The National Association of Health Care Assistants is a non-profit association of CNAs providing experience-based, peer-driven solutions to long term care.
 

Geriatric Care Specialist Certification

An independent study program, this correspondence course gives nursing assistants the opportunity to upgrade skills, education, and professional self-esteem.

Description
The Geriatric Care Specialist Program is a 10-module correspondence study course for certified nursing assistants. This course is designed to assist nursing assistants with enhancing their knowledge and skills in the field of geriatric care. The certification expires annually. To maintain certification, submit annual verification that 12 hours of in-service have been completed, along with $5 renewal fee.

Requirements
Each enrollee must be certified or have successfully met the requirements to practice as a nursing assistant in the state that they currently reside or work in. The applicant must submit a completed application, which asks for both personal and professional information. The application must also be accompanied by two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a nursing assistant or co-worker. (If you are not currently employed in a health care facility, you must attach a copy of your nurse aide certificate and attach two professional letters of reference.) The cost of this course is $100 for members and $150 for non-members plus $5 shipping and handling. Payment in the form of check or money order (no cash, please) must be submitted with the application. The course materials will not be sent prior to the fees being paid in full, nor will there be refunds on materials sent.

Time Limit
The student will have up to one-year to take the exam, starting from the date of receipt of the course material. All modules must be completed. A student may finish the course any time prior to the one-year deadline. The test will only be administered after the student feels they have adequately prepared for the exam, using the textbook and work sheets as study aids. There will be no course work that has to be returned to NAHCA™.

Testing
Once the student feels prepared to sit for the exam, they must ask a registered nurse (preferably the Director of Nursing or Staff Development Coordinator) to call NAHCA™ and order the exam. The exam will be sent to the RN requesting the exam and must be administered by that RN. The exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions. The student must complete the exam from start to finish. There will be no testing in parts. You will have two hours in which to complete the exam. No study aids will be permitted in the testing room. Once the exam is complete, the RN will enclose it in an envelope, seal it, and mail to NAHCA™ for grading and processing.

Completion
Once the student has successfully passed the exam, a certificate and lapel pin will be sent. If they do not pass the exam, they may re-take the exam, it may be retaken for a $5 fee.

Syllabus

• Module One
  Anatomy and Physiology

• Module Two
  Age Related Disorders

• Module Three
  Geriatric Urinary Incontinence

• Module Four
  Pressure Ulcers, Wound Healing, and Skin Care

• Module Five
  Caring for Residents with Dementia

• Module Six
  Psycho-Social Needs of the Geriatric Resident

• Module Seven
  Communicating in Long Term Care

• Module Eight
  Restorative Care

• Module Nine
  Observation, Reporting, and Documentation

• Module Ten
  Survey Process and Federal Regulations

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