This course focuses on the development and application of essential English communication skills for health care settings at an advanced (CLB 7-9) level. Key components of the course are expanding health care vocabulary, practicing routine and more challenging professional interactions, using communication strategies and skills needed for moderately complex oral and written interactions with patients, visitors, colleagues, and other health professionals, and developing strategies for increasing accuracy in oral and written communication.
Prerequisites
CLB 6 Listening, CLB 6 Speaking, CLB 6 Reading, and CLB 6 Writing, or department approval.
Missing prerequisites?
Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
What you will learn
- The Canadian and BC Health Care System
- Effective Communication Frameworks and Barriers to Communication
- Telephone language and strategies
- Vocabulary development strategies, including medical terminology
- Writing and note-taking strategies for Health Care assignments
- Culture, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples’ health and access to healthcare in Canada
How to register
Please contact the School of Instructor Education at 604.871.7488 or 604.871.7499 or by email at advising@vcc.ca to apply.
For more information, please see the PIDP Program Content Guide.
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43137 |
April 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026 |
Online | Online | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62122 |
August 4, 2026 to August 31, 2026 |
Online | Online | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
Contact us
If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.