Overview

This course is designed to prepare learners for employment as Health Aides, or Orderlies in various settings in the health care delivery system. The course comprises of two components: a Health Science core, which introduces fundamental concepts, principles and competencies for Health Aides and the Technical and Clinical/practical competencies taught in the clinical laboratory and in various health care settings.

Core Health Science competencies required of the course includes but are not limited to understanding the health care system, medical terminology, ethical and legal roles and responsibilities, human needs, effective interpersonal skills, basic structure and function of the human body, basic human growth and development, nutrition, basic elder care, mental health, occupational health and safety and employability skills including networking and team building.

The clinical or practical experiences component of this course is designed to provide learners with simulated laboratory and actual clinical experiences that would provide them with opportunities to develop fluency in technical and interpersonal competencies as well as caring and attending skills.

Objectives

This programme seeks to;

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
  • Apply basic concepts of wellness and disease prevention in meeting the basic needs of clients.
  • Demonstrate appropriate use of basic medical terminology and numeration skills as appropriate for job requirements.
  • Demonstrate compliance with legal and ethical principles in performing job responsibilities particularly with regards to accountability and confidentiality and patient rights.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries in care-provider and client relationships.
  • Use assertive communication skills in client and peer interactions.
  • Describe the basic structure and function of the human body.
  • Provide for the basic needs of clients based on their developmental needs.
  • Provide for the physical comfort and the health and safety of clients.
  • Respond to emergency situations appropriately.
  • Practice the principles of infection control.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases including HIV AIDS.
  • Provide care to meet the basic biological, psychological and social needs of clients.
  • Demonstrate employability skills and work ethics.
  • Function as a member on a multidisciplinary team.