Key Points

• What is a Home Health Aide? A professional who provides hands-on personal care, health monitoring, and daily support to clients in their homes under nurse supervision.
• How to become a Home Health Aide in Michigan? To work for a Medicare/Medicaid-certified agency in Michigan, you must complete a 75-hour state-approved training program (which includes 16 clinical hours) and pass a competency evaluation.
• Length of training for Home Health Aide: The 75-hour training program can often be completed in as little as 2 to 4 weeks.
• Average Home Health Aide salary in Michigan: The median salary for Home Health Aides in Michigan is $35,200 per year ($16.92/hour) (BLS, May 2024).
• Number of employment of Home Health Aides in Michigan: There are over 168,000 Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides employed in Michigan (BLS, May 2023).

What is a Home Health Aide

A Home Health Aide (HHA) is a healthcare professional who provides assistance and support to individuals who are unable to fully care for themselves. HHAs work under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare professionals to help patients with daily activities and provide basic medical care.

Some of the responsibilities of a Home Health Aide include:

• Personal Care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, and using the toilet.
• Health Monitoring: Taking and recording vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse).
• Mobility Assistance: Helping clients move safely, such as transferring from a bed to a wheelchair.
• Medication Reminders: Assisting clients in remembering to take their medications (HHAs cannot administer medications).
• Nutrition: Preparing meals that meet the client's specific dietary needs.
• Reporting: Observing and reporting any changes in the client's physical or mental condition to the supervising nurse.

Work Settings for Home Health Aides

Home Health Aides can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Private Homes: Many HHAs provide care to individuals who prefer to receive assistance in the comfort of their own homes.

• Assisted Living Facilities: Some HHAs work in assisted living facilities where they provide care to residents who require assistance with daily activities.

• Hospice Care: HHAs may work in hospice settings, providing end-of-life care and support to patients and their families.

Requirements to Become a Home Health Aide in Michigan

The requirements in Michigan depend on the type of caregiver you want to be. The role of "Home Health Aide" is a specific, federally-regulated job.

• For Uncertified Companion/Personal Care Aides: To do non-medical tasks (companionship, housekeeping, errands), you generally only need to be 18+ and pass a background check.

• For Certified Home Health Aides (HHA): To work for any home health agency that accepts Medicare or Medicaid (which is most of them), you must meet the federal requirements.

  • Age: Be at least 18 years old.
  • Education: Have a high school diploma or a GED.
  • Training: Complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours.
  • Clinical Hours: The 75-hour program must include at least 16 hours of supervised practical (hands-on) training.
  • Competency Exam: You must pass a competency evaluation (both written and skills) to prove your skills.
  • Background Check: You must pass a BCI/FBI criminal background check.
  • Health Screening: You will need a physical exam and a 2-step TB test.

How to Become a Home Health Aide in Michigan? To become a qualified Home Health Aide in Michigan, you must complete a 75-hour training program and pass a competency evaluation.

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you can enroll in a program, you must be 18, have your high school diploma or GED, and be able to pass a criminal background check and TB test.

2. Choose Your Path: HHA vs. CNA

This is the most important decision. In Michigan, the training requirements for an HHA and a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) are very similar.

• HHA Program: 75 hours (including 16 clinical hours). Qualifies you to work in home health.
• CNA Program: 75+ hours. Qualifies you to work in nursing homes and hospitals, and also fully qualifies you to work as an HHA.
• Recommendation: Enroll in a CNA program. The training is almost identical in length, but the CNA certification is far more versatile. It places you on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry and allows you to work in any setting, giving you many more job options and a clear path for advancement.

3. Enroll in a State-Approved Training Program

Find a 75-hour HHA or CNA program that is approved by the state of Michigan. These programs cover essential skills like infection control, personal care, patient safety, vital signs, and communication.

4. Pass the Competency Exam

After your training, you must pass a competency evaluation.

How to Get Your Home Health Aide Certification in Michigan?

If you take the HHA-only path, the exam is often given by your training agency. If you take the (recommended) CNA path, you must pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Exam (Prometric). This exam has two parts: a written (or oral) test and a hands-on skills test. Passing this places you on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry.

5. Apply for Home Health Aide Jobs

Once you are certified, you can begin applying for jobs. Look for "HHA jobs in Detroit," "Caregiver jobs in Grand Rapids," or "CNA jobs" (which you will be qualified for).

How to Get a Home Health Aide Job in Michigan?

Build a strong resume that lists your 75-Hour HHA certificate or CNA certification. Highlight your 16+ hours of clinical experience. Use MyNextMove.org (search for "Home Health Aides") to see a list of tasks you can include on your resume. Apply directly to home health agencies, hospice providers, and (if you're a CNA) hospitals.