Canada is aging fast
By 2030, nearly one in four Canadians will be over 65. The senior care workforce gap in BC alone is in the tens of thousands of roles.
About the Program
What is the Caregiver Senior Diploma?
This diploma prepares students to work confidently in residential, community, and assisted-living environments supporting older adults. The program blends classroom instruction in anatomy, gerontology, and person-centred care with hands-on lab simulations and a supervised practicum at a partner BC care facility.
Graduates leave with the technical skills, communication maturity, and cultural awareness expected by Canadian employers in the elder care sector.
Why It Matters
Why senior care, why now?
Stable, meaningful work
Caregiving is a recession-resilient field. Demand stays steady regardless of the broader economy, and the work is deeply human.
A clear immigration pathway
Senior care is recognized in several federal and BC provincial nominee programs — an important consideration for international students.
Pathways
Where graduates go
Direct to Industry
- Resident Care Aide
- Home Support Worker
- Assisted Living Attendant
- Long-Term Care Companion
- Community Health Worker
Specialized Settings
- Memory and dementia units
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Private home care agencies
- Hospital support roles
Further Study
- Bridge into Health Care Assistant programs
- Practical Nursing diploma
- BSN nursing degree pathway
- Specialize in gerontology
Earning Potential
What graduates earn in Canada
Salary ranges reflect typical Canadian market rates as of 2026.
Entry Level
$42K – $52K
First role within 6 months of graduation. Care aide, home support, assisted living attendant.
Experienced
$54K – $68K
Two to four years in. Senior care aide, lead support worker, shift lead.
Specialist & Advanced
$70K – $95K+
With LPN or RN credentials. Practical nurse, care manager, dementia specialist.
Curriculum
What you'll study
Module 1 · Foundations of Care
- Person-centred care principles
- Professional ethics and boundaries
- Canadian healthcare system basics
- Privacy and PHIPA/PIPA standards
Module 2 · Anatomy & Aging
- Body systems and aging changes
- Common chronic conditions
- Medication awareness (non-administering)
- Nutrition and hydration for seniors
Module 3 · Practical Skills Lab
- Safe transfers and mobility aids
- Personal care and hygiene support
- Infection prevention and PPE
- Emergency response and first aid
Module 4 · Mental Health & Dementia
- Recognizing dementia and delirium
- De-escalation and gentle redirection
- Supporting families and caregivers
- Mental health awareness in seniors
Module 5 · Communication & Culture
- Cross-cultural caregiving in BC
- Documentation and reporting
- Working in interdisciplinary teams
- Difficult conversations and grief
Practicum · 200 Supervised Hours
- Placement at partner BC facility
- Supervised by registered staff
- Real care plan participation
- Employment-ready evaluation
Admissions
Ready to apply?
Speak with an advisor or submit your application today.