The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools maintains a list of health care-related programs from accredited institutions. Online personal care aide degree and non-degree programs are offered at Kaplan, Walden, Herzing, South, Keiser, Argosy, and Grand Canyon universities, in addition to Westwood College, Anthem, and Lincoln Technical Institute.
Online PCA training programs cover topics ranging from gerontology to death and dying, physical and mental disabilities, basic medical training, infection education and medication administration. In most programs, on-the-job training and mentoring by a registered nurse follow academic work.
Education in the personal health care field puts an individual ahead of other candidates who have only the minimum requirements. In 2010, the average salary for a PCA or home care aide ranged from $20,000 to $27,500.