If you’re curious about whether working in healthcare is for you, becoming a home health aide with just a high school diploma or GED may be an ideal first step. The number of jobs in this profession is expected to grow faster in the next few years.
Essentials for Home Health Aide (HHA) Professionals
Home health aides provide health care to the aged, sick, or handicapped, who either work in the patient’s home or in a residential facility. Home health aides often assist patients who need more physical and medical care than the average family can supply.
Several post-secondary institutions provide certificate and HHA training sessions for those who want to work as home health aides. There is also the option of obtaining certification.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for home health aides was $29,430 as of 2021. Between 2020 and 2030, employment in this sector is predicted to expand at a pace of 33%.
There isn’t any requirement regarding educational attainment, and you may get a certificate if you choose.
Requirements for HHA Certification
Education requirements for home health aides are determined by their employer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Home health care workers employed by non-profits or private enterprises that do not get government funding are required to undergo home health care training.
CNAs, licensed practical or registered nurses, and experienced aides typically give on-the-job training.
Students who want to work as home health aides can learn how to assist patients with primary personal care and health-related services regularly. They monitor the patient’s pulse, temperature, and blood pressure and aid in administering medication or treatment.
Bedpans and linens may also need to be cleaned and changed. Compelling qualities of in-home health aides require empathy, honesty, reliability, and a positive outlook.
Training Programs for Home Health Aide Certification
Those interested in becoming home health aides may enroll in programs at community colleges and other post-secondary institutions that provide formal education. Applicants may be required to submit to a background check and a physical examination, which may include state-mandated blood testing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification is also needed (CPR).
Students in programs for home health aides learn how to control infectious infections and care for patients in their own homes. These programs may also train students in helping persons who need spiritual, emotional, and social assistance. Graduates may sit for a state competence test after completing their training.
Certification for Home Health Aides
The National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) provides home care aide accreditation. A minimum of 75 hours of instruction, skills demonstrations, and a written test are all requirements for credentialing. Candidate certification in certain states may need extra work, as noted by the BLS.
Although a high school diploma is not required to become a home health aide, most aides have one. However, particular criteria may vary from company to employee. You must finish a formal training program if you work for a Medicare or Medicaid-funded organization. Nearly every major city has a community college where you may take HHA lessons. Individual states may also need certification for home health aides.
Conclusion
Home health aides assist patients primarily in their own homes or residential facilities with personal care and daily living skills. These professionals also help patients recovering from various physical ailments, such as broken bones and several types of cancer. This career may appeal if you enjoy working with people and want to help others improve their quality of life, but no specific training is required.
Although these professionals don’t need a degree, those with one may be eligible for a certificate in the field. The number of jobs in this sector is expected to increase faster than average in the coming years. Generally, job hunters with formal education are likely to have the best job outlook in the future.
If you’re looking for one of Indiana’s finest medical career training centers in Highland, IN, look no further than the programs and curriculum at Medical Career Academy. We are dedicated to providing each student with the most critical education in various healthcare vocations. Call us for more information about our health and care courses, including program specifics.