So, you decided you want to work in the medical field in Missouri.
While there are many jobs you can apply for, becoming a home health aide is one of the easiest.
Let’s have a look at the job requirements and for how long you need to train.
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Ideal Candidate in Missouri
In Missouri, the ideal candidate has some particular job skills.
Some of these are:
- A driver’s license and ability to drive
- Compassion and listening skills
- In good physical standing
If you have the skills shown below, you can find a job faster:
- Knows how to prepare food
- Can take care of animals
- Can speak a second language
Training and Education in Missouri
In Missouri, home health aides need to get a certification.
Most of the employers ask for this certification before hiring new staff.
In order to achieve this, you will need to enroll in a training program.
The training programs in this branch last for a few weeks, which is convenient compared to other fields.
However, you can also get higher education by pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
By doing so, you will get a higher wave and increase job opportunities in the future.
You can attend training in any of the schools presented below:
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Carthage R9 School District-Carthage Technical Center | 609 River Street Carthage MO 64836-1332 |
Cass Career Center | 1600 E Elm Harrisonville MO 64701-2024 |
Clinton Technical School | 602 S. Fifth St. Clinton MO 64735 |
Concorde Career College-Kansas City | 3239 Broadway Kansas City MO 64111-2407 |
Crowder College | 601 Laclede Ave Neosho MO 64850 |
St Louis College of Health Careers | 909 South Taylor Avenue Saint Louis MO 63110 |
St Louis College of Health Careers | 1297 North Highway Drive Fenton MO 63026 |
State Fair Community College | 3201 W 16th Street Sedalia MO 65301-2199 |
Waynesville Career Center | 400 G. W. Lane Waynesville MO 65583 |
There are several subjects you will study in class.
Some of these are:
- Processes of development and aging
- Personal care services
- Infection control
- Nutrition
- Maintaining the least restrictive environment
- Body mechanics
- Assistive technology
In Missouri, you are required to attend 75 training hours.
Out of the total, 16 hours should be hands-on practice.
The license you will get at the end should be renewed on an annual basis.
After your training program is completed, you will have to take a licensing exam.
This exam will test your knowledge and skills you developed during training.
In order to get enrolled in a program, you have to meet these requirements:
- Pass a drug test
- Take and pass a tuberculosis test
- Take and pass a background check
- Take a few exams:
- Math
- Reading
- English
Most of the time, you will have to be 18 years old to attend a training program.
You should also have a high-school diploma or an equivalent.
However, in this state, 16-year-olds are also accepted.
You might also get your training paid by the company you are currently working for.
Jobs and Salaries in Missouri
In Missouri, you can find a job as a home health aide right after you finished your training.
There are many facilities that hire new home health aides, which include hospitals and private homes.
The most common way to score your first job is getting hired by an agency.
If you work in a bigger metropolitan area, you will also receive a higher salary.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Kansas City | $24,996 |
St. Louis | $25,070 |
Springfield | $24,579 |
Columbia | $24,800 |
Independence | $24,969 |
Lee's Summit | $24,901 |
O'Fallon | $24,866 |
St. Joseph | $24,759 |
St. Charles | $24,934 |
St. Peters | $24,880 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 1,410 | $29,420 | $14.15 | $35,290 | $24,960 |
Columbia, MO | 2,140 | $32,710 | $15.73 | $39,150 | $25,750 |
Jefferson City, MO | 1,020 | $30,710 | $14.76 | $37,360 | $24,960 |
Joplin, MO | 1,840 | $32,020 | $15.39 | $38,160 | $25,870 |
Kansas City, MO-KS | 19,540 | $31,730 | $15.26 | $38,420 | $24,960 |
St. Joseph, MO-KS | 1,740 | $30,660 | $14.74 | $37,430 | $27,040 |
St. Louis, MO-IL | 39,650 | $29,490 | $14.18 | $37,580 | $24,960 |
Springfield, MO | 5,710 | $31,360 | $15.08 | $36,100 | $27,500 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
The same applies once you worked for some years and gain some experience on the job.
Overall, the outlook for this industry is quite good, with job openings increasing every year.
Other Info on Home Health Aides in Missouri
If you feel this is your desired career, you need some info on the daily tasks.
These can include but are not limited to:
- Assisting them in changing their clothes and moving around
- Cutting the food in small pieces for them
- Anything else that makes daily life easier for the client
This might require you to stand for a few hours at once.
When needed, you will have to work at night and also on the weekends.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Health Aide