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How do I get Home Health Aide Certification?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The type of home health aide certification you need will likely dictate where and how you go about acquiring it. In some cases, little special training is needed. Other workers need specialized skills to assist with sick or elderly patients who may need help in an emergency situation, should one arise.

In some cases, no training is needed to get certification. This may be the case if the person being cared for has no severe health problems and primarily needs companionship and help doing everyday things. Although some health-related tasks, such as checking blood sugar and giving medication, may be required, it is often not necessary to have special training to do them. These situations are generally used for family members or friends.

Home health aides assist clients with mobility issues.
Home health aides assist clients with mobility issues.

If you are being hired by someone you do not know to care for his or her loved one, you will likely need to meet several home health aide certification requirements. You will probably need to become CPR certified, as well as learn the Heimlich maneuver and other lifesaving techniques. Most of the time, additional training will also be needed.

To get certification to do this job, the first place to go is the nursing school is your area. These schools generally have aide programs available within the nursing program. Generally, licensing can be obtained by completing specified courses.

Home health aides must learn CPR.
Home health aides must learn CPR.

Nursing schools may be located in technical or community colleges. You can begin by visiting these locations and asking about any home health aide programs they offer. Fill out an application and speak to student advisers at each school. They will be able to give you further information regarding prerequisites, the time it takes to become certified, and information regarding financial aid and class schedules.

The Heimlich maneuver is an important first aid procedure to learn to prevent choking.
The Heimlich maneuver is an important first aid procedure to learn to prevent choking.

Be sure to apply as early as possible, as nursing and aide programs generally fill quickly. Often, if general studies courses will be needed, you can take these while you wait for nursing classes to become available. You should consider taking these classes, even if you don't need them right now, if you intend to pursue nursing later on.

Once you have finished all the necessary classes, you will usually be required to take a government mandated exam in order to obtain certification. This test can take several hours, and it is required in order to work in the field. If you do not pass the first time, find out if another test will be given. In some cases, certain classes may have to be re-taken. Additionally, certification often has to be renewed either annually or within a certain period of time specified by the government.

Discussion Comments

anon998779

I have seen online HHA courses. Are these acceptable in California? Thanks.

anon289618

I've had my home health aide certification since 2008, but I stopped working in that field in 2011 and I want to go back in that field but I lost my certification. Can I get a copy of it from the agency where I took the courses?

anon238079

Yes she can, because where I am from (New Jersey) I have the Cert. home health aid and was working but yes you have to pay for the class. I didn't need CNA.

abundancer

@anon99372--It's not a money thing, each state has its own requirements. The scope of responsibilities within the job description of the home health aide can vary. Some require more training than others.

 Most online health degrees are for health administration careers. You can get started by taking courses in medical terminology and medical laws online if this works best for you. However,it is best to contact your local nursing program for the requirements mandated by the State of Florida for home health aide certification.

anon99372

I don't understand the reason for home health aide certification for CNA's, because you can't be a Home Health Aide without your CNA certification. CNA training is extensive. Plus, the State of Florida does not require it according to my research. Is this a money thing? If classes are not need, can you test online for the certification?

Thanks for allowing the input.

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    • Home health aides assist clients with mobility issues.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Home health aides assist clients with mobility issues.
    • Home health aides must learn CPR.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Home health aides must learn CPR.
    • The Heimlich maneuver is an important first aid procedure to learn to prevent choking.
      By: Roman Milert
      The Heimlich maneuver is an important first aid procedure to learn to prevent choking.
    • Sometimes the person being cared for only needs companionship and help doing everyday things.
      By: Rob
      Sometimes the person being cared for only needs companionship and help doing everyday things.