Home Health Aides is a good place to start for those that would like to be in the field of healthcare but do not have the required education to be a registered nurse or other healthcare professional. A college education is not required for home health aides. Many home health aides have a high school education or less.
Home Health Aides Duties and Education
Home health aides often help to care for those who are disabled, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired. The patients of healthcare aides are often the elderly. Depending upon state regulations, some aides may give injections, medication or check the client’s vital signs. Home health aides often work under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner. Aides often provide assistance with tasks such as standing or sitting.
The average pay for home health care aides is about $10.00 per hour with many working full time and earning about $21,000 per year. Some home health aides earn more and some may earn less.
There are no formal education requirements for home health aides, but most aides have a high school diploma. Training as home health aides often takes place on the job.
Home health aides working in certified home health or hospice agencies must get formal training and pass a standardized test.
Their are community college courses available that leading to nursing careers and these can be very beneficial, especially to home health aides that would like to become a practical or registered nurse in the future. The job of a home healthcare aide may be the perfect opportunity to learn if you would like to pursue a career in medicine.
There are about 900,000 home health aides in the United States. The need for more aides is growing quickly with nearly 50% more needed by 2024.
To learn more about home health care visit the National Association for Home Care and Hospice