Course Code: PCA
The Personal Care Aide (PCA) program provides students with the knowledge and practical skills required to assist clients with personal care and daily living activities in home and community settings. This course prepares individuals to deliver compassionate, safe, and supportive care to patients under the supervision of healthcare professionals, focusing on maintaining client dignity and independence.
Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, students learn to provide essential personal care services, including grooming, bathing, feeding, and mobility assistance. The program emphasizes professionalism, communication, and cultural sensitivity when working with clients and families. Upon successful completion, graduates are qualified to work as certified Personal Care Aides and may advance to the Home Health Aide (HHA) program.
What you will learn in this course:
• Responsibilities and ethics of a Personal Care Aide
• Infection control and client safety practices
• Assisting with personal hygiene and grooming
• Nutrition, meal preparation, and feeding techniques
• Communication skills and cultural awareness
• Maintaining a safe and clean home environment
• Mobility and transfer assistance techniques
• Understanding client rights and confidentiality
• Emergency procedures and first aid awareness
• Preparation for Home Health Aide advancement
Admission Requirements:
1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
2. Present a valid government-issued photo identification.
3. Submit a High School Diploma, High School Equivalency (GED). Applicants who do not possess a High School Diploma or GED must successfully pass the school’s Entrance Examination.
Note: This program is conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) and designed for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students seeking Home Health Aide certification.
Morning 1 Week | Afternoon 2 Weeks | Evening 2 Weeks | Weekend ( 6-Saturdays or 6-Sundays ) |
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| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
| Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM | Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 5:15 PM | Monday-Friday 6:00 PM- 10:15 PM | Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | ||||
Personal Care Aide Program Overview
Develop practical skills for compassionate personal care and daily-living support in home and community settings.
What You Will Learn
Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Support bathing, grooming and daily routines while maintaining dignity.
Nutrition and Feeding
Assist with meal preparation, nutrition and safe feeding.
Mobility and Home Safety
Practice transfers, mobility assistance, infection control and environmental safety.
Communication and Client Rights
Apply confidentiality, cultural awareness, ethics and respectful communication.
Career and HHA Advancement
PCA training supports home and community care roles and may provide a pathway toward Home Health Aide training. Requirements vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Personal Care Aide program?
The PCA program teaches students to assist clients with personal care and daily living activities in home and community settings while supporting dignity and independence.
What skills are taught?
Students learn PCA responsibilities, ethics, infection control, hygiene, grooming, nutrition, feeding, communication, cultural awareness, home safety, mobility, transfers, client rights and emergency awareness.
Does PCA training include hands-on practice?
Yes. The page describes classroom instruction combined with hands-on training in essential personal-care services.
What personal-care activities are covered?
Training includes bathing, grooming, feeding, meal preparation, mobility and transfer assistance.
Does the course teach infection control?
Yes. Infection-control procedures, client safety and maintaining a clean home environment are included.
Does the program cover client rights?
Yes. Client rights, dignity, independence and confidentiality are emphasized.
How long is PCA training?
The page lists a one-week morning option, two-week afternoon and evening options, and a weekend option held over six Saturdays or six Sundays. Confirm availability with IDI.
What schedules are available?
The page lists morning, afternoon, evening and Saturday or Sunday options. Contact IDI for current dates and section availability.
How much does the PCA program cost?
The page lists a total cost of $799, including training, books and training supplies. Confirm current pricing and inclusions with IDI.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. The page lists payment arrangements for daily, evening and weekend formats.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must be at least 18, present government-issued identification, and provide a high school diploma or GED. Those without either credential must pass the entrance examination.
Can PCA graduates advance to HHA training?
The page identifies Home Health Aide training as a possible next step. Contact IDI for current transition requirements.
Where can Personal Care Aides work?
PCA skills support care in home and community settings under appropriate supervision. Employer and certification requirements vary.
Is this program offered in American Sign Language?
The supplied page states that this offering is conducted in American Sign Language for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students. Contact IDI to confirm accessibility options.
How do I register for PCA training?
Use the pre-registration page or request program information to confirm the next class and payment options.
