HHA Certification Opens Doors to Purposeful Work

In today’s healthcare world, here in the United States, more people are choosing to use home healthcare services rather than being admitted to hospitals or nursing homes. As a result, the role of the Home Health Aide (HHA) has become more valuable.

In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HHA jobs are expected to grow by 21 percent in 2033.

They don’t only provide support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and basic health monitoring. HHAs are the ones who provide the most personal care to their patients, and they help them feel safe and comfortable in their homes.

To meet the growing demand for qualified caregivers, many agencies and other employers require their HHAs to have some kind of formal training and HHA certification. This specialized credential demonstrates that a HHA has completed the necessary education and hands-on training to deliver competent, compassionate care for your loved one.

With the aging population increasingly asking for home-based care services, becoming a certified HHA offers job stability and rewarding work. Understanding how to become a certified HH is the first step toward building a career in the expanding field of home care.

What Is HHA Certification?

A HHA’s job is to provide in-care service by visiting patients and caring for them in their homes. However, HHAs usually need to earn a HHA certification to become equipped with the knowledge and skills to care for the patients.

There are no standardized federal requirements for HHAs. The requirements differ by state. Many employers and agencies offer state-approved training programs.

States educational requirements include a high school diploma. However, a GED is usually acceptable.

Those who have a high school diploma should prove they’ve already completed the courses needed to complete the job such as:

• Health.
• Biology.
• Anatomy.
• Communication.

Unlike a certified nursing assistant (CNA), HHAs don’t need a home health aide certification for every HHA job, but HHAs who pursue certifications have more opportunities.

What HHA Certification Training Includes

The home healthcare industry is a $302 billion industry. Therefore, training would be an asset.

A HHA certification provides HHAs with training to care for patients with chronic health conditions and disabilities.

The home health aide training involves HHA classes which teach HHAs how to do the following:

• Infection control.
• Safety/fall prevention.
• Hygiene assistance.
• Elder abuse recognition.
• Safe mobility management.
• Assessing vital signs.
• Patient care.
• Range-of-motion assistance.
•  Emergency response.
• Service training.

How to Become a HHA

The process to become a HHA is easy. You just need to complete the following steps:

Take the Training Course

You would need to take the course from an accredited institution. If you want to work for an organization that is covered by Medicaid or Medicare, you must complete a state-approved program.

Medicare- and Medicaid-approved home health agencies, like All American Home Care, must have training programs that have 75 hours of training which include 16 hours of classroom training. Afterward, they also must have 16 hours of supervised practical training.

Training may also happen once you are hired for the job, because then an experienced at-home nurse can supervise you.

Pass the written exam

Once you have completed the coursework, you will receive a written exam.

The test usually has 60 to 70 questions which covers core topics such as patient care and vital signs. You also get 90 minutes to complete the test, and you must earn a passing grade. Depending on the state, the passing grade is either 70 percent or 80 percent.

Complete the Practical Skills Exam

In addition to the written exam, there’s a practical skills exam. This exam will test three to six skills which the test moderators will pick at random.

Such skills can include how to bathe patients and how to take their vital signs. This part of the text takes 25 to 30 minutes to complete.

Again, depending on the state, you must achieve either 70 percent or 80 percent to pass the practical skills exam.

Get Listed in the HHA Registry

Once the HHA has successfully completed the training, he or she will receive a certification and a listing in the state and federal directories of HHAs. The United States Department of Health and Human Services is the federal department that controls the registry.

Benefits of a HHA Certification

Even though a certification is not mandatory, more states are requiring additional training before becoming a HHA. Even if you’re looking at a job that does not need certification, it is a good idea to still complete such a training program.

Why?

Because there are so many benefits to a training program.

Meets Job Requirements

Many HHA roles have expanded responsibilities or hybrid roles; some of these tasks legally require a HHA certification before the HHA can perform these duties.

After you are listed in the registry, you can use your certification on resumes and job applications to market yourself.

In addition, insurance companies, which insure home health agencies, are creating their own independent requirements. Some of these independent requirements demand HHA certifications.

So, try to look at the insurance guidelines too as you search for companies where you want to work.

Leads to Meaningful Work

Out of all the members of the home healthcare team, HHAs are the ones who have the strongest relationship with the patients. They are the ones who are inside the home, talking to the patients, sharing stories, and bonding.

They prevent their patients from becoming isolated. They reduce the client’s stress. They help with their self-confidence.

Being a HHA is rewarding work, because you are helping patients, and their families, through one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Provide Useful Skills

The HHA certification provides you with the skills you can use outside of the job too. You can use your first aid skills on your own family members. If any of your family members or relatives need emergency care, you know you have the knowledge and experience to lead the situation.

You can also use the skills you have learned to take care of yourself too.

Giving Other Caretakers a Break

You’re also giving the other family members and friends, who are taking care of their loved ones, a break from caregiving. Caregiving is a strenuous job, especially if the work is added to the responsibilities of having a job and a family.

Caregivers, who always work with loved ones and never take breaks, can get caregiver burnout. By assisting during certain hours, you are preventing caregiver burnout from occurring and helping the family stay healthy to continue taking care of the patient.

An Increasing Need for HHAs

As more Americans choose to receive care at home rather than in hospitals or nursing facilities, the need for qualified, compassionate Home Health Aides (HHAs) continues to grow. These professionals play a vital role not only in assisting with everyday tasks, but also in providing companionship, comfort, and peace of mind to patients and their families.

If you’re ready to start a rewarding career in a fast-growing field, becoming a certified HHA could be your path forward. With the right training, commitment, and compassion, you can be the helping hand that truly changes lives, one home at a time.