How to Become a Home Health Aide
Learn how to become a home health aide (HHA) and concentrate on assisting the elderly, the disabled, and other patients recovering from illness and injuries by maintaining their quality of life and making them feel safe in their home. This career field has become one of the fastest growing careers today. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of home health aides employed in the U.S. is expected to grow up to 41% by 2026, which is more than 4 times the average occupational growth rate. This year, Blackstone has launched a new Home Health Aide Career Training Program specializing in high demand skills for healthcare professions. Discover if becoming a home health aide is the right career choice for you.
Job Outlook
Across the nation, thousands of people require home head aides in a variety of work fields such as home health organizations, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, nursing care facilities, private households and home care placement services.
It is common for home health aides to travel to multiple homes, centers, or facilities in a day to visit different patients. Depending on a client’s needs, aides may also work evenings and weekends.
The average pay for home health aides in 2018 was $24,200 while some making as high as $32,180. Due to the elderly population rapidly growing, this job field will continue increasing in demand and opportunity.
Education/Training
Home health aides and personal care aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Blackstone’s Home Health Aide is a diploma program that covers the knowledge and skills needed to obtain an entry-level home health aide position working in home or community settings. This comprehensive online course is comprised of 17 Lessons and an externship. Upon successful completion, students will earn an official certificate diploma.
The final requirement of Blackstone’s Home Health Aide program is an externship which will provide the opportunity to work directly with patients and a variety of healthcare professionals. The purpose of an externship is to gain hands-on training for your job field and in many cases has a lasting impact on one’s career.
Important Duties
Home health aides typically do the following:
- Assist clients in their daily personal tasks, such as bathing or dressing
- Housekeeping, such as laundry, washing dishes, and vacuuming
- Help to organize a client’s schedule and plan appointments
- Arrange transportation to doctors’ offices or other outings
- Shop for groceries and prepare meals to meet a client’s dietary specifications
- Keep clients engaged in their social networks and communities
Home health aides may provide some basic health-related services (depending on the state they work in), such as checking a client’s pulse, temperature, and respiration rate. They may also help with simple prescribed exercises and or with giving medications. Occasionally, they change bandages or dressings, give massages, care for skin, or help with braces and artificial limbs. With special training, experienced home health aides also may help with medical equipment such as ventilators, which help clients breathe.
Finding the Career for You
If you are considering HHA as your career or have question about this career field, simply contact our Admissions Department. Admissions Advisor, Chris D’Imperio is available to answer any questions you have about this accredited program or the healthcare field. You can reach him via email at cdimperio@blackstone.edu or by calling 800-826-9228 ext. 222. He is eager to provide resources and tools to inform you about this rewarding career of helping others!
