Geriatric Care Specialist
Certificate

8 / 16 Semester Hours

The Geriatric Care Specialist program is designed to prepare a competent, skilled nursing assistant to provide care at a more advanced level for the growing population of elderly in the community. In addition to the CNA curriculum, which prepares the student to perform basic care skills, the courses address

• changes in the culture of long-term care, providing for more resident-centered care
• an in-depth focus on caring for the person with dementia
• advanced skills and topics geared toward enhancing the services and quality of life for an aging population
• how to improve the survey outcome for a facility

This program is intended for qualified persons who are

• CNAs and want to enhance their education
• interested in entering the health care field as a direct care provider
• seeking education to reenter the workforce
• seeking a short-term educational program leading to immediate employment

Employment opportunities include long-term care facilities, assistive living environments, home care, nursing homes, and hospitals. In addition to working in the role of the geriatric care specialist, the graduate will be able to fulfill positions such CNA, physical rehabilitation/restorative aide, and patient care technician.

The geriatric care specialist program provides an opportunity for most current certified nursing assistants to advance to another level by taking an additional eight credit hours, or is offered as a 16 credit hour certificate, which includes the CNA curriculum. Students must meet admission requirements for the CNA program.

All program courses will be offered each semester. Students may enroll in any or all of the courses in order to fit their needs. A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in all courses in order for the student to successfully complete the program.

Required Courses

*Required for the basic nursing assistant program; waived if student possesses current Illinois CNA certificate