Educational Requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), educational requirements for home health aides vary depending on their employer. Aides who work for organizations that receive funds from Medicare or Medicaid must complete formal training, while those who work for private companies do not have to meet these obligations. On-the-job training is often provided by more experienced aides, nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical or registered nurses may provide this training.
Aspiring home health aides receive training to provide daily care to patients and basic health-related services. They check patient pulse rates, temperature and blood pressure readings, as well as assist with administering medication or therapy. Other duties may include cleaning bed pans and changing linens. Home health aides need compassion, integrity, dependability, and a cheerful attitude to perform their role.
The BLS noted that as of May 2015, home health aides’ median salary was $21,920. Jobs in this area are expected to grow at the extremely fast rate of 38% between 2014 and 2024
Home Health Aide Certificate Programs
For formal training, prospective candidates may look to programs offered by community colleges and other postsecondary institutions. These programs often last a semester, and applicants may need to complete a physical examination, including state-mandated blood tests, and a background check in order to enroll. Students must also be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Home health aide certificate programs teach students to help control infectious diseases and manage patients. Students may also receive training on working with people who need spiritual, emotional and social support. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take a state competency examination.
Certification
Home health aides may look to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) to become certified. To earn their credentials, applicants must complete 75 hours of training, demonstrate their skills and pass a written examination. The BLS notes that candidates in some states may need to complete additional requirements to obtain certification.
While technically you don’t need a high school diploma to become a home health aide, most aides do in fact hold a diploma, though specific requirements can vary by employer. Should you work for an agency that receives funding from Medicare or Medicaid, you must complete a formal training program, which are available through various community college, vocational schools and the like. In addition, home health aide certification might be required by individual states.