N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Health Service Regulation
Health Care Personnel Education and Credentialing Section
The N.C. Geriatric Aide Registry started in 2008. Geriatric Aides are individuals who are listed on the N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry and who have completed the state-approved geriatric aide training course. The course is taught at participating community colleges. In the training, the aides learn new concepts to help the older adult. They learn about topics such as dementia/challenging behaviors, mental health issues and death and dying. Aides also learn self-care and ways to manage stress. Concepts build on their Nurse Aide I knowledge. Upon completion, employers will be able to verify their training on the registry.
The section worked with the N.C. Board of Nursing 
, the N.C. Community College System Office and others to produce the state-approved course. It arose from employer and worker needs identified by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine (IOM) Long-Term Care Task Force . (The task force's report entitled, A Long-Term Care Plan for North Carolina: Final Report (January 2001) , is available through the IOM website .) By design, employers can use this listing to offer career paths and incentives to nurse aides. It can help employers to hire and keep nurse aides, enhance their skills and improve job satisfaction.
To become a geriatric aide:
Once you pass the course, the instructor will submit your name to the N.C. Geriatric Aide Registry for listing. Once listed, there is no expiration or renewal. A permanent record of your training will be kept on the registry. Geriatric Aide Registry information is available on the Verify Registry Listings page.
Geriatric aides may report name and address changes in these ways:
Note: Your changes will automatically appear on the N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry and, if you are listed as a medication aide, on the N.C. Medication Aide Registry.
You are asked to voluntarily provide your SSN. This number is for record keeping and registry identification purposes only. Your SSN will remain confidential and will not be disclosed to the public.
All documents submitted to the registry may be verified with the issuing source before a change occurs.
Check the state-approved geriatric aide training programs list (PDF, 19 KB), or contact a local community college to express interest in geriatric aide training.