$191 to start
$2,200 total
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
$239 to start
$4,000 total
$975 total
$550 total
$530 total
$600 total
No cost info
No cost info
$369 total
No cost info
$399 total
$150 total
Are you interested in a healthcare career that makes a real difference? Home health aides (HHAs) provide vital support to seniors, people with disabilities, and those recovering at home. Chicago residents can launch this rewarding career by completing state-approved training and passing a competency evaluation.
A Home Health Aide (HHA) is a certified professional who helps clients with personal care and daily tasks in their homes. HHAs work under supervision to:
Learn more: Our guide on the functions of Home Health Aides explains their daily responsibilities.
To become a Home Health Aide, candidates must:
Illinois law also mandates annual sexual‑harassment prevention training and dementia‑specific coursework. Check the IDPH registry for approved programs and employer requirements.
When choosing a Home Health Aide class in Chicago, you should consider the following factors:
Home Health Aide classes blend classroom instruction with hands-on training. In the classroom, you’ll cover healthcare theory, while practical sessions provide real-world patient care experience. Topics usually include:
To start, you must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED, plus pass any medical exam and background check. Then, enroll in a state-approved course with at least 120 hours of training and required clinical practice. After finishing, pass the state’s written and practical exams within two years, then register with the Illinois Department of Public Health to be listed on the Health Care Worker Registry.
As a certified Home Health Aide, you can work in home health agencies, hospices, assisted living facilities, or private homes. Many employers actively hire HHAs to meet growing demand. You can explore openings on job boards, local healthcare listings, and resources like MyNextMove, which provides details on job outlook, skills, and opportunities.
Once you've become a Home Health Aide, you may consider advancing your career by pursuing further education. Possible options include becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or even a Registered Nurse (RN).
If you’re planning to start your HHA career in Chicago, here’s what you should know about program options, costs, and job prospects:
Becoming a home health aide lets you make a direct difference in people’s lives while entering a field with strong job growth. Illinois requires substantial training, but many Chicago programs offer flexible schedules and support services. Use Dreambound to compare nearby classes, check tuition and see which programs offer financial aid. With the right training you’ll be ready to support clients at home and start a rewarding career in healthcare.
If you’re in another location or planning a move, explore our other city-specific guides:
Looking into other careers? Dreambound has clear, helpful guides to help you choose the right path:
Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with our extensive selection of career & technical education partners.
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
Yes, Dreambound offers many online programs. On Dreambound's search, you can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person).
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