Personal Care Aide (PCA)
***Enroll in any upcoming PCA class session & pay only $200 for 6 weeks of ESL classes (a $150 discount)!***
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A Personal Care Aide (PCA) assists individuals with light cleaning, cooking, running errands, doing laundry, and patient hygiene tasks. They also engage clients in activities like reading, talking, and playing games. The PCA program can act as a stepping-stone to becoming a CNA as it provides essential foundations needed in this field and is a great introduction to help those feel comfortable in a caregiver role so they can gain experience and focus on learning more advanced skills as a CNA or CMA.
Course Description:
The PCA certification program is designed for family or professional caregivers who provide non-medical support services. It focuses on essential skills and practices applicable to the care and comfort of elderly, ill and disabled individuals. You will learn about elderly personal, nutritional and rehabilitative care as well as home, safety and accident management.
Objectives & Competencies:
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Master issues related to the care of the elderly.
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Solve problems and challenges that affect professional caregivers.
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Use tips and techniques imparted to enhance the wellbeing of the care recipient.
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Understand how the home health care field is structured and operates.
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Demonstrate requirements and expectations for personal care aides;
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Understand the physical, biological, and psychological aspects of Aging;
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Describe the physical and emotional needs of the Elderly and Disabled;
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Explain personal care and rehabilitative services as well as policies and procedures regarding accidents or injuries.
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Food, Nutrition, and Meal Preparation to include the importance of nutrition to the individual, special considerations and special diets/ food purchasing;
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Documentation Requirements for Medicaid Individuals
Enrollment Requirements:
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16 years of age or older (or 18 years old for job placement) – valid photo ID must be provided
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Intermediate English Proficiency (determined by placement test)
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Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR Certification (2-year certifications available through Astar for additional $97)
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Valid Social Security Card
Course Details:
Course Code: MED101
Duration: 40 Hours (5 days total)
Schedule:
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Tuesday to Friday (online) – 5PM - 10PM
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Online Theory Classes
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Saturday (at school) – 9:30AM – 4:30PM
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Skills Lab Practice & Final Exam
Included in tuition:
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Use of state-of-the-art skills lab during and outside of classroom hours for extra practice
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Use of basic medical supplies needed for class
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Access to simulation lab to practice skills
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Job placement at a home health care company upon graduation
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All handouts and other course materials
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One set of scrubs
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2-Year CPR/BLS Certification through American Red Cross
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Certificate of Completion (pending final grades)