Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The curriculum for this course is the Resident Assistant Training Curriculum developed for work-based delivery by the Jobs to Careers
in Community Based Care Project (2009), and meeting the entry and performance standards of the ACT WorkKeys Occupational Profile
for Direct Care Worker Across Aging Services. The curriculum conforms to applicable Oregon Administrative Rules for Assisted
Living Facilities. Workers successfully demonstrating mastery in all 27 modular competency areas are eligible to receive the Resident
Assistant I Certificate issued by their facility, the Oregon Health Care Association, the Oregon Alliance of Senior and Health Services, and
Portland Community College.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
• Perform Resident Assistant I responsibilities appropriately and competently in all 27 modular areas.
• Work within the principles of the person-centered care model, insuring the dignity and well being of all residents in conformity with
their service plans.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication, following facility policies and procedures, documenting observations and
actions, and reporting through appropriate channels.
• Demonstrate commitment to supporting the quality of life for older and disabled persons.

The curriculum is designed for delivery in a work-based setting. Students must read modules and supplementary materials, view
videotapes, and otherwise prepare for work-based observation, practice, and return demonstration of all competencies, as monitored
and documented by a qualified trainer. Resident Assistant I workers must meet the specific competencies for the Direct Care Worker
across Aging Services occupational profile, as indicated in the curriculum.

1) Completion of Course Modules are monitored through Competency Checklists indicating that the employee has  demonstrated mastery of specific skills and knowledge covered in the module for RA-I’s, verified by the supervisor/trainer.
2) Participants who complete the 27 Course Modules,  including competency demonstration and required tests, are eligible for the Resident Assistant I Certificate issued by their facility, the Oregon Health Care Association, the Oregon Alliance of Senior and Health Services, and Portland Community College.

Modular Topics
Roles, Rights and Responsibilities
Roles & Responsibilities (M 1)
Self Care (M 2)
Infection Control in Assisted Living Communities
Proper Hand Washing Technique (M 3)
Chain of Infection (M 4)
Disinfection & Cleaning (M 5)
Service Plans
Service Plan (M 6)
Personal Care (M 7)
Observation and Reporting (M 8)
Documentation (M 9)
Safety for Residents & Direct Care Workers in Assisted Living Communities
Fall Prevention (M 10)
Alternative to Restraints (M 11)
Body Mechanics (M 12)
Emergency Situations (M13)
The Physical Effects of Aging
Circulatory Function (M14)
Digestive Function (M 15)
Common Diets (M 16)
Hydration (M 17)
Diabetes: What is it? (M 18)
Immune Function (M 19)
Musculoskeletal Function (M 20)
Nervous Function (M 21)
Respiratory Function (M 22)
Skin (M 23)
Urinary Function (M 24)
Catheter (M 25)
Behavioral Conditions (M 26)
Medications and the Elderly
Medication Administration and the Elderly (M 27)
Skills
Each module specifies levels of competence required in five job
profile skill areas for RA-I’s:
• Reading for Information
• Teamwork
• Locating Information
• Observation Skill
• Writing