Susan Zirk in her health care aide scrubs, in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Are you considering becoming a health care aide, and wondering if you'd be a good fit for the role?

Looking to switch jobs, but don't want to spend years re-training? You're definitely not alone.

Susan Zirk was working a high-pressure finance job when she started looking around for other options. She wanted to do something with more meaning - work that actually helps people and feels rewarding.

Finally, she took the plunge and signed up for Health Care Aide training at Herzing College Winnipeg.

Now she's living a completely different life, working for a home-care company that helps seniors live safely and independently in their own residences.

We checked in with Susan this week to see how her new career is going and learn more about her experience becoming a health care aide. Read on for the highlights!

Updated March 2023

If you live in Winnipeg and want to start a career in health care (without years of university training), becoming a health care aide is an excellent option.

This is a front-line role that involves caring directly for patients and playing a key part in their daily lives. The job is not easy, but if you're passionate about making a real difference in the lives of others, working as a health care aide can be tremendously rewarding.

What should you know about this career path before you commit to a training program?

First, understand exactly what a health care aide does, what you'll study in training, and your job options after college. Let's get started.