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Dementia Care

Unique in the State

Pathway Certificate

12 Credits | 2 semesters

Multiple Start Dates

Ashland*, New Richmond*, Rice Lake*, Superior*

Outreach Centers: Balsam Lake*, Hayward*, Ladysmith*

*Combination of Online and Your Choice instruction

Career Cluster: Health Sciences

The Dementia Care pathway certificate is designed to meet the emerging and rapidly growing demand for service providers who work with older adults experiencing cognitive loss.  It is ideal for people entering the job market or choosing to enhance their current careers in service delivery or leadership roles within the gerontology or other related fields. 

Program Overview

You will gain relevant and emerging information related to dementia types, symptoms and progression. You will be provided with practical tools and strategies that promote effective communication, honor human dignity, and support the importance of advanced planning. You will examine ways to positively impact your community through advocacy, education and other cutting edge initiatives based on coursework and experiential learning activities. 

Program Outcomes

Dementia Care graduates will be able to:

  • Analyze the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of aging throughout the lifespan
  • Analyze the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of dementia
  • Apply ethical and legal practice consistent with a gerontology professional
  • Identify the role of the gerontology professional in the connection of service delivery
  • Identify strategies to cultivate an age-friendly community
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Meet the emerging and rapidly growing career prospects for service providers who are increasingly working with older adults, many of whom are experiencing cognitive loss. 

Aging couple dancing

High-future demand.

Grandmother holding grandchild on the couch

Flexible and innovative.

Older women talking in a park

Designed to fit a busy life. 


Academics

This pathways certificate nationally trains and prepares the up-and-coming and existing workforce for the expanding population of older adults.

Enhance your education and marketability with any of the following programs: Nursing – Associate Degree, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Paramedic Technician, EMT-Paramedic, Nursing Assistant, Human Services Associate, Human Resource Management, or other business programs.

Dementia Care pathways certificate classes are offered fully online, at all four campuses (Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior), and the three outreach centers (Balsam Lake, Hayward, Ladysmith).

Flexible Learning Options

Accelerated, 8-week evening courses offered through convenient virtual and in-person options. Maintain a work/life balance with part-time and full-time schedule options.

Cutting Edge & Interactive 

Simulation equipment builds empathy through virtual aging experiences such as dementia, vision/hearing loss, and mobility impairments.

Stackable, Career-Enhancing Credentials

Start or enhance your career through embedded credentials in Dementia Care and Gerontology for Professionals. Single courses and pathways certificates are eligible for Start College Now.


Required Courses

Coursework addresses physical, social, psychological, legal, emotional, ethical, and spiritual aspects of dementia care. Certificate-specific subjects explore the wide spectrum of services available, and how to work with older adults and caregivers in your community who are affected by dementia.

Enhance your education and marketability by pairing with any of the following programs:  Nursing – Associate Degree, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Paramedic Technician, EMT-Paramedic, Nursing Assistant, Human Services Associate, or Business programs.   

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Dementia Care Courses

10544105
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
Examine the signs, symptoms and stages of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia and how these diseases affect physiology and brain function. This course focuses on the principles of communicating and providing care to individuals with memory loss and confusion while learning the best practices for dealing with behavior changes, challenges with the activities of daily living, and strategies to assist caregivers.
10544111
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
Analyze legal and financial concepts and structures including Power of Attorney for health care/finance, guardianships, trusts, reallocation of assets, spending down, Medicare/Medicaid benefits, supplemental insurance, Social Security, elder abuse/neglect, financial exploitation, and relevant governmental policies. Apply knowledge through advocacy to benefit aging adults on local, state and federal levels.
10544100
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
Develop effective communication strategies and supportive interview techniques that enhance rapport and relationships with aging populations. Apply ethical principles, standards and boundaries that acknowledge self-determination.

Dementia Care is Part of a Career Pathway

As a Dementia Care student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!

You could take this first and get a credential.

Pathway Certificate
12 Credits / 2 semesters
Potential Careers
Hospitals, Hospice, Home Health Care and Assisted Living, Long Term Care, Nursing Homes and Group Homes, Adult Care, Senior Centers, Community, Non- Profit and Government Agencies, Counseling Centers, Business and Industry
Arrow pointing down

Pathway Certificate
12 Credits / 2 Semesters
Potential Careers
Hospitals, Hospice, Home Health Care and Assisted Living, Long Term Care, Nursing Homes and Group Homes, Adult Care, Senior Centers, Community, Non- Profit and Government Agencies, Counseling Centers, Business and Industry
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to earn an associate degree.

Associate Degree
61 Credits / 2 Years Full Time; Part Time Options Available
Potential Careers
Aging Services Provider, Advocacy Specialist, Geriatric Care Specialist, Dementia Care Specialist/Provider, Benefits Coordinator, Client Navigation Specialist, Activity/Recreation Coordinator, Housing/ Transportation Specialist, Program Planner
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process. Complete the application and register for classes today!

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Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.

Learn More About Paying for College

 

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Dementia Care

12 Credits | 2 semesters

$1,893


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Dementia Care Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Dementia Care certificate. Continue your education at Northwood Tech in the Gerontology - Aging Services Professional associate degree.

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Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

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Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

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Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

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Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

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New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

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Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

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Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.