Frequently Asked Questions

Island Career Academy offers diploma programs in Continuing Care Assistant (CCA), Practical Nursing (PN), Massage Therapy (RMT), Early Childhood Education (ECE), Legal Assistant, Community Residential Worker (CRW), Teacher Assistant, and Business Administration. Visit our Programs page for full details on each program.

General requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid criminal record check, and being 19 years of age or older for most programs. Some programs have additional requirements - for example, the Practical Nursing program requires immunization records, and the CCA program requires a valid Nova Scotia Driver's License. Visit our Admissions page for program-specific requirements.

Complete the interest form on the ICA website. You will then receive an application email from our Director of Programs. Complete the application and you will receive an advisory email to book an appointment to discuss the program in detail. If you meet all requirements, you will be accepted into the program of choice on the next available intake date.

Practical Nursing intakes are in October. CCA intakes run at various times throughout the year. All other programs start in September. Visit our Programs page for the most current intake schedule.

No, you can apply at any time. We recommend applying early, as intake spots fill up. The earlier you apply, the more intake options are available to you. Ready to get started? Fill out our interest form.

No. All programs are offered Monday through Friday during daytime hours.

Program lengths vary. The Continuing Care Assistant program is 26 weeks; Practical Nursing and Massage Therapy are 2 years; most other diploma programs run 8 to 12 months. Visit our Programs page for the exact duration of each program.

All programs are full-time.

The typical school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Exact hours may vary slightly based on your program, lab availabilities, and the current module you are studying.

All classes are in-person at our campus in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

The passing grade for Massage Therapy, CCA, and Practical Nursing is 70%. For all other programs the passing grade is 60%.

When an intake is full, you can register for the next available start date. With multiple intakes per year, you will typically begin much sooner than you would waiting for a spot at a public institution. Register your interest now and we'll confirm your spot on the next available intake.

Yes, for the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program only.

Yes, for the CCA program only. You require access to a vehicle for the Homecare portion of the program. You may use your own vehicle, borrow one, or rent one. You must be able to show valid insurance to the Home Care Agency where you will be completing your practical placement.

Each program has different tuition and book costs. This will be discussed in detail during your advisory meeting. Visit our Funding page for an overview, or book an advisory meeting to get a full cost breakdown for your program.

Tuition covers instruction and textbooks. The Massage Therapy program also includes clinic supplies.

The first half of tuition is due on the first day of class. The second half is due mid-way through the program. See our Funding page for details on payment schedules and options.

Payments can be made by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Contact our office for details or visit our Payments page.

Yes, payment plan options are discussed during your advisory meeting. Please note that all accounts must be paid in full before final placement. Reach out to discuss your options.

Yes. Visit our Funding page for information on student loan eligibility and how to apply.

Yes. In addition to student loans, ICA students may have access to bursaries, government grants, Employment Insurance (EI), employer sponsorship, and Indigenous support programs. Visit our Funding page for a full overview of available support.

ICA follows the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education - Private Career College Policy on refunds.

Yes. ICA schedules all practicum placements as part of your program. Placements are unpaid and form a required component of your diploma.

A criminal record check is required for all programs. The Practical Nursing program additionally requires up-to-date immunization records. These documents must be submitted as part of your registration.

Historically, 95 to 100% of ICA graduates find employment in their field. This reflects our ongoing tracking of graduate outcomes and the strong relationships we maintain with local employers. Start your application today.

Yes. Once you successfully complete your program, you will receive your diploma and can begin working immediately.

ICA schedules all required practicum placements as part of your program; these are a common pathway to your first job. Resume writing and job-search skills are also integrated into the curriculum. After graduation, ICA forwards job opportunities shared by employers directly to recent graduates by email.

ICA is not an employment agency, so securing your own position after graduation is part of the journey. That said, we actively support you. Employers regularly reach out to us, and we forward those opportunities to recent graduates by email. Your practicum placement is also a common pathway to your first job.

If you require accommodation for a learning disability, our Director of Programs and your instructor will meet with you to create a personalised support plan. This can include suggestions for assistive technology, extended time for tests, a reader for exams, or notetaking assistance. Get in touch so we can discuss your needs before you start.

There is no separate pre-start orientation session. On your first day, your instructor will cover everything you need to know: program schedule, expectations, materials, and introductions. If you would like a tour of the school before classes begin, contact us and we would be happy to schedule one.

Yes. Free parking is available in the lot at the back of the school.

You will receive an official acceptance letter via email.

There is no application fee to apply. However, once you are accepted and complete your registration documents, a $100 registration fee is required. This amount is deducted from your total tuition when you make your first tuition payment.

Yes. Once you are accepted, you can start whenever you are ready. Contact us or fill out our interest form to let us know your preferred start date.

After receiving your acceptance letter, you will need to: submit all required documents (criminal record check, immunizations if applicable, and photo ID); secure your funding (student loan, bursary, self-pay, or employer sponsorship); and complete the registration process and pay your $100 registration fee. Our admissions team will guide you through each step.

Only programs that are under 6 months in length are eligible for students on a work permit. At ICA, the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program is currently the only program that meets this requirement. You must provide a valid passport, current Canadian work permit, proof of legal status, and your permit expiry date.

No. Please contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) directly for any questions regarding immigration policies and permit eligibility.

No. You must currently reside in Canada to enrol at ICA.

Yes, for the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program only.

No. All programs at ICA are full-time and in-person.

You will need to follow the guidelines of your work or study permit regarding employment hours. ICA programs are full-time, so please review your permit conditions carefully before enrolling.

No. You must be available to attend classes full-time and complete all practicum placements scheduled for your program.

If you are currently on a study permit at another institution, you must apply for a new study permit to attend ICA. ICA is not a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for study-permit purposes. Please contact IRCC for guidance on your specific situation.