2026 CCA Program

Become a CCA in just six months!

Start your career as a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA)! This six-month program provides eligible Nova Scotians with a new career and room to grow with Shannex—a certified Great Place to Work.

Having the right team of Great People is critical to providing great care, and our team is partnering with the Government of Nova Scotia and educational institutions in Nova Scotia to meet the growing need for more skilled professionals in long term care.

**The CCA program provides free tuition, textbooks, wage subsidy*, and employment at DePaul Hall Enhanced Care upon completion of the program.**
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Delivered in partnership with Eastern College at their Halifax campus, the February 2026 cohort is now full. Join the waitlist to be the first to know about upcoming intakes and future opportunities.

JOIN THE WAITLIST

About the Program

From day one, selected program participants will be hired as Shannex employees while enrolled as students in the six-month skills development program.

Learning will take place in the classroom with required hours of hands-on training in Shannex communities. Students will benefit from this condensed curriculum, achieving the same learning outcomes as the traditional program but in a shorter time (25 weeks).

Program Eligibility

Investing in your future is exciting and our team is here to help you through the process. To be a candidate for the program, you must:

Be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident (or entitled to work in Canada as a protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) and residing in Nova Scotia. (Please note: work or study permit are not eligible)
Be willing to participate fully in the 6-month program on a full-time basis (approximately 32–35 hours per week) and sign a two-year Return-of-Service Agreement with Shannex, working at DePaul Hall Enhanced Care in Halifax.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Be proficient in the English language.
Want to be a CCA; providing personal care and assistance to residents living in long term care.

If you don’t meet the eligibility for this program, there are still many ways to grow your career with us!

A Day in the Life of a CCA

At Shannex, skilled and compassionate CCAs work with purpose as a critical part of our care team providing personal care and assistance with activities of daily living. This can include:

Dressing and bathing
Eating and feeding
Walking
Moving into and out of a bed or chair
Checking vitals, administering topical medications and ear/eye drops
Supporting recreation and site activities

While taking a resident-directed approach to care, CCAs are considered an extension of a resident’s family, spending quality time each day in conversations and activities that builds trust, joy and lifelong connection.

Learn More

Team member smiling while playing cards with resident

Why Choose Shannex?

With more than 35 years as a trusted provider of quality accommodations, services, and care to seniors, Shannex is built on a foundation of Great People and exceptional service. We design, build and operate communities known for their bright, beautiful spaces, extra wide hallways, new equipment and a Philosophy of Service that recognizes we work in a place residents call home. Every member of our team, including our valued CCAs, takes a resident-directed approach to care.

Join the Waitlist

The program will provide eligible candidates with guaranteed employment, skills and financial support.

Shannex will review applications and conduct interviews, providing eligible candidates a conditional offer of employment from Shannex. From there, individuals with an offer letter will be provided directions and support to apply for:
- Admission to the Eastern College CCA Program
- Financial support (Living Allowance) through Employment Nova Scotia

The February cohort is now full. Join the waitlist by completing the form below to be the first to hear about upcoming intakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The upcoming intake is now full. Join the waitlist to be notified about the next program start date.

Program intake is limited to 20 participants to ensure a supportive learning experience.

The upcoming intake is now full. Join the waitlist to be notified about the next program start date.

Program participants can expect a full-time commitment of approximately 32–35 hours per week, with 6-hour class days and occasional 8-hour days for training and placements.

Participants who successfully graduate the program as a certified CCA will seamlessly transition to a full-time position at DePaul Hall in Halifax

You will need to provide a copy of your high school or GED transcript, a Criminal Record Check (CRC) or Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) issued within the last six months, and proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency.

Eligible students can receive up to $25,000 total in wage subsidy, paid in bi-weekly installments over approximately six months (35 weeks) — the equivalent of $18.48 per hour while attending school.

Once you’ve been accepted into an approved CCA program, the Shannex team will apply for this funding on your behalf through Health Association Nova Scotia (HANS).

If your application is approved, you’ll receive your wage payments through Shannex while you complete your training.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the Shannex Team, please contact Colleen McKenna, NS Academic Program & Partnership Coordinator at cmckenna@shannex.com.