7 Best Online Home Health Aide Certification Programs

Certified Home Health Aides are in high demand across the United States.

Elderly patients, disabled patients, and people recovering from injuries are seeking private and public services for home care.

Today’s HHAs assist with daily living skills, medication reminders, grooming, bathing, and other necessary household support which can include light housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication reminders for clients in their care.

Beginning an exciting new career as a Certified HHA requires aspiring home care providers to commit to getting adequate education and training.

Our comprehensive guide to Home Health Aide education and training provides details on some of the best online home health aide certification programs.

Dive into the information-packed guide below to learn about top home health aide certifications, and typical job duties of home health aides, and get the inside scoop on top web-based programs offering online education!

What Is a Home Health Aide?

A Home Health Aide (HHA) is a skilled professional who is hired to work with elderly patients, disabled persons, and people recovering from accidents and injuries.

Home healthcare patients typically need assistance with a variety of daily living activities to maintain or improve their quality of life.

Home Health Aides can work independently as freelancers or as valued employees of home health agencies.

The following qualities are must-haves for incoming HHAs seeking to provide a high standard of quality care for their clients.

What Skills and Personality Traits Should a Home Health Aide Have?

• Keen Attention to Detail
• Communication Skills
• Compassion
• Empathy
• Integrity
• Patience
• Physical Stamina
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Reliability
• Strong Work Ethic

Top Home Health Aide Certifications

The most sought-after certification for new and seasoned Home Health Aides is the Certified Home Health Aide [CHHA]  credential.

Incoming HHAs can apply for certification through their educational providers or directly through the National Institute for Competency Testing which is the agency that administers and issues this credential.

The NCCT maintains links to helpful resources and sample exam questions for aspiring Home Health Aides on their website.

Learn more about their certification exams, fees, and application requirements by visiting the NCCT website.

Home Health Aide Job Duties

• Communication with Family Members
• Communication with Healthcare Professionals
• Communication with Insurance Companies
• Emotional Support and Companionship
• Personal Care Assistance
• Household Support Activities
• Medication Management
• Mobility Assistance
• Monitoring Vital Signs
• Specialized Care: Dementia Care / Alzheimer’s Care

New HHAs should note that today’s home healthcare workers may be required to engage in some or all of the daily job duties listed above.

The actual job duties will likely vary between clients and are contingent upon the individual needs of disabled, healing, and elderly homebound patients in their care.

Average Home Health Aide – Salary in the United States

Home Health Aides in the US bring home an average annual salary of around $33,530.00 per year according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook which provides salary and employment data for Home Health and Personal Care Aides in the US.

The projected job outlook for Home Health Aides is currently set to increase much faster than the average of all reported occupations at a rate of 21-22%.

Most Home Health Aides are employed by private individuals.

The next largest group of Personal Care Aides can be found working in Home Healthcare Services Facilities.

The remainder of the aides find employment in around-the-clock care facilities like retirement homes and assisted living communities.

Best Online Home Health Aide Training Programs

1. American Caregiver Association

About the Program

The American Caregiver Association is a privately operating program that provides online certification options for people seeking to become Home Health Aides.

Their online certification options include individual and bundled certification options.

Their training programs prepare online enrollees in most states to perform competently as privately hired caregivers and health aides in healthcare systems and retirement communities.

ACA’s online Home Health Aide certification is structured to satisfy the education and training requirements mandated by private employers, healthcare employers, and insurance companies.

Courses Offered

• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
• Behavior Management
• Family Caregiving
• Personal Care
• Private Duty Caregiving
• Self-Employed Caregiving Skills

Contact Information

• Website: Link
• Phone: 1-800-625-8108
• Estimated Program Costs: $99.00 – $278.96

2. Ashworth College

About the Program

Ashworth College offers an online Home Health Aide Career Diploma that readies aspiring aides to work as independent caregivers and in healthcare facilities.

Their self-paced program is comprised of four classes that instill the caregiving fundamentals and safety training, and guide specialized home health care services.

Online students who enroll in Ashworth’s career diploma program will receive e-books, student portal access, learning resource center access, and access to specialized research materials as part of their program.

Courses Offered

• Blood Borne Pathogens
• Body Mechanics
• Environmental Safety Hazards
• Home Care Fundamentals
• Vital Signs
• Emergency Procedures
• OSHA Regulations

Contact Information

• Website: Link
• Phone: 1-800-957-5412
• Estimated Program Costs: $20.00 – $1,000.00

3. Central Virginia Community College

About the Program

Central Virginia Community College operates an Online Home Health Aide course that teaches foundational, fundamental, and practical skills required for success as a working Home Health Aide.

Their 280-course hour program is part of the college’s career series.

CVCC allows enrollees up to 12 months to complete this self-paced program online.

This online HHA training program features open enrollment, which means new students can apply and enroll anytime.

It also features a “test-out” feature that allows experienced students to gain course credit for existing skills and experience.

Courses Offered

• Medical Terminology
• Comfort Care
• The Role of a Home Health Aide
• Preventing the Spread of Infectious Disease
• Mental Health
• Diagnostic Procedures

Contact Information

• Website: Link
• Phone: 855-520-6806
• Estimated Program Costs: $2,495.00 – $2,990.00

4. Kansas Works

About the Program

Kansas Works is a state-based workforce development agency that provides career training and education programs for in-state and out-of-state learners.

They have an online Home Health Aide training program that awards a certificate of completion to candidates who complete their online training program with the required passing score.

The Kansas Works program is accredited by the Kansas State Board of Regents and provides instructional education as part of their workforce management programs.

Students who enroll in this program will receive all relevant instruction materials and exam fees included in the cost of tuition.

Courses Offered

• Ethical and Legal Considerations for Home Health Care Providers
• Communication Techniques for Healthcare Professionals
• Medical Conditions and Disabilities
• Infectious Disease Control
• Medication Management
• Documenting and Reporting Client Observations

Contact Information

Website: Link

Phone: 888-932-2501

Estimated Program Costs: $324.00

5. Penn Foster

About the Program

Penn Foster operates one of America’s longest-running distance-based schools that help career seekers learn new skills, certifications, and diplomas from the comforts of home.

They have an online Home Health Aide training program that awards students with a career diploma upon completing their 9-month program.

There are no prerequisites to enroll in Penn Foster’s accredited and self-paced Home Health Aide training course.

Online students have 24-hour access to their online portal and educational resources.

Students can expect to take 25 exams, complete one mandatory course project, and a mandatory local externship to round out 9 courses in 9 months.

Courses Offered

• Body Systems and Medication
• Home Health Care Procedures
• Law, Ethics, and Confidentiality
• Meeting Client Needs
• Nutrition
• Therapeutic Communication Skills

Contact Information

• Website: Link
• Phone: 1-800-471-3232
• Estimated Program Costs: $789.00 – $1,039.00

6. Relias Academy

About the Program

Relias Academy provides Home Health Aide certification training online.

Their web-based training program features a series of online courses that can be taken individually or as a bundle.

Relias Academy program satisfies the State of Kentucky’s requirements for Alzheimer’s and Dementia education and trains independent and agency-based aides on the legal, ethical, and compliance-related issues for HHAs.

Students who complete individualized or bundled courses will receive certificates of completion for each course.

Courses Offered

• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
• Home Health Aide
• Home Health and Corporate Compliance
• Home Healthcare Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
• Personal Care Aide
• Quality of Healthcare Services

Contact Information

• Website: Link
• Phone: 1-800-910-0223
• Estimated Program Costs: $20.00 – $100.00 per course.

7. State of Massachusetts

About the Program

The State of Massachusetts offers Personal Care and Home Health Care training as part of its workforce development initiatives.

Their workforce development training program is available in multiple languages and prepares enrollees to take on roles as Home Health Aides in private and public settings.

This program awards certificates of completion for each module and offers continuing education options for students who want to further their training.

Their online HHA program also links directly to the Massachusetts state-based job boards for in-state students seeking job opportunities upon program completion.

Courses Offered

• Family Caregiving Skills
• Homemaker Course
• Meal Preparation
• Patient Care
• Patient Communication
• Personal Care Homemaker

Contact Information

• Website: Link
• Phone: 617-727-7750
• Estimated Program Costs: $0.00

Schools Offering Online Home Health Aide Certification Programs

What Courses Are in an Online Home Health Aide Certification Program?

Home Health Aides in training can expect to take a variety of different training courses that educate them on crucial concepts including hands-on patient care, and communication with clients, insurance companies, and client families.

The following are a few examples of courses offered in some of the best HHA online programs in the list above.

• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
• Body Systems
• Home Healthcare Certification Preparation
• Home Healthcare Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
• Home Healthcare Law, Ethics, and Compliance
• Meal Preparation Skills
• Mental Health Concerns
• Patient Care Skills
• Patient Communication Skills

Can You Earn Home Health Aide Certification Completely Online?

Yes! The great news for prospective Home Health Aides across the US is that they can get home healthcare training completely online from accredited and private providers.

The best online home health aide certification programs include comprehensive education, self-paced learning options, and web-based access to course materials, research materials, e-books, and online home health community networks where fellow students and graduates can share best practices and tips.

How Long Does it Take to Earn Home Health Aide Certification Online?

The amount of time it takes to earn your HHA certification depends on several factors.

Some fast-track programs can be completed in just a few days or weeks along with more comprehensive programs that can take up to twelve months to complete.

In most cases, students who get their Home Health Aide training online can complete all program requirements, externships, and relevant certification testing in less than one year.

How Much Does an Online Home Health Aide Certification Cost?

The cost of Home Health Aide certification varies between educational providers and institutions.

For example, private colleges and universities may have per credit hour or course hour charges while state-based workforce development training programs offer entire curriculums and programs online for free.

Many of the programs above offer financial assistance or financial aid for qualified students.

They also offer payment plans to help break down program costs over a monthly payment schedule.

The best online training programs listed above offer web-based HHA training for costs that start as low as zero dollars to costs that range over two thousand dollars for more comprehensive programs.

Summary

Now that you know what to expect from some of America’s best home health care training programs are you ready to take the next step and learn more about how to become a home health aide?

If you’re thinking about becoming a Home Health Aide, chances are high that you will be able to find a job in the industry.

America’s BLS reports that the demand for skilled home care professionals is set to skyrocket over the next few years.

They also say that this career is projected to grow at a rate that is about 22% faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Serious students who are ready to take the next steps and begin their careers should complete their due diligence by researching the best online home health aide certification programs that meet their needs for education, training, curriculum, and budget.

Choose the best program that meets your needs and don’t be afraid to ask important questions of your academic advisor, financial aid office, and other program officials before committing to enrolling in a new program.

Sources

Home Health and Personal Care Aides – BLS
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm

National Institute for Competency Testing
https://www.ncctinc.com/certifications/certified-home-health-aide#:~:text=Certified%20Home%20Health%20Aides%20support,aids%20or%20equipment%20as%20necessary.