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Programs

Certified Caregiver Program

The Assisted Living Caregiver Program, as approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers (NCIA Board) is a 62-hour program which includes 12 hours of skill/lab and 50 hours of classroom training. This program complies with AAC R4-33-703 and will provide students with the theory and skills required by the NCIA Board to practice as a Certified Caregiver in the

assisted living setting, and in some cases, home health agencies. Graduates will receive a Certification of Completion after passing a State Mandated Final Exam.

Program Objectives

Communicate and provide caregiver services reflecting the resident’s rights, in a culturally sensitive manner, and in a supportive environment when providing care for adult residents.

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• Demonstrate competency in providing basic care skills to adults required by the service plan.

• Apply knowledge regarding principles of drug dosages and calculations to safely observe,assist, and administer medications as ordered by the resident’s medical practitioner.

• Provide effective care to adult residents using established standards and practice guidelines

reflecting changes in patient health brought on by chronic illness or age.

• Demonstrate an understanding of fire safety and infection control principles in resident care.

Program Prerequisites:

  • Must be at least 18 years old​​

  • Current CPR and First Aid

  • Fingerprint Clearance Card

  • Current TB or Clear Chest X-ray 

  • The ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English​

Completion Requirements

  • Complete 12 hours of skill/lab hours and 50 hours of classroom training for a total of 62 hours.

  • Current Arizona Food Handlers Card.

  • Score 80% or higher on all competency exams and the course final exam.

  • Pass the NCIA Board Written Final Exam through D&S Diversified Technology.

CNA Bridge/ Medication Management Program

The CNA Bridge/Medication Management Program includes 16 hours of classroom and competency exams.  The Caregiver provides residents with services in accordance with the health care provider's orders regarding administration or assistance with medications and treatments, as per state regulations.

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The student learns to assist with maintaining the physical, social, and psychological environment that is conducive to the best interest and welfare of the resident. They learn to exercises independent judgment and discretion in the performance of personnel tasks. The Caregiver will observe the resident's response to their existing treatment plan. They are aware of prominent medication interactions, side effects, and observes residents for occurrences and notifies the supervisor. They adhere to the facilities infection control policies and procedures. The Caregiver assist residents with medication as defined in the facility medication policy and procedures. They will learn to supervise residents who self-administer medication. The Caregiver exhibits understanding of and follows medication policies and procedures. They maintain resident records daily in a timely manner and in accordance with facility policy and procedures. Resident records include documentation related to medication distribution, leisure activities, incidents and observations, charting any changes in resident's physical condition and or behaviors, visitors, etc. They observe and document the health and emotional condition of each resident; while promptly reporting all changes to their supervisor. It is the responsibility of the Caregiver to maintain the cleanliness and organization of the medicine supply area. They receive and document reports on all residents. They will learn to complete an accurate accounting of all medications, including controlled substances as per policy. The Caregiver assist with completion of medication audits per policy and direction of supervisor. They follow procedures regarding incidents involving residents.

 

Graduates will receive a Certification of Completion after passing a State Mandated Final Exam. For the currently licensed Arizona CNA student, the NCIA Board allows for a waiver of some classroom hours. Since CNA students must take and pass the Arizona State Written Exam to become a Certified Caregiver, a CNA student’s classroom experience is shortened, but you will have access to the entire curriculum through distance learning, competency exams, and classroom instruction. This approach is called the CNA Bridge. Bridge students will begin the course with 16 hours of classroom instruction.

Program Objectives: 
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  • Assist in monitoring the medication program.

  • Set-up and assist with self-administration of medication.

  • Order and receive medication.

  • Keep all medications in their appropriate storage areas and locked at all times.

  • Regularly review the resident’s medication administration record, pharmacy transaction record, and properly report any medication errors.

  • Keep medication files and medical records current and up to date.

  • Regular, ongoing communication with the pharmacy, families, and facility management staff.

  • Report any changes in residents' physical condition and/or behaviors.

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Program Prerequisites:
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  • Current CPR and First Aid

  • Fingerprint Clearance Card

  • Current Arizona Food Handlers Card

  • Current TB or Clear Chest X-ray 

  • CNA Bridge: A current Arizona CNA/LNA License

 

Completion Requirements:

  • CNA Bridge: Complete 16 classroom hours, and pass competency exams.

  • Score 80% or higher on all competency exams and the course final exam.

  • Pass the NCIA Board Written Final Exam through D&S Diversified Technology.

DCW to Caregiver Program

The DCW to Caregiver Program includes 38 hours of classroom and competency exams.  The Caregiver provides residents with services in accordance with the health care provider's orders regarding administration or assistance with medications and treatments, as per state regulations.

​

The student learns to assist with maintaining the physical, social, and psychological environment that is conducive to the best interest and welfare of the resident. They learn to exercises independent judgment and discretion in the performance of personnel tasks. The Caregiver will observe the resident's response to their existing treatment plan. They are aware of prominent medication interactions, side effects, and observes residents for occurrences and notifies the supervisor. They adhere to the facilities infection control policies and procedures. The Caregiver assist residents with medication as defined in the facility medication policy and procedures. They will learn to supervise residents who self-administer medication. The Caregiver exhibits understanding of and follows medication policies and procedures. They maintain resident records daily in a timely manner and in accordance with facility policy and procedures. Resident records include documentation related to medication distribution, leisure activities, incidents and observations, charting any changes in resident's physical condition and or behaviors, visitors, etc. They observe and document the health and emotional condition of each resident; while promptly reporting all changes to their supervisor. It is the responsibility of the Caregiver to maintain the cleanliness and organization of the medicine supply area. They receive and document reports on all residents. They will learn to complete an accurate accounting of all medications, including controlled substances as per policy. The Caregiver assist with completion of medication audits per policy and direction of supervisor. They follow procedures regarding incidents involving residents.

 

Graduates will receive a Certification of Completion after passing a State Mandated Final Exam. For the currently trained DCW student, the NCIA Board allows for a waiver of some classroom hours. Since DCW students must take and pass the Arizona State Written Exam to become a Certified Caregiver, a DCW student’s classroom experience is shortened, but you will have access to the entire curriculum through distance learning, competency exams, and classroom instruction. This approach is called the DCW to Caregiver Program. DCW students will begin the course with 38 hours of classroom instruction.

Program Objectives: 
​
  • Demonstrate competency in providing basic care skills to adults required by the service plan.

  • Apply knowledge regarding principles of drug dosages and calculations to safely observe, assist, and administer medications as ordered by the resident’s medical practitioner.

  • Provide effective care to adult residents using established standards and practice guidelines reflecting changes in patient health brought on by chronic illness or age.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of fire safety and infection control principles in resident care.

​

Program Prerequisites:
​
  • Current CPR and First Aid

  • Fingerprint Clearance Card

  • Current Arizona Food Handlers Card

  • Current TB or Clear Chest X-ray 

  • DCW to Caregiver: Must hold a certificate specified by AHCCCS 

 

Completion Requirements:

  • DCW to Caregiver: Complete 38 classroom hours and pass competency exams.

  • Score 80% or higher on all competency exams and the course final exam.

  • Pass the NCIA Board Written Final Exam through D&S Diversified Technology.

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