MedStar Academy Proudly Announces New Assisted Living Caregiver Program

Peoria, AZ, April 20, 2014 --(PR.com)-- MedStar Academy, a private vocational school located in the West Valley is proud to announce the recent release of their new Assisted Living Caregiver training program. Although MedStar Academy previously offered a Certified Caregiver training program, due to recent changes in State regulation, the requirements for Caregiver Certification have changed. Due to the changes in regulation, any training taken after August 13, 2013 from a provider not on the Arizona Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers approved list and that does not meet the new standards under Article 6 or Article 7 is not and will not be recognized and certificates will not be valid. Where Caregiver programs were previously overseen by Department of Health Services, SB 1038 moved them under the NCIA Board. Any Caregiver who was grandfathered under Department of Health Services pre-1998 training rules will also be required to obtain certification under the new guidelines.

MedStar Academy is proud to be a NCIA approved program, offering current and modern training curriculum that reflects industry best standards. The Assisted Living Caregiver program teaches students standards of care that span topics such as legal and ethical issues, resident rights, infection control, nutrition and food preparation, mental health and social service needs, fire, safety and emergency procedures. Most importantly, under the new regulation, the Assisted Living Caregiver program brings new in-depth attention to medication management, a critical role in Caregiving.

In addition to the changes in the Assisted Living Caregiver program, the new program also requires students hold a Food Handler (or Food Service Worker) card which students may obtain for a nominal fee through the Maricopa Department of Food Safety. Students may take computerized training or attend a class at one of the several valley locations, by obtaining information from the Maricopa State Food Safety website.

Those interested in entering a career as an Assisted Living Certified Caregiver will find affordable payment options at MedStar, and staff who are willing and eager to assist them navigate the enrollment process. With classes beginning in June, 2014, Students can become certified and working within a couple short months. Previous Certified Caregiver Students of MedStar Academy that were certified under the old DHS regulated program, will receive a 50% discount on tuition for re-training and re-certification on our new NCIA approved course. Students must have completed MedStar’s old Certified Caregiver program within the past 2 years to be eligible for this discount (June 01, 2012 and later).

For more information on the new Assisted Living Caregiver program, visit www.medstaracademy.com or call (623) 773-9000.