More than 107,000 direct care workers in Wisconsin provide essential assistance to older adults and people with disabilities in home- and communitybased services (HCBS), residential care communities, nursing homes, and other settings. In response to persistent job quality challenges, the state has launched comprehensive solutions to strengthen training and career advancement opportunities for this workforce.
This report examines Wisconsin’s training and credentialing landscape for direct care workers, particularly spotlighting personal care aides (PCAs), who play a vital role in HCBS and are the primary focus of the state’s efforts.
Key Takeaways
Wisconsin is establishing the Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP) program to serve as a cohesive and consistent entry-level training platform for personal care aides.
The state is utilizing the CDCP's micro-credential system to build out scalable, specialized training opportunities in high-need areas like dementia and behavioral health.
To improve retention and care delivery, Wisconsin is supporting career advancement through advanced direct care roles, though scaling these positions requires overcoming current reimbursement barriers.
Stephen McCall is the Director of Research & Evaluation at PHI, where he leads the organization's applied research to improve the quality of direct care jobs and long-term services for older adults and people with disabilities.
