Free summer healthcare training helps meet urgent dementia needs

With more than 200,000 Michiganders currently living with Alzheimer’s disease — a number expected to rise significantly in the coming decades — Michigan State University is launching a free summer training program to rapidly expand the state’s healthcare and dementia care workforce.

IMPART Alliance, part of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, is offering a free, live online Direct Care Worker Training program designed for students ages 16–26 who are interested in pursuing future careers in medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, public health and related human services fields.

Participants will receive 14 hours of instructor-led training July 6–10, including specialized education in dementia care. Students who successfully complete the program will also receive a $50 gift card.

The program arrives at a critical time for the state’s healthcare infrastructure. Michigan’s aging population continues to drive an unprecedented demand for workers trained to support individuals living with dementia and other complex health conditions. However, many young people interested in healthcare careers face limited opportunities to gain meaningful, real-world exposure to patient care before entering college, graduate school or professional training programs.

“Many students know they want to help people through a career in healthcare, but they often have few opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge of what that work actually looks like,” said Clare Luz, executive director of IMPART Alliance. “This program provides an accessible entry point to develop caregiving skills, learn about dementia and better understand the human side of healthcare.”

Direct care workers provide essential, day-to-day support to older adults and individuals living with disabilities, mental health conditions, dementia and other health concerns.

The specialized dementia education component of the curriculum is provided in partnership with the Dementia and Healthy Brain Unit of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Students who participate will learn practical caregiving strategies, effective communication techniques and evidence-based approaches for supporting individuals living with cognitive and behavioral health challenges.

Program details:

• Cost: Free online training (live instruction, not prerecorded)

• Time commitment: 14 total training hours

• Dates: July 6–10, 2026

• Eligibility: Open to Michigan residents ages 16–26

• Perks: Specialized dementia care training and a $50 gift card upon completion

Students, parents, educators, school counselors and community organizations are encouraged to share this opportunity with individuals who are interested in healthcare careers. Eligible Michigan residents can register online or contact Tam Cordes for additional information.