How to Become a Home Health Aide in Indiana (2025)

Not sure what you want to do?

Take our free career quiz

If you're looking for a direct path to a meaningful and in-demand healthcare career in Indiana, becoming a Home Health Aide (HHA) is an excellent choice. The state is home to over 60,000 of these essential professionals who earn a median salary of $32,150 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide provides the definitive 5-step process for navigating Indiana's specific training and certification requirements to launch your career providing vital care to clients in their homes.

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 Indiana? To work as an HHA in Indiana, you must complete a state-approved 75-hour training program, pass a competency evaluation, and be listed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.
Length of training for a Home Health Aide: The required state-approved training program is 75 hours, which can be completed in just a few weeks.
Average Home Health Aide salary in Indiana: The median salary for a Home Health Aide in Indiana is approximately $32,150 per year.
Number of employment of Home Health Aides in Indiana: As of May 2024, there were approximately 60,500 Home Health and Personal Care Aides employed in Indiana.

Article continues after recommendations

Recommended for you

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology with concentration in Mental Health

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology with concentration in Addictions

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology

Online

100% Online Learning
Earn your degree in just two years

Financial aid (may be available)

Waldorf University

BA Psychology/Criminal Justice

Online

Online, estimated completion in 4 years for full-time students
Covers criminal psychology, law enforcement, and corrections

Financial aid (may be available)

What is Home Health Aide?

A Home Health Aide (HHA) is a healthcare professional who assists individuals with daily activities in their own homes or residential care facilities. HHAs work with clients who may be elderly, disabled, or recovering from illness, helping them with personal tasks and basic health needs. More than just a caregiver, an HHA is a key part of the healthcare team who observes the client's condition, provides crucial support, and offers companionship, making a profound difference in their quality of life.

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 with personal hygiene and grooming, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature.
Administering medication as prescribed by healthcare professionals.
Assisting with mobility and physical therapy exercises.
Providing emotional support and companionship.
Performing light housekeeping tasks and meal preparation.

Requirements to Become a Home Health Aide in Indiana

To work as a certified HHA in Indiana, you must meet the specific requirements set by the Indiana Department of Health.

Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Education: Have a high school diploma or a GED.
Approved Training: You must successfully complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, which includes 16 hours of clinical practice.
Competency Exam: You must pass a competency evaluation upon completion of your training.
Background Check: You must pass a criminal history records check.

How to Become a Home Health Aide in Indiana?

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 18, hold a high school diploma or an equivalent credential, and be able to pass a background check, which is mandatory for working with vulnerable individuals.

2. Enroll in a State-Approved HHA Program

Your next step is to find and enroll in a 75-hour Home Health Aide training program that is approved by the Indiana Department of Health. These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and private training providers. The curriculum must include at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice in a lab or with actual patients.

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 Indiana.

How to Get a Home Health Aide Certification in Indiana?

Complete the 75-Hour Course: You must successfully complete all modules of your 75-hour state-approved HHA training program, including the 16 hours of clinical training.

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.
Get Listed on the Registry: Once you pass the evaluation, your training provider will submit your information to have you placed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry with the HHA designation.

4. Apply for Home Health Aide Jobs

Once your HHA certification is active on the state registry, 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 Indiana?

Update your resume to highlight your new Indiana 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 Indiana. Many training providers have partnerships with local agencies and can provide direct job leads or placement assistance upon graduation.

Get courses selected just for you

Try our powerful search engine

Try it now

5. Pursue Advanced Education

Your HHA certificate is an excellent starting point for a healthcare career. Many HHAs continue their education to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), which opens up opportunities in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. From there, you can continue your education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN).

Where can I find Home Health Aide classes in Indiana?

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a Home Health Aide in Indiana, Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs. Dreambound offers a comprehensive list of Home Health Aide classes in Indiana, including the option to search for programs in specific cities like Indianapolis. You can visit Dreambound to explore available classes near you and make an informed decision about your training.

By using Dreambound, you can easily find and compare Home Health Aide classes in Indiana, ensuring that you receive the education and training necessary to become a successful Home Health Aide in your desired location.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Home Health Aide

Becoming a Home Health Aide can open up a variety of career paths and opportunities within the healthcare field. Here are some potential career paths you can explore:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Many Home Health Aides choose to further their education and become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). CNAs provide direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. This career path offers more opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): With additional education and training, Home Health Aides can pursue a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. This career path requires completing a state-approved LPN program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Registered Nurse (RN): For those interested in a higher level of nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is an option. RNs provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and their families about various health conditions, and provide emotional support. This career path requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Healthcare Administration: Home Health Aides with strong organizational and leadership skills may consider a career in healthcare administration. Healthcare administrators oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations. Additional education in healthcare management or administration may be required for this career path.
Home Healthcare Agency Management: Home Health Aides who enjoy the administrative side of the industry may choose to pursue a career in home healthcare agency management. This role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of a home healthcare agency, including managing staff, coordinating care for clients, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Specialize in a Specific Area: Home Health Aides can also choose to specialize in a specific area of healthcare, such as palliative care, pediatric care, or geriatric care. By obtaining additional certifications and training, you can expand your knowledge and skills in a specific area and provide specialized care to patients with unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a Home Health Aide in Indiana?

It's very fast. The required state-approved HHA training program is only 75 hours long and can be completed in just a few weeks.

What is the difference between a caregiver and an HHA in Indiana?

A general "caregiver" or "companion" may not have formal training and typically provides non-medical companionship and housekeeping. A certified Home Health Aide (HHA) in Indiana has completed a 75-hour state-approved program, passed an exam, and can perform basic health-related tasks under the supervision of a nurse.

Are HHA and CNA the same thing in Indiana?

No, they are separate certifications. In Indiana, HHA training is 75 hours and is focused on home settings. CNA training is more extensive at 105 hours and qualifies you to work in a wider range of facilities, including nursing homes and hospitals.

How much does a home health aide get paid in Indiana?

The median salary for Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Indiana is $32,150 per year, or about $15.46 per hour.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a certified Home Health Aide can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. By following the steps outlined above, you can obtain your certification and start making a difference in the lives of individuals who need assistance with daily living activities. Remember to continuously update your skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities, as this will not only enhance your career prospects but also ensure that you are providing the best possible care to your clients. Whether you choose to advance your career in nursing or explore other opportunities in healthcare administration, the skills and experience gained as a Home Health Aide will serve as a solid foundation for your future endeavors.

Thinking about a potential career transition? Dreambound has detailed guides to help you with making informed decisions.

And here are some other programs we recommend:

Written by

Athena Kan

Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.

Share this post:

Article continues after recommendations

Recommended for you

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology with concentration in Mental Health

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology with concentration in Addictions

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology

Online

100% Online Learning
Earn your degree in just two years

Financial aid (may be available)

Waldorf University

BA Psychology/Criminal Justice

Online

Online, estimated completion in 4 years for full-time students
Covers criminal psychology, law enforcement, and corrections

Financial aid (may be available)

What is Home Health Aide?

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 with personal hygiene and grooming, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature.
Administering medication as prescribed by healthcare professionals.
Assisting with mobility and physical therapy exercises.
Providing emotional support and companionship.
Performing light housekeeping tasks and meal preparation.

Requirements to Become a Home Health Aide in Indiana

To work as a certified HHA in Indiana, you must meet the specific requirements set by the Indiana Department of Health.

Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Education: Have a high school diploma or a GED.
Approved Training: You must successfully complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, which includes 16 hours of clinical practice.
Competency Exam: You must pass a competency evaluation upon completion of your training.
Background Check: You must pass a criminal history records check.

How to Become a Home Health Aide in Indiana?

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

2. Enroll in a State-Approved HHA Program

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 Indiana.

How to Get a Home Health Aide Certification in Indiana?

Complete the 75-Hour Course: You must successfully complete all modules of your 75-hour state-approved HHA training program, including the 16 hours of clinical training.

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.
Get Listed on the Registry: Once you pass the evaluation, your training provider will submit your information to have you placed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry with the HHA designation.

4. Apply for Home Health Aide Jobs

Once your HHA certification is active on the state registry, 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 Indiana?

Get courses selected just for you

Try our powerful search engine

Try it now