Program Description
Diabetes paraprofessionals1 are in a prime position to help improve patients’ behaviors related to prediabetes, diabetes, and the risk for its associated conditions. This Diabetes Essentials for Non-Clinicians Certificate program follows national guidelines in providing the paraprofessional with the knowledge, guidance, and resources necessary for facilitating culturally competent care with diabetes prevention and diabetes management within their scope of practice. First, students will learn about the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care. Then, through interactive assignments, apply this knowledge to address barriers to diabetes self-care behaviors (such as healthy eating, being active, monitoring, and taking medications) that face several minority populations. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion upon completing all three courses.
1 Diabetes paraprofessionals have various roles in facilitating self-care. They may include lay health workers, community health workers, peer counselors, health navigators, coaches, assistive school personnel, dental hygienists, certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, dietetic technicians, registered pharmacy technicians, physical therapy assistants, and licensed vocational nurses. Course length is 30 hours. Since this course is self-paced, students are expected to budget an average of 2 hours per week to complete the entire program within 4 months of enrollment.
The certificate consists of three courses priced at $99 individually, or $249 for all three.
