Healthcare in Canada Course

Explore the complexities of Canada’s healthcare system with confidence and clarity

CHA Learning is excited to introduce Healthcare in Canada, an engaging online course designed to provide a current, comprehensive overview of Canada’s unique and evolving healthcare system. Whether you’re new to the Canadian healthcare system or already working in it, this course provides essential knowledge to help you understand, navigate, and explore the challenges and opportunities within the system.

 

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Course Description

Healthcare in Canada is an engaging online course that provides a foundational overview of Canada’s unique, complex and evolving healthcare system. This course is ideal for those new to the Canadian healthcare landscape or already part of it and are looking to build a strong foundational understanding of the Canadian healthcare system. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with essential knowledge to better appreciate the complexities, challenges and opportunities of the system and its ongoing evolution.

Throughout this course you will gain a clear understanding of how the healthcare system is organized and the roles of federal, provincial, and territorial governments, how the system is funded and the challenges of ensuring its sustainability. You’ll also discover the key factors that shape quality and people-centred healthcare delivery and explore the roles, wellbeing and challenges of the healthcare workforce.

 

Why Choose the Healthcare in Canada Course?

  • Learn at your own pace on your own schedule with up to 4 months to complete
  • 30 hours of fully online interactive eLearning
  • Supported by expert faculty who are themselves healthcare professionals
  • Gain a foundational understanding of Canada’s current healthcare system, including governance, structures, and funding, to support informed decision-making
  • Designed for individual learners and teams
  • A resource for healthcare organizations across Canada to enhance team development
Program Length
  • Approximately 30 hours of online learning.
  • Learners will have 4 months to complete their studies
Program Cost

Total tuition costs:

  • $495 CAD
  • $695 for international students
  • No additional material costs or fees
Prerequisites
  • There are no prerequisites for this course

By the end of this course, you will have gained a deeper understanding of how healthcare in Canada is governed and structured, the key factors shaping its design, and how health dollars are allocated and spent. You will be able to analyze current workforce challenges, evaluate strategies for delivering quality, people-centred care, and identify opportunities for ongoing system transformation.

There are six units in this course. Each unit has a graded quiz along with ungraded activities and opportunities for reflection throughout. The course ends with an engaging final assignment that includes:

  • reflections on 3 of the most significant course takeaways,
  • discussion on factors that influence health system performance where you reside,
  • assessment of a key health system challenge and actions being taken.

 

Unit 1: Introduction

In Unit 1, you will engage in a high-level exploration of healthcare in Canada. Whether you’re new to the field or have been working in healthcare for a while, it’s important to understand the current environment we’re operating in, including factors that influence the health of Canadians.

At the end of this unit learners will be able to:

  • Explain the overall current state of health and the healthcare system(s) in Canada
  • Recognize the components of the continuum of care and their significance within the healthcare system.
  • Identify key challenges that illustrate the need for health system transformation

 

Unit 2: Healthcare Structure and Governance

In Unit 2 you will explore how the Canadian healthcare system became what it is today. To understand where we’re going in terms of healthcare reform and improvement, we first need to understand how we got here. The system didn’t evolve overnight—it’s shaped by a series of key decisions, laws, and the unique relationship between federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

At the end of this unit learners will be able to:

  • Explain the key acts that shape the current structure and governance of Canada’s health system(s).
  • Describe the roles and responsibilities of Federal, Provincial/Territorial and Municipal Governments in healthcare delivery.
  • Analyze the role of Health Canada and its federal agencies.
  • Describe agencies and organizations that support or collaborate with the Canadian healthcare system.

 

Unit 3: Healthcare Financing and Spending

In Unit 3 you will dive into how healthcare services are funded in Canada, focusing on public and private funding sources. You’ll explore how healthcare spending in Canada compares to other countries and what that means for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the system. The unit will guide you through the roles of federal and provincial governments in funding and spending and the impact of private insurance and co-payments on access to services.

By the end of this unit learners will be able to:

  • Identify the federal government’s role in healthcare funding.
  • Explain the provincial and territorial responsibilities in healthcare funding.
  • Outline the contributions of private funding to healthcare.
  • Describe the primary sources of health research funding.

 

Unit 4: Quality and Safety in People-Centered Care

In Unit 4 you will explore healthcare quality through the lens of people-centred care (PCC) and compassionate care practices. You will see what PCC truly means and how it shapes the quality of care for those receiving and those providing care.

Quality in healthcare includes frameworks, models, and accountability at various levels, ensuring high standards across the system. You will see how PCC and quality standards aim to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. This unit will also introduce equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility (EDIRA) and anti-racism and anti-oppression (ARAO) principles and the concept of trauma-informed care, emphasizing respect for diverse identities and equitable access, aiming to make healthcare a space of safety and dignity for all.

By the end of this unit learners will be able to:

  • Describe the principles of people-centred care (PCC) and how involving patients and families in decisions and planning can improve health outcomes.
  • Recognize the role of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility (EDIRA) and anti-racism and anti-oppression (ARAO) in addressing health disparities and promoting culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible healthcare.
  • Discuss culturally appropriate care and the recommendations from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) calls for action in healthcare.
  • Examine how understanding the impact of trauma can enhance the safety and effectiveness of healthcare interactions.
  • Identify key principles and dimensions of healthcare quality, including patient safety.
  • Explain the use of data and quality indicators to measure healthcare system performance and inform continuous quality improvement initiatives.

 

Unit 5: The Health Workforce

In Unit 5 you will explore the different types of health professionals, roles of regulated and non-regulated healthcare professionals, and the scope of practice for various professions. You will examine the sustainability of the healthcare workforce and challenges faced by healthcare workers, such as burnout and psychological safety concerns. The importance of diversity in the workforce is discussed, including how it fosters an inclusive environment that meets both professional and patient needs.

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Differentiate between regulated and non-regulated health professions
  • Explore the role of professional colleges and licensure in Canada
  • Define the concept of scope of practice and assess factors influencing its evolution
  • Recall how ethics and duty of care are integrated into practice
  • Identify the challenges faced by the healthcare workforce
  • Recognize the value of a diverse workforce and how it can be supported
  • Identify and analyze key strategies to support the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals

 

Unit 6: Current State, Emerging Trends, and What’s Next

In Unit 6, you will think about the big picture—the current challenges facing the health system, where it’s headed, and the opportunities for meaningful change. You will explore what is needed to drive a better future, for both those who receive and those who give care. This unit is a chance to reflect on what you’ve learned and picture how you can play a role in shaping what’s next. The focus of this unit is on  key topics that broadly impact the healthcare system.

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Identify the factors that contribute to the complexity of the Canadian healthcare system
  • Describe key challenges currently facing Canada’s healthcare system
  • Explore opportunities for innovation and improvement within the health system

Healthcare in Canada is open for enrolment year-round. There are no term dates.

Healthcare In Canada Quick FAQ

  • What will I achieve at the completion of this program?

    At the end of this course, you’ll receive a certificate from CHA Learning.

  • Is there a maximum study duration?

    Yes, learners in the Healthcare in Canada course have 4 months to complete the course.

“My experience with CHA Learning was great. As a mature student it was easy to navigate around and the program material was simple to read and understand, and your course professor is just an email away. I would highly recommend anyone to take any online course offered.”
—Christine Mecke, CHA Learning Alumni

 

Enrol Today!

Enrol today and gain essential knowledge to help you understand, navigate, and explore the challenges and opportunities within Canada’s unique and evolving healthcare system.

 

ENROL NOW

 


Why Choose CHA Learning

With over 70 years of history as a healthcare non-profit, online learning is all we do. Tens of thousands of professionals have graduated from our programs and gone on to positively impact the health system. Our healthcare experts and faculty coaches are industry leaders. Our team provides exceptional support and truly cares about your success. Learn more about us.


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