Personal Care Assistant (PCAs)

In this course, students will obtain knowledge and skills about infection control and prevention in health care settings keeping in mind current practice needs. The basics of infectious disease pathology and how infectious diseases are transmitted will be covered. Students will explore standard and transmission-based precautions, barriers and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and strategies for preventing the spread of infectious disease to healthcare workers and patients. Students will demonstrate proper handwashing and donning and doffing of PPE.

In this course, students will learn how to foster an environment of mutual trust and respect. Students will be able to utilize basic communication strategies to interact with clients and will learn how to implement the practice of providing DIPPS protocol in providing care for clients. Students will practice effective ways to communicate with persons affected by dementia and learn the basics in care considerations of the palliative care client. At the completion of this course, students will demonstrate strategies to collaborate with clients to understand the importance of facilitating the client’s personal preferences.

In this 14-hour micro-credential, learners will explore the body mechanics of mobility, as well as how to assist clients with body movements, ambulation, and movements for activities for daily living. Lastly, learners will explore techniques and practices to prevent falls and injury.

In this 14-hour micro-credential, learners will explore safe practices when assisting with the personal and oral hygiene of clients, as well as demonstrate proper techniques for assisting with dressing and undressing clients with physical limitations. Lastly, learners will develop strategies for ensuring dignity, independence, preference, privacy, and safety in relation to client care.

In this 14-hour micro-credential, learners will discover how to apply nutrition standards to promote good health, as well as demonstrate safe food-handling practices with clients' needs in mind. Learners will also explore how to use safe practices when assisting clients with cognitive impairments, vision problems, and physical limitations at mealtimes. Lastly, learners will learn how to recognize and report signs of dehydration and malnutrition.

In this course, students will learn about the general health of the body without disease or injury and how to recognize differences in a client’s health and mental status. Students will learn how to correctly record the observations in the client’s record, recognize the need for immediate emergency care, and how to initiate protocols to access needed care. The student will recognize their role in reporting to the healthcare teams their observations of the client’s needs and resources they are aware of to promote optimal care for clients.

This program will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to provide safe care for those who require support with their activities of daily living. Those requiring support may be recovering from an illness, surgery, or live with a chronic health challenge that limits their ability to completely care for themselves. Certain groups, such as the elderly, are able to maintain independence when they are supported with their activities of daily living.