How to Become a Home Health Aide: Make a Difference

If you’re looking for a fulfilling and fast-growing career in healthcare, discovering how to become a home health aide (HHA) could be your answer.

A home health aide plays a vital role in supporting patients who need daily assistance with personal care, all provided in the comfort of their own homes.

And, the number of home health aides is increasing in the United States. As the population ages and more people decide to use in-home care rather than staying at an assisted-living facility, the demand for compassionate, well-trained HHAs increases.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a young adult, a retiree, or someone who just wants to make a difference in your community, becoming a home health aide offers a flexible, meaningful path into the healthcare field. It also shows a commitment to delving into a compassionate career where you work everyday to help others.

If you’re wondering how to become a HHA, this step-by-step guide has all the details you need to get started. 

What Is a Home Health Aide (HHA)?

An HHA is a valuable part of your home care services team. The HHA is a type of home healthcare caregiver who helps patients with difficulty performing routine activities, such as bathing, grooming, or feeding themselves.

For instance, a HHA may learn how to give a sponge bath or how to provide hair care in a bed. If a patient has limited mobility, the HHA may move or position a patient with a draw sheet (a folded bed sheet which is placed under a patient’s torso to help caregivers safely reposition or transfer them in bed).

They assist with a variety of tasks, which includes:

• Bathing, dressing.
• Brushing hair, teeth, or applying makeup.
• Medication reminders, pickup from the pharmacy.
• Using a cane or transferring to a wheelchair.
• Shopping, preparing meals, washing dishes.
• Monitor vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
• Light housework which includes sweeping, vacuuming, and laundry.
• Participating in light conversation.
• Emotional support.

However, the duties a HHA can perform varies from one state to another. For instance, in the majority of the states, HHAs cannot provide advanced nursing care, such as administering medication.

The HHA may work with a home health service agency, such as All American Home Care, a hospice, or independently.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Home Health Aide

To become a HHA, you need to become certified. The certificate is more than just a piece of paper. It symbolizes your quality commitment to your patients; that you will always be there to help them.

The certification also shows future employers that you have the knowledge and skills to provide the best care.

Step 1

First, you need to have the requirements before starting the home health aide training. That includes either having a high school diploma or having passed the General Education Development (GED).

Step 2

It’s important to research the specific requirements for HHA certification in the state. Then, you’ll need to know what criteria you need to complete to earn your certification.

Step 3

Next, you would need to apply to a Home Health Aide training program. You can find these programs at a variety of places – community colleges, vocational schools, private schools, and some employers.

Some community college programs may take a year to complete. The private school programs usually have a 75-hour requirement. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but those trainings aren’t formal. The quickest programs can take 4 to 7 weeks.

These training programs often call for classroom and clinical training. Before you register, make sure the state government has certified your program. Qualifications vary based by state. Otherwise, you might face challenges in getting your certification later on.

Also, make sure you pick a program which meets your needs and schedule. The cost to attend these programs is usually between $400 to $800.

Step 4

After you complete training, you need to apply for testing and certification through the test. The test consists of a written exam and a skills evaluation.

Before you take the test, make sure you review all of your notes and training. Passing the test illustrates that you’ve learned all the required tests through the training.

Step 5

Once you’ve passed the test, you can apply for the Home Health Aide Certification through the state government. You will need to submit multiple documentation, including proof showing your training has been completed and your exam results. There may also be fees that you need to pay.

Step 6

Now that you’ve successfully completed the certification process, you can start applying for jobs. Many home care agencies, such as All American Home Care, offer competitive pay and benefits to certified HHAs.

Aside from the proof of your training and your certification, your future employer will probably want an interview or a background check.

Step 7

Don’t forget that HHA licenses must be renewed. The renewal frequency of the license depends on the state. Also, some employers require their home health aides to complete in-service training.

Job Outlook and Career Opportunities

A home health aide career has a promising outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of HHA jobs available is projected to increase by 38 percent during the next two years.

The occupation of being a home health aide is ranked as the number two best health care support job in the U.S. News & World Report report best jobs rankings. The popular news magazine has also ranked a HHA career as the third best job without a college degree and it’s ranked as number 38 in the 100 best jobs category.

Furthermore, upward mobility, also according to U.S. News & World Report, has high upward mobility and low stress level.

However, keep in mind that being a home health aide does not make a lot of money. The median salary (2023) was $33,530. The top 25 percent made $36,550 that year and the lowest-paid 25 percent made $29,120.

That’s why the potential for career advancement in this field is very valuable.

Opening the Door to New Opportunities

These clear steps, which require training, certification, and gaining experience, will help teach you how to become a home health aide.

Once you become a home health aide, you’ll realize it’s more than just a job. You’re embracing a career that gives you meaning, personal fulfillment, and a chance to truly impact lives. The career opens the door to many rewarding opportunities.

Take the first step to learning how to be a home health aide today and begin your journey toward making a real difference in your community.