Health care assistance is in demand, and there’s no better time to start your career as a home health caregiver, whether you’re looking for a job or want to change careers, this is the place to start.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What qualifications are necessary
- How much do home they make
- The best states to work as an HHA
- How long does it take to become one?
What Qualifications Do I Need?
Generally, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, you should also have a high school diploma or a GED, though this is not always necessary while some programs will require an associate’s degree in health care, the majority of home health aides are trained on the job.
You may also want to consider taking a CPR course and becoming certified as a nursing assistant and this can help you in the event of an emergency situation, and it can also give you an extra edge when looking for jobs.
The Best States to Work
The best states to work as a home health caregiver are the ones that have the highest demand for home health aides wherein the states with the highest demand for home health aides are:
California, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Virginia, and you might also want to consider what your salary expectations are before you decide on where to work.
If you’re just starting out, it might not make sense to move to a state that pays higher wages but has fewer jobs available because you’ll have less chance of landing a position.
How Long Does It Take to Become an HHA?
The time it takes to become a home health caregiver depends on what state you live in and the type of program you choose, you can typically get your education in as few as six months, or take an at-home course that could take up to three years.
The best way to start is by getting your Hha class first, then applying for jobs as you work towards becoming licensed and there are a variety of schools and programs that offer online training and certifications in-home health care assistance.
You can also find affordable training options through community colleges and vocational schools, their 120-hour online program includes two semesters of theory instruction and hands-on lab experience with simulated patients in simulated environments
Online Courses to Become a Certified Nurse Assistant
Online nursing assistant courses are a great option for those looking to become certified, the average cost of this course is $2,000, and you can take a course in as little as six months, wherein you can find certification programs at your local community college or online.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will have to have some form of healthcare experience before getting into an online nursing assistant program.
State Approved Courses for Certified Nurse Assistant
If you’re thinking about going into this kind of profession, it’s important to know that there are some state-approved programs for certified nurse assistants that can help you find work in your field.
The best part is these programs often have a lower cost than other programs and don’t require any previous experience, plus the RN program is just one of many state-approved courses for certified nurse assistants that can help you get started in your new career.