Why You Should Get Your HHA Certification [2021 Update]
Wondering why getting your HHA certification is important?
Getting your HHA certificate is your direct pathway to starting a successful career as a HHA.
Do you have a fondness for helping people and really want to get started in a great career where you will have a positive impact on someone’s daily life?
Or, perhaps you’re looking for an easy to enter, stable job in the medical field while you work towards becoming a nurse?
If you answered yes to one (or both) of the questions above, becoming a Home Health Aide is a choice for you to start your career in the medical field.
The great thing about becoming a HHA is there are minimal requirements and it takes a very short amount of time to earn your HHA certification.
Plus, the job outlook is great!
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this occupation, which includes home health and personal care aides, will increase by 34% between 2019 and 2029. As the aging population grows – the services of HHAs will continue to grow.
Your special services and skills are needed by many people!
All you need is your HHA certificate and you’ll be on your way to becoming part of this fast growing and in-demand health career field!
What do Home Health Aides do?
You may be wondering, what exactly to HHAs do?
Home Health Aides (HHAs) assist individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other limitations in the monitoring of their health on a day to day basis.
A majority of the individuals you will work with as a home health aide will most likely be elderly patients. how-to-obtain-home-health-aide-certificate
Duties may include helping with medication, monitoring vital signs, changing any necessary bandages, and seeing to other minor medical needs.
You may also be asked to tend to the patient’s personal needs such as bathing, meals, and bathroom visits.
In addition, HHAs maintain records of the patient’s health and reports any changes to a case manager or supervisor.
We have more information on the duties of HHAs available to you here.
Why Do I Need HHA Certification?
There are different requirements for working as a HHA, which vary by the state you live or work in.
Certain states require HHAs to get certified. Therefore, it is important to research the exact requirements in your state.
Some may have slightly different education requirements, but in many cases, you do not need a high school diploma or a GED to become a home health aide as long as you do have your home health aide certificate.
If you work for a company that accepts patients with Medicare or Medicaid, formal training is required before you can be hired.
If these factors aren’t true of the company you’re applying to work with, it may still be a good idea to get your home health aide certificate.
Earning a HHA certificate will give you a leg up on the competition and can also factor into potential promotion opportunities down the road.
It can only help boost your potential for getting better and higher paying jobs!
How Do I Get My HHA Certification?
A HHA certificate can likely be earned in a semester from most accredited colleges and post-secondary educational institutions.
In order to enroll in these programs, you may be asked to complete a physical examination, blood tests, and a background check.
During the course of the semester, you can expect to be spending approximately 75 hours in the classroom with a live instructor.
In addition, you will have clinical dates when you will be receiving hands on training with industry professionals.
There are also accredited online options available, including a diploma program through Ashworth College.
Once you have passed the class, you must take the Direct Care Alliance Personal Care and Support Credential Exam in order to earn your certificate.
Further information regarding scheduling your test time should be made available to you upon completion of your course.
So, you’ve passed the test. Congratulations! But what comes next?
You can now start searching for HHA jobs in your area.
In a matter of weeks or months, you could be well on your way to a promising new career as a home health aide.
Summary
Getting your HHA certification is key to getting your first job as an HHA and entering in the medical field.
After getting HHA certified, your options and growth opportunities can continue to flourish.
This is also a great opportunity to get your foot in the door and then reach higher to become a become a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
If you’ve decided that getting your HHA certification is for you, what are you waiting for? The next step is to get started with HHA training!
