If you want to know what it takes to become a home health aide (HHA) in New Hampshire, this is the guide for you.
Here you can find out the requirements, average salary and more, so read on!
Article Table of Contents
Ideal Candidate
Every position has an ideal candidate.
For the home health aide, the candidate is:
- Licensed as a Licensed Nursing Assistant
- Dependable
- Accurate
- Strong
- Compassionate
- Able to drive
Some employers will also look for individuals who:
- Speak a second language
- Can prepare meals
- Like animals
- Is willing to learn
These skills and abilities will not be needed all at once, but they depend on the needs of the person in the aide’s care.
Training, Schools, and Licensing
To become licensed, individuals need to first complete an approved training program that is at least 100 hours long:
- 60 hours of classroom education
- 40 hours of clinical practice
Secondly, passing an examination is the following step towards licensure.
While in training, you’ll learn more about:
- Environmental safety
- Housekeeping
- Providing emotional comfort
- Becoming skilled in many other areas
- Respecting client rights
- Carrying out hygiene and grooming
- Feeding,
- Positioning and transfer,
- Assisting with motion
Those who complete nursing programs will qualify for the exam with no extra training.
The following institutions offer approved training programs for future Licensed Nursing Assistants.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Lakes Region Community College | 379 Belmont Road Laconia NH 03246 |
Salter School of Nursing and Allied Health | 670 N. Commercial St. Suite 403 Manchester NH 03103 |
Of course, these schools have some requirements when it comes to enrolling:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum age
The exam has 2 tests you’ll need to pass:
- Written part, which can also be oral
- Skills test for at least 5 skills
The exam can be taken through:
- Pearson Vue,
- Excel Testing
- The American Red Cross
The exam has 60 questions and the questions have multiple possible answers, but there can be small differences between the exam process.
Those who want to take the exam through the American Red Cross should know they’ll need to travel to Massachusetts for it.
To become licensed, you’ll have to send an application to the Board of Nursing.
You’ll have to show you:
- A clean criminal record
- Proof of passing the exam
To maintain the license, you’ll have to complete 200 hours of continuing education.
The license is renewed every 2 years.
If you come from a different state, you can apply through endorsement, but you’ll still have to meet the continuing education requirement.
Employment and Salary Info
There are various organizations in New Hampshire that will hire licensed nursing assistants, even if they’re not classified as home health agencies.
When seeking a job in this field in New Hampshire, candidates will have to look for ads containing words such as LNA, HHAs, or caregivers.
The work setting can be home care and residential care, though other settings might also be encountered.
In cities like Nashua, Derry, Merrymack, Londonderry, and Hudson, the average salary for Licensed Nursing Assistants is higher.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Manchester | $26,888 |
Nashua | $27,601 |
Concord | $26,277 |
Derry | $27,215 |
Dover | $26,073 |
Rochester | $25,966 |
Salem | $26,990 |
Merrimack | $27,601 |
Londonderry | $27,601 |
Hudson | $27,601 |
Regional Salary in New Hampshire
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 540 | $33,910 | $16.3 | $40,110 | $27,370 |
Manchester, NH | 1,450 | $35,420 | $17.03 | $42,160 | $27,930 |
Portsmouth, NH-ME | 670 | $34,790 | $16.72 | $43,160 | $24,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Other Information
Should be noted that there are some persons offering personal care for the individuals who cannot fully take care of themselves, but this personnel is not necessarily a home health aide.
As such, this type of personnel doesn’t need a nursing assistant license.
However, this license offers the most chances and options when it comes to finding a job in New Hampshire.
The licensed nursing assistants work under a nurse’s delegation.
These professionals may have to administer medication in some cases.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Health Aide