Aspiring home care attendants can enroll in workforce training programs through community colleges or pursue studies as a nursing assistant or aide to prepare to enter this career field. Home care attendants often work with the elderly and may be self-employed or work for an agency.
Schools with Home Care Attendant Programs
Home care attendant programs in the United States are offered at a number of institutions, including those listed here.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees* (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | 4-year, Public | Certificate | $5,740 |
| Delta College | University Center, MI | 2-year, Public | Certificate | In-district: $4,010 In-state: $6,410 Out-of-state: $11,480 |
| Community College of Allegheny County | Pittsburg, PA | 2-year, Public | Training Program | In-state: $7,861 Out-of-state: $11,251 |
| Collin College | McKinney, TX | 4-year, Private | Training Program | $1,699 (Includes additional expenses) |
| San Diego Continuing Education | San Diego, CA | 2-year, Private | Certificate | Free for residents |
| Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth, FL | 4-year, Public | Certificate | In-state: $2,444 (Includes additional expenses) |
| PIMA Medical Institute | Mesa, AZ | 2-year, Private | Certificate | $12,974 |
*Sources: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES); School websites
School Selection Criteria
When looking for home care attendant schools there are several things to consider:
- Many programs require 40 hours of classroom instruction followed by a clinical practicum.
- Programs should address non-violent crisis intervention and feature classes in psychology and communication so that graduates are able to recognize and respond to a variety of medical emergencies.
- Certification isn't required to work as a home care attendant, but students interested in voluntary certification available through the National Association for Home Care and Hospice should make sure their program can prepare them to meet credentialing requirements.
Workforce Training
Students in home care attendant programs learn how to provide for a patient's basic needs, including bathing and dressing. They might also study topics like medical terminology, patient documentation, interpersonal communication and ethics. Tuition rates may vary due to differences in program length.
Most programs for home care attendants can be completed in a few months and include CNA programs as well as programs for personal care aides, which are offered by several public and private institutions. Look for programs with interdisciplinary coursework and those that can prepare you for professional certifications.
