New Program for Entry-level Care Giver Professionals

Pima Community College, in association with the Pima Council on Aging, is offering a new two-course program for people considering entry-level care giving professions.  The Basic Direct Care Professional certificate is designed for people interested in providing direct care for the aged or individuals with physical, mental or developmental disabilities. 

The certificate provides skills and qualifications for work in nursing and rehabilitation facilities.  It is also valuable for anyone planning to provide extended home care for older or disabled individuals or family members.

The Basic Direct Care Professional certificate requires 4.25 college credits of study and includes a core course, Principles of Care Giving (DCP101), plus any of three options: Aging and Physical Disabilities (DCP 102), Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia (DCP 103), and Developmental Disabilities (DCP 104).  Principles of Care Giving is a 2.25 credit class; the other three classes are each two credits. 

Currently, Pima Community College is offering the Direct Care Professional classes at its Northwest Campus, 7600 N. Shannon Road, in a weekend format for convenience.  New classes in the program will begin on Saturday, Aug. 25.  Another round of classes will begin at the Northwest Campus in October. 

After completing the Basic Direct Care Professional certificate, students have the option to continue taking classes in education, social services or other health care professions towards a degree or additional certificates.

Information about the program is available under the College’s listing for health-related professions.  For more information about the Basic Direct Care Giving Professional program, contact the Division Dean’s Office at Pima Community College’s Northwest Campus, 206-2135.

PRESS CONTACT: David Irwin, Executive Director for Public Information
(520) 206-4528