Start a New Journey in Your Life with NOCE.
This program is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position as a Personal Care Aide. The program consists of courses to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform Personal Care Aide tasks in a consumers’ home or a residential care setting.
Personal Care Aides assist people who are sick, physically or mentally disabled, injured, or elderly. They work in various settings, such as the client’s homes, group homes, and day service programs, to help them with daily living activities.
What You’ll Learn
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Students who complete the program will learn to:
- Professionalism skills to effectively work within teams in different settings.
- Communication skills (listening and speaking) when working with a diverse population of consumers.
- Correct use of body mechanics, basic nutrition, and eating when supporting consumers at home.
- Proper assistance with bathing and personal care.
- Proper infection control techniques before, during, and aftercare.
- Required skills to assist an independent adult with disabilities.
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To be eligible, you must:
- Students must be 18 years or older.
- Complete an NOCE Admissions Application.
- Complete an online general orientation at least 24 hours before registering.
- Recommended: Have basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills, and/or be at an ESL Intermediate High level.
- Recommended: Have basic computer skills.
- Program Guide
- Program Map
Get Started!
NOCE’s programs can put you on the path to exciting new career opportunities and more earning potential. Get started today!
Personal Care Aides (PCAs) assist people who are sick, physically or mentally disabled, injured, or elderly. They work in a variety of settings, such as the client’s home, group homes, and day services programs to help them with daily living activities.
Career Highlights and Opportunities
- English language – reading, writing, and speaking skills are usually at or above an ESL (English as a Second Language) Intermediate High level.
- Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Interacting With Social Perceptiveness — being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Personal Care Aide
- Assist with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing.
- Help organize a client’s schedule and arrange for transportation.
- Shop for groceries and prepare meals.
- Perform housekeeping duties, such as laundry and washing dishes.
- Keep clients engaged and provide companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I receive when I finish and how long does it take?
Students who complete the Personal Care Aide Program receive a certificate of completion. The program can be completed in as little as 4 months.
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How much does it cost?
The Personal Care Aide courses are tuition-free. However, students are responsible for covering the cost of textbooks, scrubs, course supplies, and a parking pass. Your course instructor(s) will provide an estimate for the cost of required textbooks, software, and course supplies during your first course meeting.
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What are the jobs and how much do they pay in California?
Career opportunities include personal care aide, caregiver, personal care assistant/attendant, or resident care assistant.
- Average Hourly Wage: $ 17.00 to $21.00
Note: Salary and employment outlook is for Orange County, CA, and will vary depending on skill, experience, employer, and geographic location.
