Wisconsin certified direct care professionals can now get free training & bonuses

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Find out how you could benefit from Wisconsin DHS’s free training for certified direct care professionals, available in three languages. 

Wisconsin’s healthcare landscape is evolving with an innovative approach to address its growing caregiving needs. The state has launched a groundbreaking multilingual training program that not only creates new career opportunities but also ensures more inclusive care for its diverse population of seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Wisconsin expands healthcare access with multilingual caregiver certification program

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has introduced a comprehensive free online training program for certified direct care professionals (CDCPs) in three languages: English, Spanish, and Hmong. This initiative, part of the WisCaregiver Careers program, aims to build a more diverse and qualified healthcare workforce while improving care quality for vulnerable populations.

The program’s significance is underscored by research from the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed, which indicates that patients receive better care and report higher satisfaction when their healthcare providers share their cultural and linguistic background.

Wisconsin Medicaid Director Bill Hanna emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “Certified direct care professionals serve some of the most vulnerable people in Wisconsin. Ensuring the best care possible includes being able to easily communicate and understand an individual’s unique needs.”

Training structure & financial incentives

The certification process involves self-paced online courses covering essential caregiving topics, including safety, ethics, and communication. Most participants complete the training within approximately 30 hours, followed by an online certification exam administered by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

CDCPs can earn up to $500 in bonuses through the program:

  • $250 initial hiring bonus upon employment with eligible providers
  • $250 retention bonus after six months of service
  • Additional bonuses for referring new candidates to the program

Employment opportunities & resources

Upon certification, CDCPs gain access to WisCaregiver Connections, a comprehensive online platform that facilitates job searches and employer connections. The platform currently features approximately 1,100 registered healthcare providers actively seeking qualified candidates.

PHI’s senior state policy advocacy specialist Jack McDonald praised the initiative, saying, “Wisconsin’s approach weaves together compassion and practicality, addressing the demand for skilled workers with an understanding of the community’s linguistic diversity. Wisconsin is crafting a more inclusive, empathetic environment where both caregivers and those in need of care are seen, heard, and valued.”

Career pathway for high school students

The program has been integrated into the Direct Patient Care Career Pathway, creating opportunities for high school students to enter the healthcare field. Schools can earn a $250 bonus when teachers promote the program to students, helping to build a pipeline of future healthcare professionals.

Interested individuals can learn more and begin their certification journey at WisCaregiverCDCP.com.

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This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.


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