UNT Health Launched Free Dementia Training Program
A new online certification program aims to bolster the dementia care workforce in the Fort Worth area.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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UNT Health and the James L. West Center for Dementia Care have launched a free, self-paced online certification program to train dementia caregivers. The initiative offers stackable microcredentials through three distinct curriculum levels.
Why it matters
The program addresses a critical and growing shortage of specialized dementia care workers, a deficit expected to reach 1 million professionals nationwide by 2040.
The program provides training across three levels: Dementia Informed, Dementia Skilled, and Dementia Advanced. Participants complete the curriculum through a series of one-hour online modules followed by a skills assessment.
The players
UNT Health
An academic medical center based in Fort Worth that provides health education and patient care services.
James L. West Center for Dementia Care
A non-profit organization focused on providing specialized care and resources for individuals living with dementia.
Health Resources and Services Administration
An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that supports grant programs to improve healthcare access.
The details
The curriculum incorporates evidence-informed instruction designed to equip participants with practical caregiving skills. Students earn continuing education credits as they progress through the self-paced, online modules.
Timeline
The 1 million worker shortage is projected by 2040.
The Big Picture
This initiative follows the pattern set by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program to address critical staffing gaps. It represents a broader effort to standardize dementia care training across the healthcare landscape.
Caregivers in the area can gain professional credentials that improve their ability to provide quality support for patients with dementia. This expanded workforce may eventually reduce the strain on local healthcare facilities and families seeking specialized care.
The takeaway
Upskilling the existing workforce through flexible, digital training is a key strategy for managing the rising demand for dementia care. Residents interested in pursuing these credentials can begin the certification pathway immediately via the online portal.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services and research in our Alzheimer’s section.
More information
For more information, visit 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?
