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A home health aide usually works in a home-based setting, be it public or private.
This is a job for those who like working with those in need of help with daily living.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements and Job Duties in Alabama
In Alabama, the requirements differ based on employment circumstances, but there is no actual state certification.
Furthermore, there’s no need for formal education either, though training programs do exist, and training on the job is pretty common as well.
Some employers will ask for a certification, such as the Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certificate, obtainable from the National Healthcareer Association.
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) are generally a type of home health aides, but these nurses have greater responsibilities and nursing-related duties.
Requirements may include:
- Passing a background check
- Ability to handle weights
- TB test
- Drug screening
- Compassion
- Communication skills
- Providing positive supportive interaction
Those who work for Medicare/ Medicaid Home Health Agencies will be required to:
- Have a minimum of 75 hours of training
- Have at least 16 hours of clinical training
Those working for the State of Alabama Personnel Department will need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A driver’s license
- Training or national certification eligibility
- Passing an exam
- Six months of probationary employment
- 40 hours of on-the-job training
The job duties of a home health aide depend from employer to employer, but can include:
- Household chores, such as meal preparation
- Personal care and hygiene
- Basic health-related tasks
- Transportation
Home Health Aide Education
Earning a certification, even if not mandatory, will increase your chances of finding employment.
In Alabama, you’ll have to attend some classes before earning the certification.
The training for the certification usually lasts for a semester and the programs can be found at accredited colleges.
Before enrolling, you might need to undergo and pass:
- A physical examination,
- Some blood tests,
- A background check
The schools offering such training can be seen in the table below.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lawson State Community College | 3060 Wilson Road SW Birmingham, AL 35221 |
| Shelton State Community College | 9500 Old Greensboro Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 |
| Shelton State Community College | 3401 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 |
| Shelton State Community College | 186 Field of Dreams Drive Gallion, AL 36742 |
| Trenholm State Community College | 1225 Air Base Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36108 |
In some cases, these programs are available only through a hiring agency, so being already employed might be another enrolling requirement.
To get certified, you’ll have to pass the Direct Care Alliance Personal Care and Support Credential Exam.
Salary and Career Outlook
The demand for home health aides appears to be on the rise, and this occupation does have career advancement possibilities.
Additional education may be required of those who hope to create a career in this healthcare sector.
Salaries depend on many different factors, including job setting, duties, and experience.
The cities of Birmingham, Huntsville, and Madison, are the ones where salaries are higher.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $24,071 |
| Montgomery | $22,799 |
| Huntsville | $24,050 |
| Mobile | $23,533 |
| Tuscaloosa | $23,835 |
| Dothan | $22,494 |
| Auburn | $22,791 |
| Decatur | $23,315 |
| Madison | $24,050 |
| Florence | $21,924 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 400 | $24,080 | $11.58 | $29,420 | $17,440 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 560 | $24,130 | $11.6 | $28,910 | $19,730 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 4,510 | $26,130 | $12.56 | $32,560 | $20,490 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 940 | $25,100 | $12.07 | $30,280 | $18,250 |
| Decatur, AL | 1,060 | $24,400 | $11.73 | $29,290 | $19,320 |
| Dothan, AL | 760 | $22,350 | $10.75 | $27,000 | $18,230 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 700 | $23,130 | $11.12 | $29,330 | $16,010 |
| Gadsden, AL | 450 | $22,300 | $10.72 | $27,580 | $17,210 |
| Huntsville, AL | 1,980 | $25,700 | $12.36 | $32,410 | $21,070 |
| Mobile, AL | 1,860 | $24,560 | $11.81 | $29,380 | $17,740 |
| Montgomery, AL | 1,280 | $24,060 | $11.57 | $29,340 | $18,240 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 1,270 | $25,430 | $12.22 | $30,600 | $19,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
The best employers, based on ratings, in Alabama, are:
- DeKalb Regional Home Health in Fort Payne
- Medical Centers HomeCare in Guntersville
- D W McMillan Home Health in Brewton
- Marion County Home Care in Hamilton
- Alacare Home Health and Hospice in Troy
- Amedysis Home Health in Fort Payne
- Gentiva Health Services in Jasper
- Randolph County Home Care in Roanoke
The rating of an agency is not an actual endorsement.
Some of these agencies may give scholarships to their best employees, helping them to get better positions.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Health Aide
HHA Schools by State