Working as a home health aide (HHA) is an ideal career for those who enjoy taking care of others one-on-one. It’s also a useful stepping stone for individuals who are considering entering the medical field but don’t want to commit to a degree program until they have some experience working with patients. Here, the friendly team at the IGBANS Institute of Vocational Training in Queens, NY, explains what it takes to become an HHA.

What Does an HHA Do?

A home health aide cares for the elderly, disabled, and recovering patients in their homes. They may work in long-term care facilities, like nursing homes, as well. Though they are not qualified to diagnose or treat others, home health aide training provides them with the knowledge to recognize when a patient might need attention from a nurse or doctor. Completing an HHA program also prepares them to handle the job’s various responsibilities, which might include mobility assistance, bathing, grooming, administering medication, changing dressings, recording vital signs, and facilitating physical therapy. 

How Do You Become One?

There are federal requirements that HHAs must meet if their wages are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Each state has its own certification requirements. In New York, for example, programs must include at least 59 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of supervised practical training. At least eight of the training hours must occur in a patient care setting. As for the breakdown of classroom hours, 40 must cover home care curriculum, while the remaining 19 must cover health-related tasks. Once an individual completes these, they will be qualified to work for any home care agency in the state. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a home health aide, turn to IGBANS Institute of Vocational Training. Located in Springfield Gardens, NY, this facility offers comprehensive programs for those who want to enter the medical field. By enrolling in their HHA training program, you will learn about caring for patients in their homes and become certified, so you can seek employment at an agency. They also offer a program for those who want to take it one step further and become a certified nursing assistant. Visit the website or call (718) 276-8100 to learn more about their courses.