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CRD College Advanced Certifications
Explore how CRD College Advanced Certifications prepares you for a successful career in the health care industry through hands-on learning and expert guidance.
Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Certification: Enhance Dementia Care with Compasion and Skill
As the demand for high-quality dementia care continues to rise, healthcare professionals and caregivers must develop specialized skills to provide safe, respectful, and compassionate support to individuals with dementia. One essential training program that equips caregivers with these skills is the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Certification.
At CRD College of Health Care, we offer a comprehensive GPA Certification Program to prepare healthcare professionals and caregivers for the challenges of dementia care. This certification ensures that individuals can respond effectively to behaviours associated with dementia using empathy, patience, and non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
What is Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Certification?
The Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) is a nationally recognized training program designed to help caregivers understand and respond to the behavioral expressions of people living with dementia. It focuses on using gentle, person-centered strategies to manage challenging situations without the use of force or restraint.
GPA Certification provides caregivers with the tools to:
✔ Recognize triggers and early signs of distress in dementia patients
✔ Use verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to calm situations
✔ Apply gentle, non-threatening redirection strategies
✔ Ensure the safety and dignity of both the patient and caregiver
✔ Manage aggressive behaviors with patience and empathy
Who Should Take GPA Certification?
This certification is highly beneficial for:
✔ Personal Support Workers (PSWs) – Providing daily care to dementia patients
✔ Nurses and Healthcare Professionals – Working in hospitals, long-term care, and assisted living facilities
✔ Caregivers and Family Members – Supporting loved ones with dementia at home
✔ Social Workers and Therapists – Assisting individuals and families with dementia-related challenges
Why is GPA Certification Important?
1. Ensuring Safe and Compassionate Care
Dementia patients may exhibit agitation, aggression, or resistance to care, often due to confusion or frustration. GPA Certification teaches caregivers to handle these situations without force, fear, or confrontation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
2. Improving Communication with Dementia Patients
People living with dementia often struggle with communication. GPA training helps personal support workers (PSWs), and caregivers develop verbal and non-verbal techniques to foster trust and cooperation, reducing anxiety and confusion.
3. Reducing Stress for Personal Support Workers, Caregivers and Patients
Handling aggressive behaviours can be stressful for both the personal support workers and the individual with dementia. Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) techniques emphasize prevention, de-escalation, and self-care for caregivers, helping to reduce burnout and emotional strain.
4. Enhancing Career Opportunities in Healthcare
Many healthcare employers prefer or require GPA Certification for professionals working in dementia care. This certification strengthens your resume and demonstrates your ability to provide specialized, high-quality care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home care settings.
5. Supporting a Person-Centered Approach to Dementia Care
The GPA model aligns with modern person-centered care principles, ensuring that individuals with dementia are treated with dignity, respect, and understanding rather than control or restraint.
Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Certification at CRD College of Health Care
CRD College of Health Care, is committed to training compassionate and skilled personal support workers (PSWs), and caregivers through our GPD Certification Program. Our training includes:
✔ Expert-Led Instruction – Learn from experienced dementia care professionals.
✔ Interactive Learning – Role-playing scenarios, case studies, and hands-on techniques.
✔ Flexible Learning Options – Online and in-person classes to fit your schedule.
✔ Recognized Certification – Earn a nationally recognized credential that enhances your career prospects.
How to Enroll in GPA Certification at CRD College of Health Care?
Becoming certified in the Gentle Persuasive Approach is a valuable investment in your career and in the quality of care you provide. Enrolling in our GPA Certification Program is simple: visit our website or contact our administration team to learn more about upcoming sessions and registration details.
Providing care for individuals with dementia requires compassion, skill, and patience. The Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Certification equips personal support workers, caregivers with the tools to manage challenging behaviours while ensuring the dignity, safety, and well-being of those they support.
If you’re looking to advance your career and make a meaningful impact in dementia care, enroll in the GPA Certification Program at CRD College of Health Care now!
Transitioning into new roles
Who Should Enroll?
- Professionals seeking career progression and skill enhancement.
- Individuals transitioning into new roles or industries.
- Students and recent graduates aiming to boost their employability.
Skill Upgrade Courses
PSW Certification Administration / Assisting with Medication
This is a 35 hour non-vocational skill training course that would expand the scope of practice of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) as unregulated care provider to administer medications such as oral, rectal, medications, inhalations and injections. PSW students will be taught theory & practical skills on how to administer medications within legal boundaries in a competent, safe & ethical manner. A Registered Nurse Clinical Educator will facilitate the entire program.
Advanced Acquired Brain Injury Certifications
This is a 1 day course certificate that would enhance Personal Support Worker (PSW) competency and skills in assisting client/resident with acquired brain injury. With both theory and practical applications student will gain deeper understanding on the pathology and how to effectively assist client on this condition. The course will be facilitated by a Registered Nurse with strong and solid experience dealing with Acquired Brain Injury Client Population.
Standard First Aid & CPR level C or HCP
This 1 day course is a pre – requisite for all health care workers including Personal Support Workers students prior to working in any health care facility. Delivered by a WSIB registered First Aid /CPR provider, students will have the First Aid & CPR training certification intended for health care professionals like those with Nursing or Medical background & Personal Support Workers.
Our First Aid & CPR training follows the guidelines of the Canadian Red Cross.
Palliative Care PSW Certifications
Palliative care is to provide comfort and improve quality of life of a dying /terminally ill or those with progressive illness. This 2 day course will prepare PSW students the competency and skills on how to assist clients and their families in meeting / addressing their physical, psychosocial, spiritual, emotional and social challenges as they face the life limiting condition. A palliative care RN educator will facilitate the course.
PSW Assisting with Wound Care
This is a 3 day course that will prepare PSW students with the competency and skills required to assist or be delegated to perform basic wound care to a client or resident with pressure ulcers. The course will be facilitated by a clinical wound care nurse educator.
Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Certifications
Enhance your Personal Support Worker (PSW) skills and competency with our Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Certification course. This one-day intensive training is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to support clients and residents with dementia using the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA).
Take the Next Step in Your Health Care Career
Ready to advance your education in a dynamic clinical environment? Contact our admissions office today to learn more about how CRD College of Health Care can help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, we have the resources and support to guide you through the application process.
Financial Aid Options
Understanding Financial Support at CRD College
At CRD College of Health Care, we offer a variety of financial aid options to help students manage their educational expenses. Our payment plans are designed to provide flexibility, allowing students to pay tuition fees in manageable installments. We understand the financial challenges students face, and our financial aid advisors are available to discuss personalized payment solutions.