Long-Term Care Worker Training Options
You play an important role in helping your long‑term care workers get the training they need on time. Clear timelines and steady support make it easier for your team to stay prepared and confident.
Training Options
Option 1
Train your own staff with your own approved instructors.
Option 2
- Use DSHS‑approved Community Instructors.
- Staff can attend classes in the community, or instructors can come to the facility.
- If Community Instructors teach all required long‑term care worker courses, no forms need to be submitted to DSHS.
- Find a Training Class
Option 3
A combination of options 1 and 2. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Understand Training Requirements
Review the training requirements for:
Step 2: Apply to DSHS to Offer Training and Approve Instructors
- Complete and submit a Facility Training Program Application and Updates form. This form tells DSHS what courses, instructors, and curriculum you want to use. Submit a separate form for each licensed AFH or ALF if you have more than one.
- Review the DSHS Facility Instructor Qualification Requirements. Attest that your instructors meet the qualifications on your application.
- Instructors applying to teach Dementia and/or Mental Health Specialty Training are required to submit a Facility Instructor Application.
Forms
- Facility Training Program Application and Updates (DSHS 15-555 PDF | Word)
- Facility Instructor Application (DSHS 15-554 PDF | Word)
Step 3: Get Training Materials Approved
On your Facility Training Program Application and Updates (DSHS 15-555), you can also request approval to use the following:
- DSHS-developed training materials
- Training you developed. Submit the completed Curriculum Approval Application (DSHS 15-552 PDF | Word) with your Facility Training Program Application and Updates form. Online training must meet DSHS Online Training Standards.
- Do not submit more than 12 hours of continuing education for each application.
- DSHS‑approved training developed by other approved Training Programs, including continuing education developers and businesses offering approved curriculum.