Home Health Aide: Career Training to Become a Home Health Aide
Home health aides must perform a variety of tasks for their patients. Aides provide routine check-ups, perform basic grooming and personal maintenance, and assist with light housework. Home health aides do not need special training to work; however, certification may be required by some employers.
Career Training
Although a high school diploma or GED is not required for a job as a home health aide, some specialized training is necessary to pursue this occupation. Home health aide programs are taught in vocational schools or through health organizations. Programs typically can be completed in 2-6 weeks. Once training or education has been completed, some home health aide agencies require that individuals complete an evaluation. Health aide training topics include:
- Nutrition
- Anatomy
- Home care skills
- Communication
- Personal care skills
Home health aides must also understand the basics of working for the elderly, disabled or ill. They should be prepared for typical healthcare field hazards such as exposure to communicable diseases and an above average risk of infection. Health aides also must be able to work independently, be caring and sympathetic, as well as be able to handle a flexible schedule.
Certification Options
Home health aides are typically employed by hospice or home care centers that receive government funding. Due to compliance issues related to this funding, many home health aides must be certified for home care work. Personal aides and home care aides, who are similar to home health aides, usually do not need to be certified.
To receive certification, home health aides must complete a training program, which is usually offered by community colleges or vocational schools. At a minimum, aides must complete 16 hours of training prior to working with any patients. Agencies who receive Medicaid or Medicare require 75 hours of training in order to receive home health aide licensure. Because certification requirements vary by state, home health aides may need to satisfy additional requirements if they move out of state.
Home health aides may also elect to complete voluntary certification through the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), which can improve their chances for advancement. The NAHC tests home health aides on 17 competency skills, overseen by a registered nurse. Previous employment as a health aide is not required; however, certification does require the completion of 75 hours of home health aide training.
Career Advancement
Career advancement opportunities in the home health aide field are limited. Therefore, home health aides often choose to continue their education in the health care field. Many pursue nursing education to become nursing aides, while some opt to become licensed as a practical or vocational nurse. Alternately, some home health aides may run their own personal care business or work independently.
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25 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- All programs require applicants to have graduated high school in 2008 or earlier
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AAS in Medical Assisting
- AS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must live within close proximity to school locations
- Must be graduated from high school by 2011
School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
- Florida (3 campuses)
- Georgia (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New York (4)
- Ohio (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Texas (3)
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Medical Assisting Bilingual Version (English/Spanish) Medical Assistant
- Certificate in Medical Assistant
- Certificate in Medical Assisting Specialist
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- Diploma in Medical Assistant
- Diploma in Medical Assistant (Weekend Spanish Version)
- Diploma in Medical Assistant Bilingual (Spanish/English)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
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Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Undergraduate Certificate in General Studies (Medical Assistants)
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School locations:
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
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Master
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- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Project Management
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- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Public Safety Leadership
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- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AS in Medical Assisting
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- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
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Bachelor
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- BS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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- California (1 campus)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- MS in Health Services Management
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma - Home Health Aide (Certified)
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