Caregiver is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, CO. The program takes 93 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $585.
Program Overview
U.S. Career Institute’s self-paced, online Caregiver Training will prepare you for an entry-level role as a caregiver in as little as 2 months.
The Caregiver Program trains students with the necessary skills to perform many caregiver duties. Students learn to assist clients with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, mobility, nutrition and medications. Additionally, students learn to provide home care through tasks such as laundry and cleaning. Students will also learn about the roles of various people in the healthcare process and the credentials required for those roles. Students learn effective communication and documentation, and how to adhere to ethical and legal guidelines when performing nonmedical tasks.
What sets this Program apart
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Complete in 2-4 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
- A+ BBB Rating, 45 years in distance education, and 97% of students would recommend U.S. Career Institute to a friend.
- The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Lead instructor/course expert. Rebecca Gayheart earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University, her Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader from Sacred Heart University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Berea College, Kentucky. Rebecca most recently completed her DNP from Aspen University in August 2024. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience spanning a large spectrum within the medical profession, from registered nurse to nurse practitioner to nursing instructor and clinical educator. She is currently a clinical educator for Archive Health, where she develops educational materials for NP and PA providers and is a nursing instructor at Southern New Hampshire University.
Admission Requirements and Process
To qualify for enrollment in the Caregiver Program, an applicant must:
- Certify that she/he is a high school graduate, holds a state-approved Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or its equivalent, or has completed college-level coursework; or otherwise demonstrate ability to perform postsecondary-level coursework (including test evidence).
- Submit a completed enrollment application with the required payment.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
U.S. Career Institute is an open enrollment school: as long as the applicant meets the admissions requirements for minimum education and age, they will be accepted into the school. Students must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students aged 16 and 17 may be admitted provided their parent or guardian signs the enrollment agreement; students under the age of 16 cannot be admitted. Applicants who do not meet the high school diploma or equivalent requirement are allowed to use test evidence to show they can benefit from the program: the first five grades the student receives serve as the basis for test evidence, and a “C” GPA meets the minimum education requirement. Most professional certification agencies have minimum age requirements (typically 18) to sit for a certification exam.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageYou must be at least 16 years old; students aged 16 and 17 need a parent or guardian to sign the enrollment agreement.
- High school diploma or GEDYou need a high school diploma or GED, or college-level coursework; otherwise you may use test evidence to show you can benefit from the program.
- EnglishYou must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
- Basic informationThe enrollment form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- Enrollment agreementYou must submit a completed enrollment application or agreement with the required payment.
Application Process
- 1Ask your questionsRequest information online or call U.S. Career Institute toll-free at 866-250-6851 to learn more.
- 2Provide basic informationThe form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- 3Pay for your tuitionYou can pay in full or choose the monthly payment plan.
- 4Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosuresEnrollment takes about 5 minutes; the school accepts enrollments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 5Start your first lessonUpon enrollment, students have immediate access to their program online, with 12 months to complete it.
Program Schedule
The Caregiver program is 93 clock hours, delivered in 12 lessons with 6 quizzes. Students can complete it in 2-4 months, studying part-time. Classes are 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or computer, with no due dates or deadlines.
The program is designed for guided independent study through distance learning, and is self-paced. Each program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less; the student has 12 months after enrollment to complete the program, and a student who needs more time should follow the leave of absence procedure. The school accepts enrollments 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and upon enrollment students have immediate access to their program online. All quizzes are open book.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your caregiver education affordable. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!
- Option 1, pay in full: $485 (save $100); the application charge is waived.
- Option 2, monthly auto payments: $585 in total at $59 a month, with a first payment of $59, plus a one-time $29 application charge.
First payment includes $30 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.
5-day money-back commitment. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you.
Funding. U.S. Career Institute participates in military education benefit programs and the MyCAA spouse support tuition program; specific questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-GIBILL1. U.S. Career Institute also participates in various employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. U.S. Career Institute does not participate in other financial aid programs.
All enrollments are assessed a one-time $29 application charge (2026 catalog price list). Students who wish to purchase textbooks or manuals may do so for an additional charge.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. With a Caregiver Certificate from U.S. Career Institute, you will be prepared to secure entry-level employment in a variety of settings, including clients’ homes and larger care communities.
Play a vital role in clients' well-being. Home Health Aides, Personal Care Assistants and Caregivers perform a variety of duties for their clients. Many elderly and disabled people who do not require medical care often prefer home care to nursing homes or hospitals, as it is less expensive and more personal care. Be a part of a career that is rewarding, flexible and in-demand. Join this exciting profession that is projected to grow much faster than most industries — our aging population means more and more work for Caregivers.
What to expect as a U.S. Career Institute student
Beginner-Friendly Lessons. Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.
Engaging Curriculum. Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive games, flashcards, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.
Student support and coaching. Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching (a $400 value).
Learning materials included. Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.
Grading and graduation. To graduate, students must submit all quizzes, attain a final average of 70% or higher, have a signed enrollment agreement on file and have paid tuition in full; U.S. Career Institute then releases the Certificate of Completion. Students with a grade point average of 93 or higher are awarded a seat on the Dean’s List.
Graduate support. U.S. Career Institute provides continuing employment instruction and advice, including training in job-search techniques, résumé and letter writing, interviewing and presentation skills, available to all graduates whenever they request it. The school cannot promise or guarantee employment and does not provide job placement services.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. It is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.
Curriculum
The Caregiver program totals 93 clock hours, taught in one instruction pack, listed below as the course outline.
U.S. Career Institute’s curriculum is developed specifically for the distance education learner by instructional designers who specialize in how to develop content for adults and well-qualified subject matter experts to ensure quality content. In addition, USCI works with a program advisory council of non-USCI employees who work in the medical field to review content annually to ensure students receive content that is up-to-date, relevant, and accurate.
The Caregiver Program provides graduates with the theoretical instruction and familiarity with the practical skills they will use in their caregiving careers. Graduates will be trained to qualify for entry-level caregiving positions in various settings, including clients’ homes and larger care communities. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be trained to:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of a caregiver, adhere to federal and state regulations for direct care and provide assistance to clients in a variety of settings, such as private homes or residential facilities.
- Explain infection prevention, how to follow safety procedures and the importance of in-home cleaning support.
- Describe how to communicate effectively with clients and coworkers, practice good listening skills and properly record information.
- Explain nutritional support and describe safe food preparation and storage practices.
- Describe how to move and transfer clients and assist patients with feeding, dressing and grooming.
- Describe personal care activities related to nutritional support in the home, including safe food handling and the various type of feeding tubes.
- Explain how to properly make beds, provide bed baths, provide oral, hand and foot care, provide perineal care and support the client.
- Understand healthcare regulations for assisting with medications. Provide non-medical assistance for medications, such as utilizing the medication schedule as provided by the medical provider.
Required Courses
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Frequently Asked Questions
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