhood Educators make in Canada?
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.
Is Early Childhood Education in demand in Canada?
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.
What does an Early Childhood Educator do?
Early Childhood Educators plan and lead play-based learning activities, support children's development and social skills, ensure health and safety standards, observe and document developmental progress, and communicate regularly with parents and caregivers. They work in licensed childcare centres, preschools, and early learning facilities.
How do you get an Early Childhood Education certificate in BC?
To become certified in BC: complete an ECE program approved by the BC ECE Registry, meet admission requirements (Grade 12 or equivalent, English proficiency), complete a practicum placement, pass a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check, and apply to the BC ECE Registry for certification.
