Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) Curriculum 2025

Pre-Course Activities


Activities Included:

Nursing Continuing Professional Development Information


Unit A: Introduction to Dementia Care Management


Activities Included:

Modules 1 - 5

Contact Hour Evaluation


Unit B: Initial Assessment and Care Planning


Activities Included:

Modules 6 - 8

Contact Hour Evaluation


Unit C: Essential Skills for Dementia Care Specialists


Activities Included:

Modules 9 - 11

Contact Hour Evaluation


Unit D: Integration into the Health System and Community


Activities Included:

Modules 12 - 13

Contact Hour Evaluation


Unit E: Ongoing Dementia Care Management


Activities Included:

Modules 14 - 21

Contact Hour Evaluation


Unit F: Caregiver Training and Support


Activities Included:

Modules 22 - 24

Contact Hour Evaluation


Dementia Care Specialist Clinical Skills Training

This session focuses on training APNs as dementia care specialists (DCS) based on the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program model. Methods include role-playing utilizing evidence-based tools required to perform a comprehensive cognitive assessment. These validated tools will help support a clinical understanding of person-centered care including caregiver needs to formulate a comprehensive dementia care plan.



Activities Included:

Dementia Care Specialist Clinical Skills Training

Contact Hour Evaluation


Final Knowledge Check & Certificate of Completion


Activities Included:

Knowledge Check


Final Transcript


Activities Included:

Final Transcript