Bridging Module FAQ
In 2019, the Government of Alberta launched a new Health Care Aide (HCA) Curriculum (2019) based on the HCA Competency Profile (2018). The successful completion of all four Bridging Modules will provide the required competencies and knowledge contained in the new Curriculum (2019). All HCAs currently on the Directory who are certified, substantially equivalent or deemed competent to the HCA Curriculum (2013) – (or previous versions) can gain access to the Bridging Modules through the Alberta HCA Directory portal at no charge.
Who is required to complete the Bridging Modules?
Alberta Health mandated that health care aides (HCAs) currently enrolled on the Alberta HCA Directory (Directory) who are certified, substantially equivalent or deemed competent to the HCA Curriculum (2013), or previous versions, must complete the four Bridging Modules if they are working for a publically funded employer.
The following HCAs are not required to complete the Bridging Modules:
- HCAs who successfully complete the Substantial Equivalence Assessment,
- HCAs who are assessed using the CAPs (Competency Assessment Profile Tool) – 2019,
- HCAs who obtained their education through a Government of Alberta licensed post-secondary institution (using the provincial HCA 2019 curriculum)
HCAs who have successfully completed all four (4) Bridging Modules will no longer have access to the Modules.
Is there a cost?
- No, the Bridging Modules are free.
The completion of the Bridging Modules is a mandatory requirement to remain active on the Directory. Alberta Health has mandated that all Health Care Aides (HCAs) working for a publicly funded employer ensure continued enrolment in the Alberta HCA Directory.
Is there a deadline to complete the Bridging Modules?
In order to address workforce planning issues and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta Health has extended the deadline to complete the Bridging Modules to when HCAs are regulated.
Are the Bridging Modules connected to the Annual Renewal?
No, the Bridging Modules are different and separate from the Annual Renewal. The Annual Renewal is mandatory for all approved and active Health Care Aides on the Alberta HCA Directory. The Bridging Modules are mandatory for all approved and active Health Care Aides with the 2013 curriculum. Please see the Annual Renewal webpage for more information.
How to Access the Bridging Modules
The Bridging Modules are only available through the Alberta HCA Directory. Please see Access to the Bridging Modules for more information.
What happens if a HCA does not complete the Bridging Modules?
The completion of the Bridging Modules is a mandatory requirement to remain active on the Directory. Alberta Health has mandated that all Health Care Aides (HCAs) working for a publicly funded employer ensure continued enrolment in the Alberta HCA Directory.
HCAs who prefer not to complete the four (4) Bridging Modules may obtain an equivalent HCA Certificate (2019) through a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) evaluation, which is offered by a licensed post-secondary institution. There is a cost for this evaluation.
How does a HCA download their certificate of completion?
HCAs who successfully complete all four(4) modules will have access to a certificate of completion available through the Directory portal. A step by step is available below:
- Log in to the Directory portal
- Click on “Documents.”
- Under the “Documents” section you will find the Certificate of completion