Personal Care Aide Certificate

Krystal Hannouz, COTA/L, M.Ed, Coordinator 
Phone: (419) 995-8259
Email: hannouz.k@rhodesstate.edu
Office: TL 102J

The Personal Care Aide certificate is embedded within the pre-requisite semester for the Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Respiratory Care curriculums to enable students to work part time in a health care field while completing their program. It can also be a stand-alone certificate for job-ready employment. Additionally, the certificate can be used to meet the technical requirements of the Associate degree in Health Care Technology.

Personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. They can work in a variety of settings, including clients’ homes, group homes, and day services programs. Most aides work full time, although part-time work is common. Work schedules may vary. Those working in certified home health, hospice or group home agencies will need to provide evidence of formal training as provided within the curriculum. The certificate involves training and competency necessary for Ohio Medicaid services including:
• Patient care communication
• Vital signs assessment
• Infection control – hand hygiene, standard precautions, and sterile
technique
• Transfer techniques and bed mobility
• Lift equipment
• Body mechanics
• Patient positioning
• Ambulatory aides and wheelchairs
• Basic ADL training and home safety
• Managing basic medical equipment
• Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPPA)
• Professionalism
• Medical Documentation
• Evidence Based Practice
• Interdisciplinary medical team roles and responsibilities
• Medical Ethics

Mission Statement

This certificate prepares the student to be a Personal Care Aid.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the student will be able to:
a. Perform basic responsibilities of patient’s personal care.
b. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of the human body.
c. Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills and professionalism.
d. Understand and practice healthcare standards of professionalism.