If you’re looking for a career in health care, there are many different paths to choose from. Certified nurse assistants (CNA) and home health aides (HHA) are both in high demand at the moment. While these careers require many of the same skills, there are some clear differences between the two. If you’re deciding between becoming a certified nurse assistant or home health aide, here are some factors to consider.

Certified Nurse Assistant vs. Home Health Aide

1. Environment 

People in each of these positions usually work in different environments. Home health aides visit patient homes to provide care and support services. Certified nurse assistants can work in a variety of facilities, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private residences.

2. Job Duty 

While there is a bit of overlap, there are certain functions that a certified nurse assistant can perform that a home health aide cannot. Certified nurse assistants are able to take vitals, administer medications, and perform certain other medical-related tasks. On the other hand, home health aides usually tend to personal and household tasks for an individual, such as bathing, cleaning, running errands, or preparing food. Additionally, certified nurse assistants often work with multiple patients at once, while home health aides are normally focused on one individual.

3. Training 

You can receive training for both of these positions, but there are not as many requirements for home health aides. Certified nurse assistants must attend a formal training program and pass an exam administered by their state. There are formal training programs for home health aides as well, but many states do not administer formal tests, and you do not need a high school diploma. As such, certified nurse assistants have a higher earning potential than home health aides.

If you’re interested in becoming a home health aide or a certified nurse assistant, Big Apple Training in Westchester County, NY, can help. They even offer a conversion program for HHAs who are interested in the higher earning potential and job flexibility of CNAs. The company provides a variety of medical training programs for those interested in entering the field as a medical assistant, CNA, phlebotomy technician, EKG technician, or certified home health aide. They offer affordable courses and payment plans to make your career transition as seamless as possible. View a schedule of upcoming classes online, or call (914) 437-7373 to speak with a member of the team about your options.