There are many reasons why you may wish to complete home health aide training. Caring for elderly, injured, or disabled individuals in their own home can be a rewarding experience for both the career and the person receiving care.
Completing an online home health aide training program could be one of your first steps toward becoming a professional caregiver. Or, it might be an extra step to give you an edge in your chosen career path.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
By earning your home health aide certificate online, you could be well-equipped to pursue certification and provide assistance to a variety of individuals.
Universities Offering Online Undergraduate Certificate in Home Health Aide Training Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Aims Community College
Aims Community College offers a Nurse Aide Certificate Program. This program may be an ideal fit for students interested in the field of healthcare who are passionate about helping others. The curriculum combines didactic coursework, lab experiences, and clinical fieldwork. Many graduates pursue careers in settings like nursing homes, hospitals, home healthcare, and long-term rehabilitation centers.\
Aims Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Auburn University
Auburn University offers a Home Health Aide Certificate. Courses cover essential topics like daily task assistance, nutrition, elder care, medication administration, and transportation. Students can typically complete the certificate in 4 to 6 months of study. Most classes meet online, while clinical hours are completed in the field.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College offers a Certified Nurse Assistant program. The curriculum is designed to equip students with essential skills in infection control, emergency response, personal care support, and professional behavior. Didactic courses meet online, while clinical practicums are completed in-person at an approved institution. Incoming students can select one of several start dates each year.
Bismarck State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
City College of New York
City College of New York offers a Home Health Aide Training Certificate. Many graduates pursue roles in settings like private homes, homecare organizations, or long-term care facilities. The program utilizes a hybrid format that combines on-campus classes and clinicals in the field. Classes cover essential topics like personal care, taking vitals, wound care, and housekeeping.
City College of New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
City College of San Francisco
City College of San Francisco offers a Certificate for Home Health Aides and Nurse Assistants. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level support roles in healthcare settings. Classes meet fully or partially online. Potential courses include Convalescent Care, Acute Care, and Home Health Aides.
City College of San Francisco is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Drake State Community & Technical College
Drake State Community and Technical College offers a Certificate for Healthcare Support Staff. Students can specialize as nursing assistants, phlebotomy technicians, medical administrative assistants, medication assistants, or patient care technicians. The curriculum combines theory courses, lab experiences, and clinical hours. Courses meet in a blend of in-person and online delivery formats.
Drake State Community and Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a Home Health Aide Certificate. Students must complete a minimum of 140 attendance hours of coursework, labs, and clinical practicum to earn the certificate. The curriculum is designed to helps students develop a broad skillset. It covers topics like patient safety, interpersonal communication, ethical issues, blood borne disease management, wellness, and evidence-based care.
Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Johnson County Community College
Johnson County Community College offers a Certified Nurse Aide Certificate. This program may be an excellent option for students pursuing entry-level roles in settings like long-term care facilities, hospitals, and clinics. Classes meet online, while clinicals must be attended in person. Students can potentially complete the program’s requirements in just 4 weeks of full-time attendance.
Johnson County Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Quincy College
Quincy College offers a Certificate for Home Health Aides. This program is designed for individuals interested in support roles in healthcare settings. Classes cover essential concepts like ambulation, human development, nutrition, mental illness management, and infection prevention. This non-credit program can potentially be completed in just 120 hours of class attendance.
Quincy College is accredited by The New England Commission of Higher Education.
Lehman College
Lehman College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program. Potential classes include Fundamentals of Patient Care, Anatomy and Physiology, and CPR for Healthcare Providers. The curriculum spans 125 total hours of instruction. Students must complete a blend of synchronous online coursework and clinical internship hours at approved institutions.
Lehman College of the City University of New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Norwalk Community College
Norwalk Community College offers a Certificate for Certified Nurse Aides. This program aims to prepare students for a variety of entry-level roles in healthcare. This program’s non-credited curriculum consists of 111 hours of classwork. Students can typically complete this accelerated program in 6 weeks of full-time attendance.
Norwalk Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Oakton Community College
Oakton Community College offers a Basic Nurse Assistant Training Certificate. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the fundamental skills needed to excel in long-term care, home health, and hospital settings. This program requires the completion of 8 credit hours. Most students can complete the certificate requirements in 1 semester of full-time attendance.
Oakton Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University offers a Home Health Care Management Certificate. This program is designed for registered nurses in leadership roles looking to expand their expertise in home health settings. The curriculum consists of two courses for a total of 6 credit hours. Students can attend their classes entirely online.
Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
St. Charles Community College
St. Charles Community College offers a Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate program. The curriculum introduces key concepts, like basic nursing skills, patient rights, infection control, safety, medication administration, and communication. Students must complete a combination of didactic coursework and clinical experience in the field. This is a non-credit program.
St. Charles Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
University of Nevada – Las Vegas
The University of Nevada—Las Vegas offers a Certificate for Certified Nursing Assistants. Students who enjoy helping others and are interested in the field of healthcare may find an ideal next step in this program. This non-credit curriculum spans 96 total instructional hours. The course covers topics like personal care, emergency procedures, psychosocial needs, and patient rights.
UNLV is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Home Health Aide Training Programs Online
The definition of a “home health aide” can vary from state to state. This is because while many online home health aide certificate programs meet the federal requirements for certification, states can also add their own stipulations for those who plan to work with patients.
In some cases, home health aides provide more personal assistance than medical care. They are often responsible for helping their patients with tasks such as:
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Basic housework, such as laundry and light cleaning
- Preparing meals and doing the grocery shopping
- Arranging for appointments and transportation
Additionally, home health aides are often asked to observe their patients to recognize any signs of disease or distress. Depending on the state in which they practice, they may be able to:
- Monitor vital signs
- Dress and care for wounds
- Administer medications
Earning a home health aide certification online can lead to a career working one-on-one with individuals to provide assistance with their daily care.
A variety of populations are served by home health aides. Though you may be familiar with elder at-home care, those who have completed HHA training can also work with new mothers and their babies or with those who are recovering from surgery or a medical condition.
Some home health aides work in group homes or care facilities, while others work as private personal care aides for individuals. The knowledge and skill sets you learn could also be applied to related care roles, such as nursing assistants, childcare workers, and physical therapist aides.
Home Health Aide Careers and Salaries
Most individuals who have completed their HHA training online go on to become home health aides or personal care aides. They often help others perform daily activities, such as dressing, taking medication, performing therapeutic exercises, and other self-care duties.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for home health and personal care aides is expected to increase by 25% over the next ten years, which is must faster than average.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
| Occupational Therapy Aides | $33,560 |
| Nursing Assistants | $30,310 |
| Orderlies | $29,990 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides — Individual and Family Services | $29,670 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides — Residential Disability Facilities | $29,230 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $29,200 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides — Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities | $29,140 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides — Home Healthcare Services | $28,630 |
| Childcare Workers | $27,490 |
For some students, earning an HHA certification is part of their long-term career goals in the field of healthcare and human services.
The training received as part of a home health aide certificate course can be beneficial to many professionals in the healthcare and personal assistance fields. Related positions include nursing assistant, childcare worker, and physical therapist aide.
Home Health Aide Certificate Curriculum & Courses
While the exact courses can differ between HHA programs, the curriculum of a HHA certificate program is designed to provide training in the skills provided by a home health aide.
Here are some examples of common HHA courses:
- Health and Safety in a Home Health Setting: This course will help you identify and avoid potential hazards when administering health care in another person’s home.
- Therapeutic Communication Techniques: In this course, you’ll gain the foundation for communicating clearly and effectively with your patients and their families.
- Anatomy and Physiology: This overview of the human body will help you assess the overall condition and complaints of your patients.
- Diseases and Disorders: In this course, you’ll learn about some of the common conditions you may encounter as a home health aide so that you can assess treatment effectiveness.
- Nutrition and Health Promotion: This course is designed to help you understand dietary differences to help patients make informed decisions about food preparation and intake.
- Law, Ethics, and Privacy: In this course, you’ll learn about common laws relating to patient care, and you’ll learn how to interpret other local laws and policies related to caregivers.
- Specialized Care Procedures: In this course, you’ll practice processes such as checking vital signs, monitoring treatment progress, and assisting patients with personal care routines.
- Time Management in Home Health: This course provides you with an understanding of how to schedule visits to provide thorough and effective care.
- Understanding Common Medications: Home health aides frequently administer medication, so this course reviews types of medicine and administration.
- Care for Different Populations: This course reviews types of home health care and explores how they differ.
Some of these topics may be combined into one course or addressed over multiple courses, depending on the HHA program design.
How to Be a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)
Here are some general steps toward becoming a certified home health aide (CHHA):
- Graduate high school or earn GED. This is a common admission requirement for HHA training certificate programs.
- Complete a home health aide training program. It’s strategic to choose a program that’s certified by your state in order to meet your state’s licensure requirements. Many programs follow federal regulations, which require at least 75 hours of training, with at least 16 hours of supervised hands-on learning.
- Pass your state’s CHHA competency exam. Most states have a written exam as well as a practical skills exam.
- Gain experience. The more you work with patients, the more experienced you can become as a home health aide.
One unique feature of many home health aide online certificate programs is the ability to work at your own pace. This means you are often able to enroll whenever you feel the time is right to start your certification process.
Most programs that award a home health aide certificate online can provide students with details regarding each state’s individual instruction and clinical guidelines. This could help you make important decisions regarding which program best fits your current goals.
Some employers may have additional requirements based on their particular practices, such as continuing education or specific procedural training. These often expand upon the federal and state guidelines for certification.
HHA Program Admissions Requirements
HHA schools can have their own unique admissions requirements, so it’s helpful to check out a program’s application process in detail before you get started.
Some common admissions requirements for HHA programs include:
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- High school transcripts or GED
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of intent
Many schools will ask students to complete an application, which may include essay questions. Additionally, some schools request an interview to get to know prospective students.
Home Health Aide Programs Accreditation
When researching potential HHA certificate programs, you may wish to give special consideration to schools that are regionally accredited.
You can visit the website for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to verify a school’s accreditation status. Regionally accredited schools have been evaluated for the quality of their curriculum, their faculty, their student services, and more.
In many cases, certification or licensing boards require applicants to complete an accredited home health aide training program. Employers often prefer candidates who have participated in an accredited program as well.
HHA Licensure and Certifications
Depending on your state and employer, you may be asked to earn specific licensure or certification in order to work as a home health aide.
While licensure and certification requirements can vary greatly from state to state, some common certification requirements include:
- Home health aide training
- Written certification exam
- Practical skills certification exam
It’s beneficial to check with your particular state and prospective employers to see what certification, if any, they require for home health aides. Training requirements can change from state to state as well. Some home health agencies offer their own training programs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you’re interested in needs-based tuition assistance for your online home health aide training program, you can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Completing this application is the first step toward determining whether you are eligible for federal financial assistance. You can see if your state offers aid programs as well. In addition, many schools offer payment programs or financing opportunities for students who are looking for help paying for their HHA programs. Scholarships or grants based on academic performance may also be offered through some programs.
What Is an HHA Certificate?
A home health aide (HHA) certificate is one of the many undergraduate programs available to those who wish to provide medical and health care for patients at their homes.
They may service a variety of populations, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and those in rehabilitation following a major medical event. You could choose to earn your HHA certificate as a first step toward a health and wellness role. This program can help you develop the necessary knowledge and skills to assist patients in many daily tasks.
What Can You Do with an Online HHA Training Certificate?
Most people who earn their HHA training certificate online go on to obtain certification as a home health aide in their state.
Many home health aides work with home health agencies to provide essential daily care to those who desire assistance. Professionals who work in these roles can serve many different populations and provide many different types of assistance.
You could also apply your skill sets to related care roles. Examples include nursing assistant, childcare worker, personal care aide, and physical therapist aide. Depending on the state and employer, some of these positions may require additional training. Some home health aids decide to further their educations and pursue a health services degree online or on campus.
What Does a Home Health Aide Do?
The exact daily duties of a home health aide can vary, depending on their employer and each individual patient.
In many cases, home health aides administer medication, monitor vital signs, assist with dressing, grooming, and bathing, and provide basic housekeeping and nutritional assistance. Other duties may include running errands or scheduling appointments.
Home health aides can work for specialized home health agencies, assisted living facilities, retirement and residential communities, hospice programs, and private homes.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online HHA Training Certificate?
The length of time it takes to complete your HHA certificate program online depends on the program you select as well as the amount of time you are able to devote to your studies.
Many programs allow you to work at your own pace. While many HHA programs are designed to be completed within 4 months to 8 months, you may have up to 1 year or 2 years to finish your coursework. Many online HHA training courses also provide opportunities for students to complete an externship for clinical hours. These could count toward the overall certification process.
What’s the Difference Between a CNA vs. HHA?
While some states and employers request professionals who provide home health aid to have both a CNA and an HHA, these are two distinct credentials.
| Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | Home Health Aide (HHA) |
|
|
Depending on state regulations, distribution of medication, wound dressing, and monitoring vitals can be part of a CNA’s or an HHA’s daily duties.
Is It Worth Getting a Home Health Aide Online Training Certificate?
Yes, getting a home health aide online training certificate is worth it for many professionals. Those who are able to provide home health and personal assistance may experience significant career growth. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 25% job growth for home health and personal care aides over the next ten years.
Completing a home health aide certificate program could help you prepare for certification, which could demonstrate your skill sets and competency in the field. Many find the work of a home health aide to be rewarding, as you may provide care for people who are elderly, disabled, or in need of temporary assistance with basic self-care.
Getting Your Home Health Aide Training Online
If you’re interested in providing daily care for individuals in need of assistance, getting your home health aide certificate online could be a strategic step.
As a home health aide, not only could you help individuals live a dignified, independent lifestyle, but you could also develop skills that can be helpful in a variety of healthcare support roles. Certification requirements can vary from state to state, so it’s beneficial to verify that your chosen HHA certificate program meets your state’s licensing criteria.
You can take a look at online HHA programs from accredited schools today to determine which ones best meet your needs and goals.
