To earn the DPC, you must attend 40 total classroom hours. Twenty of the hours must come from the Core Courses and twenty hours must come from electives.
Core Courses
Total of 20 hours:
- Understanding Dementia (4)
- Effective Communication (4)
- Challenging Behaviors (4)
- Activities of Daily Living (4)
- Physical Health and Safety (4)
Elective Courses
Total of 20 hours from:
- Fundamentals of Dementia Care (8)
- Managing Activities (4)
- Directing an Alzheimer’s Unit (4)
- Strategies for Better Care Environments (4)
- Training Staff on Dementia Care: The Basics (8)
- Training Staff on Dementia Care: Advancing Your Knowledge (8)
- Courses from other Ivy Tech Workforce Development programs (2-8)
- Other programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana (2-8)
Courses taken between August 2004 and December 31, 2006 will be grandfathered in and count towards these requirements. However, an Academic Record Release form must be completed and submitted to the Alzheimer’s Association for approval. Information on this process is available by calling Linda Altmeyer at (317) 575-9620.
Only courses taken through Ivy Tech and the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana can be used to fulfill the course requirement.
Examination
Once all coursework is completed and approved, the DPC candidate must take a proctored exam at an approved test site. The exam includes 100 multiple choice questions based on competencies in the core courses. The exam will be launched in March 2007. To take the test, contact your local Ivy Tech to set up an examination time.
You can not take the exam until all course work is complete.
Yearly Recertification Requirement
The yearly recertification requirements include at least four hours of dementia specific course work offered by the Alzheimer’s Association or Ivy Tech only. Approved courses will be noted in course promotional materials. In addition, a form will need to be completed and submitted.
For a copy of the DPC brochure or schedule of classes, contact Heather Higgs, Executive Director, Workforce and Economic Development, at (317) 921-4518 or hhiggs@ivytech.edu.
Link to Ivy Tech Community College
