Indian River State College

What you'll study

Coursework focuses on practical, patient-centered skills and basic health concepts needed for safe home care.

• Personal care techniques — bathing, grooming, mobility assistance and toileting support.
• Basic health monitoring — observing and documenting client condition, vital signs as appropriate, and recognizing common changes that require escalation.
• Infection control and safety — universal precautions, safe transfers, and fall prevention strategies.
• Communication and professionalism — client-centered communication, boundaries, documentation, and working within a care team.
• Care planning and tasks delegation — understanding delegated nursing tasks and following care plans created by licensed caregivers.

Entry requirements

Programs of this type commonly require a minimum age (often 18), a high-school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to pass background checks and health screenings. Applicants should confirm specific prerequisites with the college, including immunization or tuberculosis screening requirements and any physical or language competencies needed for safe client care.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles as home health aides, personal care attendants, or client support workers in home-care agencies, hospice programs, and community organizations. With experience, aides may move into advanced direct-care roles, supervisory positions in care agencies, or further training such as certified nursing assistant (CNA) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) pathways.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Short vocational programs are often eligible for institutional payment plans, workforce development funding, employer-sponsored tuition assistance, or local workforce grant programs. Prospective students should consult the college’s financial aid or workforce training office to explore available scholarships, grants, or payment options tailored to non-degree healthcare training.