Home health care is a growing field, and job demand is high.
To help meet growing demand for health aids, Caregiver Learning Academy offers a 40-hour class with a combination of online learning and classroom teaching. The next course is starting in June.
"There is a significant shortage of qualified caregivers all over the country," said Linda Schaffer, owner of the academy. "In Durango and Bayfield, the population is a lot smaller, so there is a smaller labor pool."
The class also is available for people caring for family members who want to learn how to better care for them.
The class involves about 25 hours of online work, then one or two days in the classroom, Schaffer said.
The course costs $250, with scholarships and a new grant available to help some students.
Students with a certificate can enter the healthcare field, "which is growing exponentially," Schaffer said. A personal care aid is a good stepping stone for people considering a nursing career.
"It's a good, solid job," Shaffer said of home health care. Employees can work as long as they want to in the industry.
Those interested in learning about the academy can call 335-8885 or (888) 518-6500.
