Best Home Health Aide Certification Programs

There are not usually degree programs available specifically for home health aides. Instead, students looking to learn how to care for clients in a medical and healthcare sense may pursue related degrees in areas such as nursing. These degree programs are generally at least twice as long in length as certificate programs for home health aides and are more technical. Students earning a certificate in home health aide typically have a more focused curriculum that teaches the exact skills that they need to work in the job, while degree programs in an area such as nursing include focused, nursing-related courses, but also includes general education courses for a well-rounded program.

One of the main reasons that students may consider earning a certificate in home health aide is to help clients. Some students may even earn this certificate specifically to care for an elderly, injured, or disabled family member or friend. Those who enter these programs are usually compassionate, caring, and willing to help others. These certificate programs equip students with the skills needed to care for their clients in a variety of ways.

Education and training requirements to become a home health aide vary by state, so some students may need to earn this certificate to work as a home health aide. Others may take the certificate to help prepare them for other state-required certifications. Outside of students' desires and motivations for pursuing a home health aide certificate program, students may also think about the cost and time requirements. In general, certificate programs are much shorter, and therefore, save students time and money.

As mentioned, the requirements for becoming a home health aide vary by state and/or employer. Some states require home health aides to earn different certifications to work as a home health aide. For example, in the state of California, students must first complete a Nursing Assistant Certificate program to be eligible for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Once a CNA, if these students complete a Home Health Aide program, then they can earn a California Certificate as a Home Health Aide (HHA). Other states, such as Massachusetts, may also require students to take their state board examination to become a Certified Nurse Assistant, but may require this after completing a home health aide program. Typically, there is a cost associated with these state certification exams, but they vary by state. Some students may also be required to hold Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

Typically, students who earn a certificate in home health aide go on to start a career as a home health aide. A career as a home health aide can have students working in individual and family services, home health care services, residential disability facilities, retirement communities, and other settings. Students can apply their skills to care for family members or other clients. Many of these same skills can be transferred over into caring for other types of patients or clients in different career settings, such as working as a nursing assistant, childcare worker, or physical therapist aide. Here we examine a few career options for those with a certificate in home health aide in greater detail.

Home Health or Personal Care Aide

Those wishing to become a home health aide need to check the requirements for home health care jobs in their specific state, as requirements vary. Usually, these aides need a high school diploma, but it may not always be required. Typically, workers in certified home health or hospice agencies have to undergo formal training and pass an exam. Home health and personal care aides help clients with daily activities such as scheduling and securing transportation for appointments, bathing and dressing, and helping clients socialize and stay active.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2020 that home health and personal care aides make a median annual salary of $27,080. The organization also predicts that jobs in the field will increase by 34% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (4%).

Nursing Assistant

Nursing assistants, nursing aides, or CNAs usually need to complete a state education program and pass their state's exam. Those who pass are usually included on a state registry and may need to participate in continuing education to maintain certification. Nursing assistants are supervised by registered nurses (RNs) and other healthcare professionals. They help care for patients in various settings by taking vital signs, serving meals, helping clean and bathe patients, and moving patients as needed.

According to 2020 numbers from the BLS, nursing assistants make a median salary of $30,830 per year. The job outlook is predicted to 8% between 2019 and 2029.

Physical Therapist Aide

Physical therapist aides are generally only required to have a high school diploma and complete some on-the-job training. They are not required to hold a state license. These aides help move physical therapy patients from one area of therapy to another, schedule appointments, and clean therapy areas. They are usually supervised by physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. The BLS reports that these professionals make a median salary of $49,970 per year and projects a job outlook of 29% between 2019 and 2029.

Coursework for home health aides varies by program. Some programs consist of one, large home health aide course, while other programs break these programs into 2 to 9 separate courses. Coursework usually covers a wide range of topics, including nutrition, home safety, disabilities, communication, ethics, home health care procedures, and more. Most courses are set up as lecture-based courses. However, each program also typically includes so many contact or hands-on learning hours through clinicals or externships. Some programs may require between 25 and 40 hours of hands-on learning experience. Below are a couple of examples of common course topics found in home health aide certificate programs.

Introduction/Fundamentals of Home Health Aide

Students generally have an introductory course that examines the role of home health aides and basic scientific and nursing fundamentals needed to provide quality health care to clients. These courses may discuss regulations and standards in the field, as well as various career options. Programs that have fewer courses within the program may have the laboratory or clinical experience tied to this course.

Emergency Preparedness

Some programs have a stand-alone emergency preparedness course, while others may lump the subject in with a broader course focused on meeting clients' needs. Either way, students learn how to create a plan for handling various types of emergencies that they may encounter on the job. Broader courses in clients' needs may also explore topics in monitoring effects of aging, end of life issues, and providing care for aging clients.

Certificate programs in home health aide vary in length. Some of these programs require between 110 and 165 total hours of instruction time, which includes externships and clinicals. However, most of these programs can be completed in 1 year or less. Some programs are designed to allow students to finish in as little as 6 months. Sometimes, online programs allow students to work and complete courses at their own pace. Depending on state requirements, some programs may enable students to become completely qualified to work as a home health aide in less than 1 year. These courses do not typically accept transfer credit like some other programs might.

Students should compare different home health aide programs to find the one that best fits their needs and preferences. Interested students may want to begin by considering a program that is available in the state in which they want to work. This will allow them to find a program that helps them meet state requirements to work. It may be harder for online programs to help prepare students for specific state requirements if they are open to students from across the country, which is another item to consider when deciding on the format of the program. On-campus programs are more common and may be able to provide additional hands-on learning opportunities throughout the program when compared to an online program. Students who want a lot of hands-on experience can compare the different requirements and amount of contact hours for each program of interest.

Other considerations are more general, such as the cost, time, and entrance requirements of a program. Students need to be sure that the total cost of a program is something they are willing to pay. They also need to see how long it will take to complete the program and make sure this fits within their personal goals and schedule. Finally, entrance requirements vary for these programs and students need to be sure that they meet the specific qualifications for their program of interest. For example, some programs in states want students to already be a CNA.

The admissions requirements for home health aide certificate programs vary by school and state. As discussed, some programs require applicants to already hold certain credentials, such as being a CNA or a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA). However, most programs require applicants to have at least a high school diploma and/or be at least 18 years of age. These programs also typically require applicants to undergo and pass a criminal background check. This may be conducted during a required student in-take session. Fingerprinting could be required as well during this process. It is also standard procedure for these programs to require a range of medical-related requirements. This is due to home health aides working closely with clients and the chance to pass on or contract illnesses. Most often, applicants to these programs need to offer proof of specific immunizations, such as hepatitis B. Some programs could also require a drug screen and/or a negative TB (tuberculosis) test.

The total cost of a home health aide certificate program consists of several different components, all of which can vary between schools. Typically, the bulk of the cost of a program is made up of tuition and fees. Some programs may charge tuition into a lump sum that can be paid monthly or upfront with a discount. For example, one online certificate program in home health aide charges a total of $649 for the entire program when the full amount is paid upfront. Other programs charge tuition per credit hour or unit and may have different rates for different kinds of students. For instance, schools that differentiate between in-state residents and out-of-state residents typically charge less to in-state residents. This differentiation may also apply to fees. Usually, schools charge various fees in addition to tuition. These fees may be for things like health services, registration, course auditing, graduation, and more.

In addition to tuition and fees, students should research and add up any additional costs, such as living expenses, textbooks, or extra program costs. Cost of living will vary for on-campus vs. off-campus students with factors such as housing, meal plans, and transportation. Home health aide programs could come with additional costs to the students. For example, some programs charge students for fingerprinting and drug screening. Some programs may also charge for shoes and lab fees.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources for Home Health Aide Certificate Programs

In order for students to not have to pay for the total cost of their home health aide certificate program out-of-pocket, students should look into financial aid options. Often, schools that offer these programs will have additional discounts or financial aid options, such as scholarships and grants. Examples of discounts that may be available include those for veterans and those that pay for the entirety of their certificate program upfront. School scholarships can be broad or specific. These awards generally have various qualifications and may or may not be renewed. Students should be sure to check and see if certificate students qualify for these scholarships.

There are additional scholarship options available to students from a wide range of outside sources as well. Students can commonly find awards related to their subject of interest. In the case of home health aide students, there are several different organizations related to caregiving that offer scholarships.

For instance, Caring.com provides several different scholarship options, including those for college students who are caregivers of an elderly loved one. The CNA Technical Institute in Florida also offers a Home Health Aide Scholarship. This award is in the amount of $300 and offers a guaranteed position within their organization.