The senior care industry faces a staffing crisis, and there are numerous training programs and certifications available to help bridge the gap.
Whether you’re just getting your first senior care job or looking to advance in your career or get a better salary, these programs provide the skills and credentials needed for a successful career in senior care.
Below is a numbered list of specific programs, categorized by the type of role you may pursue.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs
Certified Nursing Assistants are critical in providing direct care to seniors, assisting with daily living activities, and maintaining their well-being.
- Red Cross CNA Program
- Location: Nationwide
- Program Length: 4-12 weeks
- Why It’s Important: Provides hands-on training with an established organization.
- Reputation: Highly regarded for CNA certification across the U.S.
- Houston Community College CNA Program
- Location: Texas
- Program Length: Approximately 8 weeks
- Why It’s Important: Offers a comprehensive training program with an emphasis on clinical practice.
- Reputation: Top-rated community college nursing program in Texas.
- Community College of Philadelphia CNA Program
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Program Length: 4-8 weeks
- Why It’s Important: Focuses on providing students with real-world experience and job placement opportunities.
- Reputation: Recognized for job placement support.
Home Health Aide (HHA) Training Programs
Home Health Aides (HHAs) provide personal care and daily assistance to seniors in their homes. These training programs are ideal for those seeking a career in home-based care.
- Southern Technical Institute HHA Program (Florida)
- Location: Florida
- Program Length: 4-6 weeks
- Why It’s Important: Offers practical training and certification for those entering home healthcare.
- Reputation: Accredited program in Florida.
- Caring People Home Health Aide Training (New York)
- Location: New York
- Program Length: 4-6 weeks
- Why It’s Important: Designed for those seeking immediate employment in New York’s home care industry.
- Reputation: Well-known in NY for excellent home health aide training.
- CareAcademy Online HHA Training
- Location: Online
- Program Length: Self-paced
- Why It’s Important: An online training option that provides flexibility for working professionals.
- Reputation: Flexible, popular online platform for HHA certification.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) administer medications, provide wound care, and perform more advanced caregiving duties. LPN programs provide a solid foundation for those looking to advance beyond entry-level roles.
- Pima Medical Institute LPN Program
- Location: Multiple states
- Program Length: 12-18 months
- Why It’s Important: Offers extensive training in practical nursing, including geriatric care.
- Reputation: Renowned practical nursing program in multiple states.
- Lake Area Technical College LPN Program (South Dakota)
- Location: South Dakota
- Program Length: 12 months
- Why It’s Important: Focuses on hands-on care and prepares students for licensure.
- Reputation: Known for hands-on learning and strong job placement.
- Rasmussen University LPN Program
- Location: Multiple states
- Program Length: 12 months
- Why It’s Important: Provides flexible learning options and career support.
- Reputation: Offers flexible learning options and career support.
Registered Nurse (RN) Programs
Registered Nurses (RNs) take on leadership roles and manage patient care. RN programs offer a deeper understanding of patient needs and medical protocols.
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Program Length: 4 years
- Why It’s Important: Ranked among the top nursing schools in the country, specializing in geriatric care.
- Reputation: Top nursing school in the U.S.
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
- Location: Maryland
- Program Length: 4 years
- Why It’s Important: Offers specialized programs for elderly care and chronic illness management.
- Reputation: Ranked as one of the best nursing schools globally.
- Miami Dade College RN Program
- Location: Florida
- Program Length: 2-4 years
- Why It’s Important: A community college option with strong job placement rates for RNs.
- Reputation: Strong community college with excellent RN placement.
Geriatric Care Certification Programs
Geriatric care certifications focus on the unique needs of elderly patients and prepare caregivers to manage chronic conditions, dementia, and other age-related illnesses.
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Geriatric Care Certification
- Location: Online/Nationwide
- Program Length: Variable, based on professional experience
- Why It’s Important: Recognized across the U.S., this certification enhances the skills of experienced RNs specializing in geriatric care.
- Reputation: Well-respected geriatric care certification.
- National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) Geriatric Certification
- Location: Nationwide/Online
- Program Length: Variable
- Why It’s Important: Focuses on elderly patients in home care and hospice settings.
- Reputation: Leading certification in home care and hospice.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Certification Programs
Specialized certifications for caregivers working with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia help improve care quality for those with memory disorders.
- National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Certification
- Location: Online/Nationwide
- Program Length: Flexible
- Why It’s Important: Focuses on advanced care techniques for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Reputation: Highly recommended for Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Advanced Degrees in Gerontology and Senior Care Management
For those aiming for leadership positions in senior care, advanced degrees in gerontology and senior care management provide the necessary training to manage large-scale care facilities and aging populations.
- USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
- Location: California/Online
- Program Length: Graduate and undergraduate options
- Why It’s Important: The leading gerontology program in the country offers degrees that prepare students for leadership in senior care.
- Reputation: Oldest and leading gerontology school in the U.S.
- University of Maryland School of Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program
- Location: Maryland
- Program Length: 2 years (Master’s)
- Why It’s Important: Prepares nurse practitioners to specialize in adult and elderly patient care.
- Reputation: Renowned for geriatric nurse practitioner specialization.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Master’s in Aging and Health
- Location: North Carolina
- Program Length: 2 years
- Why It’s Important: Prepares students for careers in aging-related health policy and senior care management.
- Reputation: Leading aging and health program in public universities.
Advance Your Senior Care Career
Take the first step toward a fulfilling career or advance to more specialized roles. From programs to CNAs and HHAs to advanced degrees in gerontology, each training opportunity plays an important part in addressing the growing demand for skilled senior care caregivers.
Ready to start your journey? Explore senior care jobs and find the right program for near you.
