ASSISTED LIVING TECHNICIAN

The Assisted Living Technician Profession

Assisted living is for the adult who needs help with everyday tasks, but desires to live somewhat independently and do not need full-time nursing care. They may require various levels of help in dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, or ambulation/transportation to other areas. Many assisted living facilities are part of retirement communities or a senior housing complex, and may be in close proximity to or even a part of a nursing home or a long-term care facility with full-time nursing care if the patient needs this level of care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests Assisted Living is projected to be one of the fastest growing areas for employment through 2018. Numerous job openings with excellent opportunities are expected.

The Assisted Living Technician Program

This comprehensive program prepares students for a position as an Assisted Living Technician. Emphasis is on providing care to clients living in retirement communities or senior housing complexes where full-time care may not be required, but an understanding and professional staff is necessary to be there for them when needed. Seniors in these communities may require various levels and types assistance depending on their specific situation, needs and wants. Assisted Living Technicians are compassionate, caring and skilled healthcare professionals that provide this assistance or care for the peace of mind of both the senior population in their charge and the families who wish to see their loved ones continue to thrive in their later years. This program will ensure students are prepared to provide a variety of essential services for their clients with the compassion, sensitivity and understanding necessary to provide care when needed and independence when not. Beyond the medical training provided, this course will ensure students have full understanding of the assisted living environment.

Education and Certifications

• Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• There are no state approval and/or state requirements associated with this program.
• There are several National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam.

National Certification

Upon successful completion of this Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) program, students would be eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam. Although there are no state approval, state registration or other state requirements for this program, students who complete this program at TAMIU will be prepared and are eligible to sit for the NHA CCMA certification exam and the MOS national certification exam and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so. TAMIU works with each student to complete the exam application and register the student to take their national certification exam.

Clinical Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement, once students complete the program, they have the ability to participate in a clinical externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and placed with a participating organization near their location. TAMIU works with national organizations and has the ability to place students in externship opportunities nationwide.

Detailed Course Information

Technical Requirements

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