ACHP is a non profit organization dedicated to workforce development, education and training in health care with a primary focus in geriatrics.

Course Catalog 

Course enrollment information

Listed below is each course title, course number, course description, Professional Point value and level of difficulty. For additional information, call, write or email the ACHP office.

Skin Integrity Management
Course Number 150
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Description: This course details the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, age related changes, and preventive care to maintain skin integrity.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Course Number 250
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Knowing that prevention is the best treatment of pressure ulcers, this module outlines the risk factors identified for skin breakdown, causes of skin breakdown and caregiver implications related to pressure ulcer prevention.

Weight Loss Management and Intervention
Course Number 350
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Adequate nutritional intake is imperative for skin integrity and wound healing. Unplanned weight loss puts the frail and elderly at risk for pressure ulcer development and impaired wound healing. This course defines the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals for optimal health, plus caregiver methods to reduce unplanned weight loss and optimize nutritional intake.

Wound Healing in the Elderly Individual
Course Number 450
Professional Point Value 20
Level of Difficulty
Description: Building on the material presented in Courses 150, 250, and 350, this module provides, in great detail, the phases of wound healing, the ideal environment to promote wound healing, and how the CNA can positively impact wound healing.

Developing and Implementing Resident Safety Protocols
Course Number 160
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Description: Nursing assistants are the first line of defense against resident accidents and injuries. This course will explore realistic and hands-on techniques to ensure the safest environment and care for the frail, elderly and disabled needing assistance.

Infection Control for the Nursing Assistant
Course Number 260
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Because even the mildest of infections can be life threatening to the frail, elderly and disabled, it is imperative the CNA have a good working knowledge of the chain of infection and how to prevent the transmission of infection to those in their care. This course will cover those topics, plus other techniques to reduce the risk of infection both to residents and staff alike.

Identifying Urinary Incontinence
Course Number 165
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Description: A common misconception about elderly individuals is that they are all incontinent. This is simply not true. This class will identify the structures of the urinary system and risk factors associated with urinary incontinence.

Managing Urinary Incontinence
Course Number 265
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Building on Course Number 165 this class examines the different types of urinary incontinence and the treatment options available for each. Techniques will be discussed that allow the CNA to manage and/or prevent the urinary incontinence in some cases, or minimize it in others.

Recognition of Pain in the Elderly
Course Number 270
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Current research indicates that pain is often not recognized and is undertreated in the elderly. The CNA is the facility staff member spending the most time with the resident. Therefore, the CNA must be able to recognize the signs of pain and know how to communicate those observations to the charge nurse for follow up.

Pain Management Techniques for Nursing Assistants
Course Number 370
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: With an understanding of how to observe for signs of pain in the elderly, it is important for nursing assistants to know how to incorporate caregiving pain relief measures within their scope. This course will explore different ways CNAs can help ease the pain of the residents, enhancing the effects of pain medication.

Profile of the Aging Individual
Course Number 175
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Description: This course studies the demographics of the aging population including their levels of care and assistance required upon entering a nursing care facility. Trends and anticipated future needs are also examined.

Elder Abuse and Neglect
Course Number 375
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Abuse and neglect is not to be tolerated. This course will explore those most vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Different forms of abuse and neglect will be detailed and how to identify these tragic situations.

Applied Motivation in Long Term Care
Course Number 101
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Description: This course defines motivation, examines basic human needs and describes techniques for developing personal motivation.

The Group Development Process and Team Building
Course Number 301
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: This course examines group dynamics, team building growth and development phases and also includes some fun, hands-on team building exercises.

Professional Goal Setting
Course Number 201
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Goals are necessary to focus on a purpose in life, both personally and professionally. This course offers a working definition of goals/goal setting, barriers to goal setting and steps to developing goal setting programs.

Long Term Care Communication I
Course Number 105
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Description: Communication is always occurring. To ensure that communication is effective this course outlines the communication process, modes of communication, styles, and barriers.

Long Term Care Communication II
Course Number 205
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Building on Long Term Care Communication I, this course focuses on the art of listening, enhancing communication effectiveness and developing personal communication styles.

Long Term Care Budgeting and Finance
Course Number 410
Professional Point Value 20
Level of Difficulty
Description: This module is designed to provide primary caregivers with the knowledge necessary to understand the basic points of the budgeting process including: the process and related forms; potential fund sources; and the role of the CNA related to budgeting and finance.

Mentoring Long Term Care Professionals I
Course Number 215
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: All individuals both give and receive mentoring. This course identifies traits of a successful mentor, influence factors, and qualities to seek in pursuit of a mentor.

Mentoring Long Term Care Professionals II
Course Number 315
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: This course builds on knowledge gained in Mentoring I with scenario based problem solving exercises. This moves from concept to application of a mentoring program.

Grass Roots Lobbying in Long Term Care
Course Number 320
Professional Point Value 15
Level of Difficulty
Description: Long term health care is heavily regulated. This class provides an overview of how the United States Federal government and each State government fits into long term care as it relates to regulation and survey, reimbursement, and staff related issues.

Survey and the Regulatory Process
Course Number 420
Professional Point Value 20
Level of Difficulty
Description: Survey time is a stressful time for the nursing facility staff, particularly the CNAs, and the residents. With a working knowledge of the process and expectations, the stress levels are reduced. This course highlights not only the survey process but also on specific regulations pertinent to the CNA's role and responsibilities. A copy of NAHCA’s Federal Regulation Handbook will be included with this course.

Personal Health and Wellness
Course Number 125
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Description: With CNA vacancies and turnover it is imperative that Nursing Assistants maintain good physical health and well being. This class will reflect on the basics necessary to ensure adequate rest, nutrition, exercise and relaxation.

Maintaining Personal Performance by Managing Stress
Course Number 126
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Description: This course defines stress and its common causes and offers practical stress management techniques.

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Course Number 433
Professional Point Value 20
Level of Difficulty
Description: Everyone experiences disputes and disagreements on a daily basis. This course offers practical, realistic and usable information on resolving these conflicts with a positive outcome.

Geriatric Care Specialist Course
Course Number 501
Professional Point Value 30
Level of Difficulty
Description: This is a ten module course detailing anatomy and physiology, age related disorders, geriatric urinary incontinence, pressure ulcers, wound healing and skin care, caring for residents with dementia, psychosocial needs of the geriatric resident, communicating in long term care, restorative care, observation reporting and documentation and the survey process and federal regulations. The final examination is 50 multiple choice questions, requiring 70% correct for successful completion. Upon completion a special certificate and lapel pin will be issued with the distinction of Geriatric Care Specialist.

CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES (CDS)
The following courses are clinical in content. All are worth 5 Professional Points upon successful completion and all are introductory level () related to difficulty. Listed below are the course titles, course numbers and a brief description. A 10-question multiple choice exam requires 70% correct for successful completion.

The Integumentary System details basic anatomy and physiology of the skin, age related changes and caregiver implications.  Course Number CDS01

The Skeletal System outlines basic anatomy of the skeletal system along with age related changes, common disorders and caregiver tips. Course Number CDS02

The Muscular System explains the basic anatomy of the muscular system, age related changes, common disorders and caregiver implications. Course Number CDS03

The Gastro-Intestinal System describes the anatomy and physiology of the GI tract, age related changes and caregiver implications resulting from those changes. Course Number CDS04

The Cardiovascular System details the basic anatomy of the heart, coronary circulation, age related changes and caregiver suggestions. Course Number CDS05

The Respiratory System highlights anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract, the gas exchange process, age related changes and resulting caregiver implications. Course Number CDS06

The Sensory System outlines the anatomy of the structures of the 5 senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Age related changes are also described with tips for caregiving related to these changes. Course Number CDS07

The Nervous System highlights basic anatomy of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, age related changes affecting the nervous system and resulting caregiver implications. Course Number CDS08

The Endocrine System outlines the components of the endocrine system, hormone production, age related changes and caregiver information related to the endocrine system. Course Number CDS09

The Immune System details the inflammatory and immune responses, the key structures of the immune system, age related changes and caregiver implications. Course Number CDS10

The Lymphatic System instructs on the cells, tissues and organs of the lymphatic system, as well as age related changes occurring with this system and caregiver implications. Course Number CDS11

The Reproductive System includes information on the structures and functions of both the male and female reproductive systems, age related changes and caregiving tips. Course Number CDS12

The Urinary System Part I discusses basic information about urinary incontinence including risk factors and types. Course Number CDS13

The Urinary System Part II details the structures, basic anatomy and physiology of the urinary system, including age related changes and suggestions for caregiving. Course Number CDS14

The Urinary System Part III defines the treatment and management of urinary incontinence. Course Number CDS15

Sleep and Rest Patterns of Aging Individuals describes normal sleep patterns, sleep patterns in the elderly and sleep promotion. Course Number CDS16

Accidents: Reducing the Risk of Falls outlines facts on falls, risk factors and techniques to  ensure resident safety. Course Number CDS17

Nutritional Status and Weight Loss Part I explores the nutritional needs of the body, including the essential vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Course Number CDS18

Nutritional Status and Weight Loss Part II explains barriers to adequate nutritional intake and  CNA responsibilities to ensure nutritional needs are met. Course Number CDS19

Diabetes Mellitus Part I details descriptions and basic pathophysiology of diabetes. Course Number CDS20

Diabetes Mellitus Part II covers in greater detail the symptoms and prevention of complications in the elderly. Caregiving suggestions for the CNA related to diabetes is also outlined. Course Number CDS21

Osteoporosis describes risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms and treatment goals for residents with osteoporosis. Suggested care tips for CNAs are also included. Course Number CDS22

Congestive Heart Failure features the pathophysiology, symptoms and suggestions for care related to CHF. Course Number CDS23

Influenza focuses on the causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment and care of an elderly patient with influenza. Techniques to prevent influenza and its transmission are also covered. Course Number CDS24

Hydration in Long Term Care discusses the forms and causes of dehydration, why the elderly are at greatest risk for dehydration, symptoms, treatment and prevention. Course Number CDS25

Pneumonia describes the risk factors, causes, treatment, early recognition and prevention of this life threatening condition. Course Number CDS26

The Numbers Behind Your Residents examines the average resident, their current needs for  assistance and condition upon admission. Course Number CDS27

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM (PDC)

The following courses are professional development in content. All are worth 2.5 Professional Points upon successful completion and all are introductory level (.) related to difficulty. Listed below are the course titles, course numbers and a brief description. A 10-question multiple choice exam requires 70% correct for successful completion.

Conquering Stress: Don’t Burn Out — Burn On! This course defines stress and identifies the causes of stress and some coping mechanisms. Course Number PDS001

Feeling Good About Yourself: Healthy Self Esteem—focuses on factors that affect healthy self esteem and benefits of high self esteem. Course Number PDS002

Change: The Universal Constant — Managing Change So It Does Not Manage You! This class defines change, potential causes of change, effects of change (both positive and negative), and techniques for managing change based on individual response. Course Number PDS003

Mentoring: Sharing the Wealth defines mentoring and discusses the four steps of the mentoring process. Course Number PDS004

It’s a Choice...What’s Yours? Being a Great Nursing Assistant Requires Having a Great “Attitude” identifies solutions for overcoming negative attitudes, lists the benefits of positive attitudes and contains a self evaluation form for attitude evaluation. Course Number PDS005

Express Yourself! Communications Made Easy Part I — defines communication and discusses the communication process. Course Number PDS006

Listening...The “Silent Skill”... Communications Made Easy Part II focuses on the art of listening and the step by step process of active listening. Course Number PDS007

Sharpening Leadership Skills by Understanding the Power of Influence examines the qualities of a leader and how to influence others in a positive, proactive way. Course Number PDS008

Are You a Team Player? Building a Winning Team defines teamwork, describes various team positions in the long term care setting and lists successful teamwork behaviors and functions. Course Number PDS009

Keeping the BEST! How to Keep the Professionals at Your Facility examines how CNAs can drive the facility’s retention efforts. This course examines the behaviors that improve CNA retention. Course Number PDS010

Dynamics of a Professional CNA — Defining What Makes Us the Nursing Center’s Heart and Soul. This course defines “professional CNA,” discusses professional conduct and describes the relationship between CNAs and quality of care. Course Number PDS011

Conflict Resolution: Techniques for Achieving Optimal Success defines conflict in human interaction and lists the effects of conflict, as well as the seven rules of conflict resolution. Course Number PDS012

Excellence During Survey. This is a CNA’s guide to excellence during the survey process. It identifies the types of surveys, lists the top ten cited deficiencies, reviews the survey process and describes tips for achieving survey success. Course Number PDS013

Turnover Reduction Made Easy! This course examines methods CNAs can implement that will enhance the facility’s recruitment campaign. The causes and impact of turnover will be examined. Course Number PDS014

Working Together to Get the Job Done — Maximizing Team Productivity. This course focuses on getting existing team members in the long term care setting moving in the same direction, outlining common goals and motivating others to join the team. Course Number PDS015

What’s Money Got to Do With It? Understanding Finance and Budgeting and Their Effect on Long Term Care defines reimbursement sources and simple budget structures. This course also discusses the impact of reimbursement on wages. Course Number PDS016

AUDIOCASSETTE COURSES
The following are audiocassette courses (those course numbers beginning with the letter A). The primary content is delivered through audiocassette tape. These courses are also accompanied by a short workbook. The subject matter is predominantly motivational in nature, however also includes topics and information for personal and professional growth. These courses are introductory, one pencil (.), or the least difficult. The course exam will include multiple choice and true/false questions.

Overcoming Negativity in the Workplace — This program contains two audiocassettes and is a motivational program with a workbook that outlines the causes of workplace negativity, symptoms of workplace negativity and how to combat workplace negativity. Course Number A1

Your Daily Dose of Successful Thinking is a cassette tape audio program that is a potpourri of humorous anecdotes, information on successful thinking and methods for maintaining a positive mental attitude. Course Number A2

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
These courses deal with a variety of subject content and are presented in an array of formats. They begin with SP on the course number. These modules have varying degrees of difficulty. The examinations will include short answer, multiple choice, true/false and essay questions.

CNAs—The Driving Force in Long Term Care emphasizes the importance of CNAs in the long term care setting, gaining professional recognition for the valued work as a nursing assistant and taking pride in the profession of nursing assistance.
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Course Number SP1

Advanced Mentoring for Professional CNAs identifies the nature and purpose for mentoring relationships, lists the three fundamental building blocks of mentoring and the steps for creating a successful mentoring relationship.
Professional Point Value 10
Level of Difficulty
Course Number SP2

CNA Leadership: Moving the Quality of Care Toward Excellence — This module explores the ten qualities of leadership and the development of a leadership vision. Course Number SP3

CERTIFIED PRECEPTOR PROGRAMS
These course numbers begin with CP, and instruct CNAs, or equivalent, on how to be the best trainer, coach and mentor possible to new nursing assistants. These courses have an intermediate difficulty rating (..). The course examination is made up of a combination of short answer, multiple choice, true/false and essay questions.

Certified Preceptor I identifies the causes of turnover, defines the role and traits of a successful preceptor, focuses on “training to retain” and discusses making the most of even limited “orientation” plans. Course Number CP01

Certified Preceptor II expands on the information presented in the first course. This module explores the most effective way to teach and instruct adult learners, motivate others in the long term care setting and set new nursing assistants up for success.  Course Number CP02