In a world where technology is rapidly reshaping careers and opportunities, there is one field that remains deeply human at its core: caring for those who live with dementia. And now, thanks to a unique partnership between the James L. West Center for Dementia Care’s Dementia-IQ program and UNT Health Fort Worth, more professionals will have the chance to pursue this calling with added knowledge, confidence, and compassion. The two organizations have joined together to offer the Dementia Specialist Certificate through a tuition-free, self-paced course designed for those on the front lines of care.
Elevating Care Through Understanding This certificate isn’t just about learning facts. It’s about understanding the person behind the disease. Participants are trained to see beyond the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, developing skills to bring comfort and joy in everyday moments. A gentle touch on the hand. A reassuring tone of voice. The spark in someone’s eyes when they hear a favorite song from their youth. These are the small but powerful gestures that dementia specialists learn to use, and they can transform the care experience for both patients and their families.
Opening Doors for Tomorrow’s Caregivers The certificate also opens career pathways. Graduates gain a credential that sets them apart in assisted living, caregiving, and hospital settings. More than a résumé booster, it’s a stepping stone. Many who start with this certification move into leadership roles—proof that compassion and training together can create not just better caregivers, but future leaders in healthcare.
Flexible and Accessible Because the courses are on-demand and flexible, professionals can weave learning into their schedules without disruption. The first two offerings—Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and What to Expect and Person-Centered Approaches at Each Stage—lay a strong foundation for truly person-centered care.
About the James L. West Center for Dementia Care For 32 years, the James L. West Center for Dementia Care, a not-for-profit organization, has served those impacted by dementia. Established by Eunice West in honor of her late husband, James L. West, who died of dementia, the Center continues to build upon its excellence in compassionate care, caregiver and dementia education by expanding its service lines to meet the community’s needs. The Center offers residential care, a Senior Day Program, Short-Term Respite Care, Short-Term Rehabilitation, and professional and family caregiver education, which was recently rebranded as Dementia-IQ Powered by James L. West.
About UNT Health Fort Worth UNT Health Fort Worth is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District. UNT Health trains the health care providers, public health workforce, and scientists of the future in an interprofessional ecosystem. Through its six colleges—Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, College of Public Health, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, and College of Nursing—students learn to work in teams and develop an innovative mindset that prepares them for a rapidly changing health landscape. UNT Health Clinical Practice Group, the clinical enterprise of UNT Health, provides patient-centered care to people across Tarrant County. UNT Health’s research enterprise provides a foundation to expand the frontiers of scientific discovery to improve health and well-being.
