3:30-4:45 p.m

13-C. Micro-Credentialing: An Emerging Workforce Development Model

The aging services sector continually strives to deliver high-quality care despite acute shortages of certified nursing assistants (CNA) and other frontline caregivers. “Micro-credentialing” could help address that challenge. This emerging workforce development model enables direct care professionals to participate in short-term learning experiences, have their knowledge assessed by a trusted third party, and earn micro-credentials in various aspects of geriatrics-informed care. During this session, representatives from a university and a retirement community in Maine will describe their efforts to use micro-credentialing to help CNAs build knowledge and skills, gain recognition, advance in their careers, and potentially increase their wages. They’ll also explain how micro-credentialing can help provider organizations reduce turnover, improve quality metrics, and enhance residents’ quality of care and quality of life.

• Susan Wehry, Director, AgingME: Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program; Associate Professor, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
• Molly Carpenter, Director, Workforce Strategy and Development, LeadingAge
• Robyn Stone, Strategic Advisor, LeadingAge
• Alice Bonner, Senior Advisor for Aging, Institute For Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
• Angela Hunt, MS, RPT, Chief Innovations Officer, The Cedars