Apprentices
For those who were ready to enhance their career in aging services, the Health Support Specialist (HSS) Registered Apprenticeship program was a new opportunity for professional caregivers.
Courses were taught by experts in aging services, who were readily available to answer questions and provide support as people completed the program. Classes included instruction in culinary care, activities, memory care, environmental services, physiological and psychosocial care. Mentors at each organization also helped guide staff through 2,500 apprenticeship hours of on-the-job learning experiences.
One step at a time, online instruction and flexible hours allowed people to complete the program at their own pace while gaining new skills that could immediately apply to their work in caring for older adults.
Eligibility
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma/GED
- Nursing Assistant, Registered
- Support from employer
How Did it Work?
Apprentices began by enrolling in courses at Ridgewater College and were able to complete all seven courses and apprenticeship hours within one to two years.
- 7 courses (9 credits) online instruction
- 2,500 hours of on-the-job training
– Amanda Gruber, Health Support Specialist – Three Links Care Center, Northfield, MN
Curriculum
Introduction to the Health Support Specialist – 3 credits
Oriented students to the role of the Health Support Specialist, focusing on the history of aging services, concepts of Culture Change and person-directed living
Meaningful Activities – 1 credit
Taught fundamental skills, knowledge and resources for engaging residents in meaningful activity programs during daily caregiving routines
Culinary Care – 1 credit
Provided students with basic culinary information to help them purchase, plan, prepare and deliver a nutritional and enjoyable diet for each resident
Environmental Services – 1 credit
Covered the fundamentals of providing a clean and safe environment, including housekeeping practices, laundering procedures and regulation compliance
Memory Care – 1 credit
Explored the aging process as it relates to memory loss and/or dementia-related diagnosis and introduces methods for involving the family in decisions that provide purposeful living for residents
Psychosocial Care – 1 credit
Examined the emotional, social and spiritual dimensions of holistic care as an HSS and how each can be influenced by transition and loss
Physiological Care – 1 credit
Introduced students to the basic body structure and function during the aging process, while identifying strategies for managing healthy aging and physiological alternations
Course Instructors
Kerry Keenan
Muriel Kruggel
Julie Reginek
Psychosocial Care
Culinary Care
Environmental Services
Introduction to HSS
Meaningful Activities
Memory Care
Physiological Care