HHA certification stands for Home Health Aide certification, which provides individuals with the training to care for people with chronic health conditions and disabilities in their homes. To become a certified home health aide, you need to complete a training program that typically requires 120 hours of classroom training and 40 to 60 hours of clinical work. The specific requirements for HHA certification vary by state, so it is important to research the requirements in your state before enrolling in a training program.
Certified home health agencies often provide the necessary training, testing, and assessments, but preparatory classes are also offered at community colleges or through vocational/technical schools. The National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) offers national certification for home health aides that is voluntary. To become certified by the NAHC, you must complete 75 hours of training and pass a comprehensive exam.
Once you obtain HHA certification, you may work in a number of different settings, including the homes of your clients, assisted living facilities, group homes, and adult day care centers. The average salary for a home health aide is around $27,000 annually, and the employment outlook is very good.
