If you’re interested in a career as a PCA, your first step will be to get the training that you need. You’ll find numerous programs available to you. Any program should be able to help you build the skills you need to become a certified PCA. It’s common for people to enroll in some sort of home health aid program or a training class to become a nursing assistant. While it will take more effort, a training program for licensed practical nurses or registered nurses is also an option. In some cases, officials could determine that a person already has enough training and experience to sit for the certification test.
This is a free test that is administered online. Once the test has been passed, a person is able to enroll with DHS, which allows them to seek employment via an agency. If you want to ensure that you’re properly compensated for the care that you provide, it’s necessary to work through an agency. It’s possible to make money by caring for one person or by working with a variety of clients.
If someone is interested in serving as a home health aide for a member of their family, they must still complete the DHS Individual Personal Care Assistance training program. This program will teach someone basic first aid and what the responsibilities and duties of a PCA are. During training, students will also be taught about OSHA guidelines and precautions. They will be told how to watch out for people that are being mistreated by care providers.
There aren’t many prerequisites for PCA training. As long as someone has a computer with access to the internet and can be reached by email, they should be eligible. All basic training can be found online. It’s completely free and can be accessed at any time, day or night.
It’s possible for people to go over training modules at any time they desire. There are nine Individual Personal Care Assistant Training modules in total. In many cases, there are exercises and videos that can give students a better understanding of the material they are consuming, which will help to prepare them for future exams.
The initial module is designed to be an overview. It discusses the certification process and requirements for PCAs. This is when students are taught about things like care plans. They will also learn how to spot other care team members and how to work alongside a skilled healthcare worker. In the next chapter, there will be more detailed information about the duties of a PCA. This includes health tasks, behavior redirection, and supervising and supporting daily living activities.
In chapter three, students are taught about active listening. Communication is an essential PCA requirement. The fourth chapter teaches students about ethics and the professional code of conduct that they will be expected to follow.
A number of topics will be discussed in later modules, including Documenting Time Cards, Fraud, Dealing With Emergencies, Preventing and Controlling Infections, Maintaining Professional Boundaries, and Understanding Patient Behaviors. Students will also learn more about self-care and how they can get the support that they need. When all of the modules are completed, students will have a clear understanding of what it’s like to work as a PCA.
After training is finished, students will have to complete online registration so that they can take the test. Students can repeat the exam until they receive a passing score. After the test has been completed, students will receive a printable certificate of completion. The Department of Human Services will also email students the certificate.
Once someone is officially a PCA, they can simply forward their certificate to the agency they are working for. PCAs should also keep their own copy of their certificate.
Since the training program is self-directed, and since it’s possible to review the information at any time, there isn’t a specific timeline that needs to be followed. If a student is highly motivated, they could be able to complete PCA training in a single day. With that said, most students will find that it’s best to set aside more time for training so that they can process and understand the concepts that they are being taught.