Personal Care Assistant

Jefferson Community College; Fairfield (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is offering a comprehensive Personal Care Assistant program designed to equip students with essential skills for providing care to the elderly and disabled. This program emphasizes personal care, communication, and basic human needs, preparing learners for various roles in home care and residential settings. Graduates will gain the knowledge to assist individuals with daily tasks and health management, ensuring a supportive environment for those in need. With certification opportunities and optional externships, this program opens doors to a rewarding career in personal care, making a significant impact on the lives of others.

Qualifications

• Ability to assist with daily living activities and provide companionship.
• Knowledge of infection control and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care and assistance to clients in their homes.
• Assist with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing.

Skills

Personal Care Assistance

Communication Skills

Eldercare

Basic Human Needs Understanding

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Personal Care Assistant Program Description

Personal Care Assistants provide assistance to elderly, disabled, ill, and mentally disabled persons who live in their own homes or in a residential care facility. Some Personal Care Assistants work with families in which a parent is incapacitated and small children need care. Others help discharged hospital patients who have relatively short-term needs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the Personal Care Assistant is projected to be the fastest growing occupation through 2024. Numerous job openings with excellent opportunities are expected. Job opportunities will be prevalent in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, home care, long-term care facilities, hospice, and assisted living facilities. Personal Care Assistants can be paid employees who come into the home for a few hours a day or who live in the home full time, or they can be family members or friends of the resident.

This comprehensive program prepares students for a position as a Personal Care Assistant. It emphasizes giving personal care in a client's home, communication, working with ill persons, basic human needs, eldercare, nutrition, special diets, and home management. Many individuals require assistance with daily tasks, minor medical tasks, and companionship because they are ill, elderly, or disabled, of any age, and may live at home or in a residential facility. Personal Care Assistants provide this assistance entirely or assist with some of the care to allow family caregivers a respite. The program ensures students are prepared to provide essential services such as health care management and monitoring, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders or management, recreational activities, companionship, security, and transportation.

Note: Federal Financial Aid is not available for non-credit programs.

Program Objectives

Upon completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Describe long-term care, including target populations, environment, and care options
• Describe physiological, psychological, and sociological changes related to aging
• Describe growth and development characteristics across physical, cognitive, and social domains
• Describe memory care needs and options
• Explain infection control procedures in home or residential environments
• Perform basic housekeeping and safety procedures for residents, staff, and visitors
• Explain procedures for planning, purchasing, and serving food
• Safely assist individuals with activities of daily living
• Prevent fluid overload and dehydration
• Apply warm and cold therapies appropriately
• Care for individuals with special needs
• Provide effective end-of-life care
• Care for infants and children in home or residential settings
• Assist individuals in home or residential environments
• Understand preoperative and postoperative care procedures

After completing this program, learners may take industry-recognized certification exams essential for entry-level employment in this field.

Certification Opportunities

Options include:

• National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Certified Personal Care Assistant (CPCA)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Participants who complete the program are eligible for an externship with local organizations related to this field to gain practical experience. An Externship Coordinator will assist with placement as the program progresses.

Note: Additional documentation such as health records, immunizations, drug screening, criminal background checks, etc., may be required by the externship site.