Personal Care Aides support and assist those with chronic illnesses, impairments, and disabilities. Working as a PCA is a rewarding career, providing the essential care people need to maintain their highest level of independence. With excellent on-the-job training and options for career growth, earning your PCA certification online is an excellent way to elevate your career. Our PCA course is offered weekly at Moon River Nursing Careers in Ashburn, VA and it can be completed in one to two weeks.

Details About Our PCA Online Course

The PCA (Personal Care Aide) Training is a flexible, 40-hour course that you can conveniently complete online, allowing you to learn at your own pace. To get started, just pay the full tuition upfront, as the course is non-refundable. No need to worry about a state exam—this is a certificate program that qualifies you right away for entry-level positions in personal care. We offer this training every week, so you can start when it’s best for you and finish in just one to two weeks. Whether you’re looking to launch a new career or build on your caregiving skills, this course is a great way to get certified and begin making a difference quickly.

A Personal Care Aide (PCA) certificate provides basic healthcare training to work in healthcare. Home Health agencies accepting Medicaid employ PCAs to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities to reside safely in their homes. There are also some entry level jobs for PCAs in hospitals, medical clinics/offices, nursing care facilities, assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers. Ask about our weekday or weekend options for the skills labs.

Why Become a PCA?

Becoming a personal care aide (PCA) offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. PCAs provide essential support to individuals who may struggle with daily tasks due to age, illness, or disability, enabling them to live more independently and maintain a higher quality of life. This career is highly rewarding for those who enjoy helping others and fostering personal connections. Since PCAs often work closely with clients over extended periods, they can form deep, trusting relationships, which can be fulfilling both professionally and personally. Additionally, personal care aides help people stay in the comfort of their own homes, which is often preferred by individuals over institutional care.

Another advantage of becoming a PCA is the high demand and job security in the field. As the population ages and the need for healthcare services rises, opportunities for personal care aides are growing rapidly. This demand allows PCAs more flexibility to find work in different settings, including private homes, assisted living facilities, or healthcare centers. 

Getting a PCA certification online also offers a strong foundation for those interested in advancing within healthcare, providing relevant experience and skills that are transferable to other caregiving or medical careers. With relatively low barriers to entry and opportunities for professional growth, becoming a personal care aide is an accessible and stable path for individuals interested in a caregiving career.

Training to become a PCA is a great path for those wanting to start a career in healthcare. Explore the many different job opportunities and find the career path that is most compatible with your interests. A PCA can assist patients of all ages and make a difference in their quality of life.

Achieving Your PCA Certification Online: How Does it Work?

  • What Does it Mean to Be a Professional Caregiver?
  • Communicating with Older Adults
  • Sexual Harassment Prevention
  • Working with an Aging Population
  • Professionalism: Communication, Problem Solving & Cultural Competency
  • Clients’ Rights, HIPAA & Elder Abuse Prevention
  • Observation, Reporting and Documentation: Family Dynamics, Body functions
  • Vital Signs and Pain Management and Pain Assessment
  • Assisting with Personal Care Through ADLs
    Toileting, Feeding, Shaving, Mouth Care, Skin Care, Nail Care, Hair Care, etc.
  • Assisting with Bathing
  • Assisting with Elimination Needs
  • Assisting with Oral Hygiene
  • Assisting with Independent Living
    Nutrition & Meal Preparation, Modified Diets, Mobility & Safety Equipment, etc.
  • Overview of Transfers & Mobility Equipment
    Body mechanics, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), etc.
  • Assisting with Range of Motion Exercises
  • Assisting with Activities & Recreational Therapy at Home
  • Overview of Diseases and Care: Heart Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Arthritis   Care After a Stroke
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Heartburn, Constipation & Diarrhea
  • Non-Drug Pain Management: Assisting with Medication Self-Administration
  • Managing Breathing Difficulties
  • Overview of Skin Care & Wound Prevention
  • Overview of Body Systems & Medical Terminology
    Pressure ulcers, Body functions, Client-Specific Issues
  • Overview of Nutrition & Food Preparation
    Shopping, Food handling and storage, Meal preparation and serviceHydration, etc.
  • Modifying Diets to Assist with Difficulty Chewing
  • Maintaining a Clean & Healthy Environment (Infection Control)
    Personal Protective Equipment, Bloodborne Pathogens, Infection Control, OSHA, etc.
  • Emergency Procedures
    Fire Safety, Introduction to First Aid
  • Safety Precautions & Falls Prevention:
    Exercise, Seizures, Fall prevention, Vital Signs, Safety Precautions, etc.
  • Light Housekeeping Techniques
    Chemical Safety, OSHA, Housekeeping, Laundry, Homemaking
  • Introduction to Dementia Care
    Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Exercise, Client-Specific Issues, etc.
  • Addressing Agitation & Aggression in Dementia

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Current immunization record including Covid vaccine
  • CPR certification
  • Pass tuberculosis test, background check and drug screening
  • Physical strength to help with patient transfers
  • Organizational skills
  • Proficient in the English language
  • Communication skills, oral and written
  • Housekeeping and Cooking Skills (if employed in home care)

  • Compassionate, friendly and enjoys helping people
  • Organized and attentive to detail
  • Treats others with respect
  • Follows policies set forth by employer
  • Reliable
  • Responsible
  • Genuinely enjoys working with patients
  • Trustworthy and a good listener

Application for Admission to PCA Program

ATTN: You must be over 16 years old to submit this application form.

The 40-hour PCA course can be taken online and the course tuition is $300. The tuition is non-refundable and can be paid here.

Personal Information

Are you over 16 years old? *
U.S. Veteran *
Gender *

Education History

Are you a High School graduate? *

OR

Have you passed the GED exam? *
Personal Statement *