Fort Worth Launched Free Dementia Care Training Program
Residents and professionals can now access a new, self-paced certification designed to boost local dementia care skills.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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UNT Health and the James L. West Center for Dementia Care have introduced a free, online certification pathway for dementia training. This initiative aims to address the workforce shortage in caregiving and is available to those seeking professional credentials in the field.
Why it matters
The program addresses a critical need for specialized dementia care, as the country faces a projected shortage of one million workers by 2040. By providing accessible training, this initiative seeks to improve the quality of care available to patients and families in the area.
This program is supported by a five-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, providing evidence-informed curriculum across three distinct levels of certification. Participants progress through one-hour online modules followed by a required skills assessment.
The players
UNT Health
A Fort Worth-based academic health center that provides clinical care, research, and specialized health training for the region.
James L. West Center for Dementia Care
A nonprofit care facility providing specialized services and support for individuals with dementia and their families.
Health Resources and Services Administration
A federal agency that works to improve access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable.
The details
The curriculum is divided into three tiers: Dementia Informed, Dementia Skilled, and Dementia Advanced. Each module is designed as a one-hour online lesson that allows learners to earn stackable microcredentials and continuing education credits at their own pace.
Timeline
2040 marks the projected year for a national shortage of 1 million dementia care workers.
Health Landscape
This program follows the pattern of federal Health Resources and Services Administration workforce development grants intended to stabilize specialized medical care availability. It reflects a broader shift toward using online modular certification to address staffing gaps in geriatric and neurological care.
If you are a caregiver or health professional, you may consider these modules to bolster your skills in supporting patients with memory loss. You should discuss with your supervisor or physician how specialized dementia training could improve the care provided in your specific clinical setting.
The takeaway
Specialized training is essential to managing the growing demand for dementia care in our community. If you are involved in patient support, inquire with your care provider about the value of staff who have completed certified dementia-skilled training programs.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and support systems in our Alzheimer’s section.
More information
Access the curriculum or register for the training through the Dementia specialist certification program portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Business Press.
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Do you believe online certification programs are effective for training more local dementia care workers?
