Massachusetts Resident Care Assistant Course

This course is free and was designed to meet the critical staff shortages occurring as a result of COVID-19.  This training is intended for use in nursing homes not for agency staffing purposes.

This 8-hour online training, in combination with the on-site training you will get at the facility where you are hired, will prepare you to work as a resident care assistant, a temporary position intended to address the current state of emergency. 

What does a Resident Care Assistant do?

The Resident Care Assistant will help to provide aspects of resident care that include: 

• Activities of Daily Living
  • Bathing
  • Oral Care
  • Grooming - Shaving and Nail Care
  • Dressing and Undressing
• Infection Control and Prevention
• Positioning, Moving, and Restorative Care
• Nutrition and Elimination
• Comfort Care and End of Life Care

Disclaimer: Participation in this training does not guarantee compliance with federal regulation including state program enrollment requirement of 42 C.F.R. 483.35(d)(3).  Students and facilities should follow their state approved processes consistent with federal regulation.

Academic Statement of Integrity 

By registering for this course, I certify that all related coursework will be completed by me. I recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of professional development coursework, inhibits my ability to grow in my profession, and does a disservice to the people I work with and to the people I care for. I understand that any commitment of academic dishonesty will lead to revocation of any credits and/or certificates earned and no monies for course fees will be refunded.  

Need help? E-mail educate@ahca.org, and we will get back to you. 

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If you are having trouble logging in or registering for the course, click on How to Get Started.

1. What does the resident care assistant do?

The resident care assistant helps provide resident care such as: assisting with bathing, dressing, feeding, restorative care, and more. The exact job responsibilities will be determined by the facility that hires you. This position is not a licensed CNA. People who choose to continue with this position after the COVID crisis is over will need to take the traditional NA course and any associated state licensing/certification/registry exams. 

2. Who is the RCA training for?

This training is intended for use in nursing homes not for agency staffing purposes.

3. Do I need any previous experience?

No prior health care experience is necessary.

4. Do I have to pay to take the course?

No. The course is free.

5. How do I get the certificate and share that with a facility?

Once you have completed the course and passed the exam, you can download and print the certificate of completion before exiting the program. You can also return to the online course at any time, log in, and access the certificate again if you need another copy. You can also email educate@ahca.org and ask that an email copy be sent to you. 

6. What additional on-the-job training will I receive?

Each facility/company will have its own on-the-job training process. You will be helped and supervised by trained professionals while you learn your duties. You will need to demonstrate you are able to complete specific tasks with proper knowledge, skill, and behavior. Here is an example of a checklist that may be used by the hiring facility for on-site training. 

Here is an example of a checklist that may be used by the hiring facility for on-site training. 

  TNA Skills Competency Checklist

How to Ensure Resident Care Assistants Are Successful

The RCA online courses are only the first step for temporary caregivers to assist our nation’s long-term care facilities. Providers play a key role in helping resident care assistants carry out their duties successfully. Here are some ways you can help make sure the programs are beneficial to your residents and fellow team members: 

1. Resident care assistants should receive hours of on-the-job training once hired. Have them shadow an experienced staff member during the onboarding process. 
2. Before resident care assistants can take on specific duties, they must pass a competency assessment (typically overseen by a nurse) to demonstrate they understand those tasks. A competency assessment is a federal requirement for nursing homes.  
• AHCA/NCAL has a competency checklist for RCAs that long-term care facilities may use.
• If resident care assistants are not doing things correctly, they need to undergo further training and evaluation. 
3. Continue to have a licensed professional supervise the resident care assistant at all times.  
4. Establish an ongoing evaluation process for resident care assistants. Similar to other positions that must demonstrate their competency on a rolling basis, resident care assistants should be evaluated periodically to reaffirm they know how to fulfill their duties correctly.  
5. If you are working with an agency to hire temporary staff, you may inquire about any individual to validate their abilities. Request their certificate of completion as well as their skills competency sheet. 
6. Look for ways to help resident care assistants transition to become certified nursing assistants. 

Thank you for your support of the RCA program. We hope you have found them to be a lifeline during this pandemic as our industry faces a historic labor crisis. Together, we can help ensure these heroes have the training and support they need to provide the care and companionship our residents deserve.   


If you have questions regarding the courses, please contact us at educate@ahca.org.