Key Points

• HHAs provide personal care, companionship, and basic medical support to clients at home.
• To become an HHA in Connecticut, one must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency evaluation.
• Home health aide training takes 4–6 weeks and costs between $500–$1,500.
• Connecticut HHAs earn an average of $39,160 per year ($18.83/hour).
• Job growth for HHAs is projected at 17% from 2024–2034.
• Multiple eligibility pathways are available through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for CHHA exam qualification.

What is a Home Health Aide?

A Home Health Aide (HHA) helps clients maintain independence by assisting with personal care, nutrition, and daily living activities under the supervision of a nurse or healthcare provider.

Common responsibilities include:

• Assisting with bathing, grooming, and dressing
• Monitoring vital signs and medication reminders
• Preparing and serving meals
• Helping with mobility and household chores
• Offering companionship and emotional support
• Reporting health changes to supervisors

Where Do Home Health Aides Work?

Home Health Aides in Connecticut typically work in:

• Private Homes: Providing one-on-one care for clients.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Supporting residents with daily tasks.
• Hospitals: Assisting with post-surgery recovery and rehabilitation.
• Home Health Agencies: Connecting HHAs with clients who need care.
• Hospice and Palliative Care Centers: Providing compassionate end-of-life care.

Educational Requirements to become a Home Health Aide in Connecticut

To qualify as an HHA in Connecticut, candidates must meet state and federal requirements set by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED (recommended but not always required)
• State-Approved HHA Training Program (75 hours minimum) covering patient care, safety, hygiene, and communication
• CPR and First Aid Certification (often included in training)
• Background Check and Health Clearance

Programs must meet the federal 75-hour training standard, including classroom instruction and supervised practical experience.

Certification and Eligibility Pathways in Connecticut

Connecticut offers multiple eligibility routes to become a certified Home Health Aide, depending on your background, education, and experience. These pathways are recognized by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and national certifying bodies such as the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

1. High School Pathway

For current students or graduates of an NCCT-authorized high school within the past five years:

• Must be a current student or have graduated within the last five years
• Submit a Home Health Aide diploma or certificate of completion
• If HHA courses appear on your transcript, submit the official signed transcript
• All documentation must be submitted within two years of program completion
  Note: Graduates initially receive provisional certification until all documents are verified.

2. Current Student Pathway

For students currently enrolled in a postsecondary HHA program at an NCCT-authorized institution (including U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeships):

• Must be a U.S. high school graduate or GED holder
• Provide a Home Health Aide diploma, certificate, or official transcript
• Students may test before graduation but must submit documentation within two years of completion

3. Graduate Pathway

For those who completed a postsecondary NCCT-authorized program within the last five years:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Submit a Home Health Aide diploma, certificate, or transcript with graduation date
• All documentation must be provided before testing

4. Experience Pathway

For applicants with work experience as a Home Health Aide:

• Option 1: Six months of full-time experience within the last five years (with at least two clients)
• Option 2: One year of full-time experience within the last five years
• Submit a high school diploma or GED and an HHA Qualification by Experience form verified by your employer

5. Military Pathway

For those who completed HHA-equivalent training through U.S. military service:

• Must be a U.S. high school graduate or GED holder
• Submit a SMART transcript or DD214 showing completion of formal medical training
• Documentation and training must be current within the last five years

How to Get Your Home Health Aide Certification in Connecticut

Step 1: Enroll in a State-Approved HHA Program

Choose a Connecticut DPH-approved training program that includes both classroom learning and supervised clinical experience.
Look for:

• Flexible scheduling options
• Financial aid or employer sponsorship
• Specialized courses (e.g., hospice, dementia, or pediatric care)

Step 2: Complete Training and Legal Requirements

Before certification, candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass a background check and health screening
• Obtain CPR and First Aid certification