A Head Start in Healthcare: UCN Partners with high school to Offer a Dual Credit Health Care Aide Program
“Can you take me to St. Paul’s, please?” Meadow Hynes was catching a cab to St. Paul’s Personal Care Home when I called. She was on her way to complete another shift for her Health Care Aide practicum. Thanks to the collaboration between University College of the North (UCN) and Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute (MBCI) High School, at just 16 years old, Meadow will finish her grade 11 year with a Health Care Aide certificate and a year’s worth of real experience.
The Dual Credit Health Care Aide (HCA) Program, a partnership between UCN and MBCI, allows Grade 11 and 12 students to earn their HCA certification while completing high school. The program runs over a full school year. It includes both theory classes and 120 hours of clinical practicum. Students gain real-world experience in home care and seniors’ care. After the program, students graduate fully certified and ready to enter the workforce.
Meadow is one of twelve students enrolled in the program. She is busy. Meadow volunteers at the local animal shelter, works with youth at Kelsey School, balances her high school coursework, and serves on student council. She also manages to fit in UCN practicum shifts to care for elders and those living at St. Paul’s.
Meadow saw this program as a means to start learning about healthcare sooner than if she followed the traditional path, “I’m really into science and stuff, and math and physics. But I’m also really into diseases and just the way the world works, and I thought a good thing would be to get involved in that field right away.”
“I really love seeing how much the students progress and develop over time,” said Jenna DuBois, UCN Health Care Aide Instructor. “Even if this doesn’t end up being their long-term career, they’ve gained confidence and experience that will help them no matter what.”
The program’s hands-on approach has given Meadow meaningful experiences beyond textbooks and anatomy class. She has learned patience, resilience, and how to navigate the challenges of patient care. More than anything, Meadow values building real connections with the St. Paul’s residents.
“I love sitting there and making sure they have someone to talk to. I go and knock on someone’s door and ask if they need anything. Then I sit down and talk with them.”
After graduation, Meadow plans to take a gap year to travel and explore different cultures, “I like environmental science a lot, and I want to learn about how people interact with the environment around them in different countries and cultures.”
When thinking about life after graduation, Meadow doesn’t see herself locked into just one career, “I want to dip my toes in everything and experience everything. Maybe I end up taking a piloting course and somehow I end up as a pilot 30 years later!”
Regardless of what path Meadow takes, UCN’s Dual Credit HCA Program is a fast-track to employment and experience. It provides a chance for students to grow, explore interests, and get a head start on their futures. And for the healthcare system, it’s a much-needed initiative, helping fill critical shortages with young, dedicated professionals.
“There’s a really bad shortage of health workers,” Meadow says, explaining why this program is so important while gathering her things from the taxi. She has arrived at her destination. Meadow has just enough time to say goodbye before heading inside for another shift as a health care aide.