Assisted Living Facility Caregiver
Care for others. Build a Healthcare career.
Program Options
Assisted Living Facility Caregiver Certificate
The ALF Caregiver Certificate provides foundational training in the skills, knowledge, and regulations required of caregivers in assisted living facilities. The program is short, flexible, and designed to help you enter the workforce quickly or add credentials to an existing healthcare career.
Stackable Credentials
Many students use the ALF Caregiver Certificate as a starting point in a broader healthcare career. This credential can complement other CCC health sciences programs, including the Certified Nursing Assistant program. An academic advisor can help you explore how this certificate fits into your longer-term education and career goals.
What Can I Do with this?
The ALF Caregiver Certificate prepares you for entry-level positions in:
- Assisted living facilities
- Memory care communities
- Residential care homes
- Adult day programs
- Home care and community-based care settings
Caregivers are in consistent demand across Coconino County and throughout Arizona as the population ages and the need for qualified care professionals continues to grow.
What Will I Learn?
Upon completing the ALF Caregiver Certificate, you will be prepared to:
- Safely perform the skills required of a certified caregiver
- Assist residents with personal care, nutrition, and daily living activities
- Support residents with self-medication in accordance with Arizona regulations
- Work effectively as part of a healthcare team
- Practice culturally appropriate, person-centered care
- Understand the laws, regulations, and policies governing assisted living facilities
- Document care and communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff
THings to know before you enroll
- Enrollment Requirements
To enroll in AHS 120: Caregiver I, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old before the end of the course.
- Apply and be admitted to Coconino Community College.
- Meet English placement requirements.
- Have a current Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Have a current Arizona driver’s license or identification card.
- Important Background Check Information
A criminal background check is required before enrolling in the Certified Caregiver program. Students must obtain an Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card before registering for the course. The card must be valid through the end of the course and be in hand at the time of registration.
- Additional Requirements
In addition to coursework, students must complete:
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Food Handler certification
- Arizona Assisted Living Facility Caregiver Medication Management examination through D&S Diversified Technologies LLP
- Certificate Completion Requirements
To earn your certificate, you must:
- Successfully complete AHS 120: Caregiver I.
- Successfully complete CPR and First Aid certification.
- Successfully complete Food Handler certification.
- Successfully pass the Arizona Assisted Living Facility Caregiver Medication Management examination.
- Estimated Additional Costs
In addition to tuition, students should plan for several program-related expenses, including:
- Black scrubs
- Food Handler card
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Arizona Assisted Living Facility Caregiver Medication Management examination fee
Program at a glance
Credential: Certificate
Course Delivery: Hybrid
Time to completion: Four weeks weeks
Schedule: One day per week, approximately 5 hours per meeting
Financial Aid: Yes
Location: Fourth Street Campus
Transfer Pathway: Career-focused certificate; not designed for university transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the program take?
The certificate is designed to be completed in a single semester. AHS 120 runs over four weeks of Saturday skills labs, and AHS 121 is a four-week in-person course.
- Do I need healthcare experience before I start?
No. The ALF Caregiver Certificate is designed for students who are new to caregiving as well as those already working in healthcare who want to add credentials.
- Can this certificate lead to further education?
Yes. Many students use the ALF Caregiver Certificate to stack credentials alongside other CCC health sciences programs. An advisor can help you plan a pathway that fits your goals.
- Where are classes held?
AHS 120 combines online coursework with on-campus skills lab sessions on Saturdays. AHS 121 is held in person at CCC. Contact the Allied Health Department for current scheduling and location details.
- Is financial aid available?
Yes. The ALF Caregiver Certificate is a credit-bearing program eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and CCC Foundation scholarships. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.
Meet your Faculty:
Next Steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
