Key Points

• What is a Home Health Aide? A Home Health Aide (HHA) is a certified professional who provides hands-on personal care and basic health services to clients in their homes under the supervision of a nurse.

• How to become a Home Health Aide in California? To work as an HHA in California, you must complete a state-approved training program (120 hours, or 40 hours if you're a CNA), pass a competency evaluation, and obtain certification from the state.

• Length of training for a Home Health Aide: The required state-approved training program is 120 hours, which can be completed in a few weeks.

• Average Home Health Aide salary in California: The median salary for a Home Health Aide in California is approximately $37,500 per year.

• Number of employment of Home Health Aides in California: As of May 2024, there were approximately 650,000 Home Health and Personal Care Aides employed in California.

What is Home Health Aide?

Home Health Aides are responsible for providing basic healthcare services to patients in their own homes. Their duties may include assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and providing emotional support. They also help with light housekeeping and meal preparation to ensure a safe and clean living environment for their patients.

What does a Home Health Aide do?

An HHA's duties are a blend of personal care and basic health-related tasks, all conducted under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Common responsibilities include:

• Assisting clients with personal hygiene, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Helping with mobility, such as transferring from a bed to a chair or assisting with walking.
• Performing light housekeeping and preparing meals according to dietary needs.
• Taking and recording vital signs like blood pressure and temperature.
• Assisting with prescribed exercises and reminding clients to take their medications.
• Observing and reporting any changes in a client's physical or mental condition to the supervising nurse.

Requirements to Become a Home Health Aide in California

To work as a certified HHA in California, you must meet the specific requirements set by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

• Age: Be at least 16 years old.
• Approved Training: You must successfully complete a CDPH-approved training program of at least 120 hours. (Note: If you are already a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you only need to complete a 40-hour HHA program).
• Competency Exam: You must pass a competency evaluation upon completion of your training.
• Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check via Live Scan fingerprinting.
• State Certification: You must hold an active Home Health Aide certification issued by the California Department of Public Health.

How to Become a Home Health Aide in California?

The path to becoming a certified HHA in California is straightforward and designed to get you into the workforce quickly. Here's the step-by-step guide you can follow!

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can enroll in a course, your first step is to meet the basic state requirements. You must be at least 16 years old and be able to pass a background check, which is mandatory for working with vulnerable individuals. While a high school diploma/GED is not legally required by the state, it is a prerequisite for most training programs.

2. Enroll in a State-Approved HHA Program

Your next step is to find and enroll in a 120-hour Home Health Aide training program that is approved by the CDPH. These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and private training providers. The curriculum must include at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice in a lab or with actual patients. If you are already a CNA, you can enroll in an abbreviated 40-hour "CNA to HHA" conversion course.

3. Earn Your HHA Certification

After you complete your training and pass the required evaluation, you will earn your state certification, which makes you eligible for employment at any licensed home health agency in California.

How to Get a Home Health Aide Certification in California?

Complete the Training: You must successfully complete all modules of your 120-hour (or 40-hour) state-approved HHA training program, including the clinical component.

• Pass the Competency Evaluation: At the end of your course, you must pass a competency evaluation that includes both a written test and a practical skills demonstration.

• Apply to the CDPH: You must submit an initial application form and a Request for Live Scan Service form to the California Department of Public Health. Once your application and background check are cleared, you will be issued your HHA certification.

4. Apply for Home Health Aide Jobs

Once your HHA certification is active, you are ready to start working. You can explore the types of skills and knowledge employers look for in this role on MyNextMove.org.

How to Get a Home Health Aide Job in California?

Update your resume to highlight your new California HHA certification and any other relevant credentials like CPR/First Aid. Search for job openings on platforms like Indeed or directly on the career pages of major home health agencies in California. Many training providers have partnerships with local agencies and can provide direct job leads or placement assistance upon graduation.