Home Health Aide Certification in Colorado

Home health covers a wide range of health services given to patients of all ages in their homes. It is usually given to elderly and disabled people but is also common for victims of medical emergencies. Becoming a home health aide (HHA) can be the first step towards a highly rewarding and fulfilling job in the medical sector. Due to the aging population, there is strong demand for home health aides across the country.

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Home health aide services include dressing, toileting, and bathing. Some home health aides also provide assistance with a range of housekeeping duties, such as cleaning, vacuuming, and tidying.

This guide will cover everything you need to know to become a home health aide in Colorado.

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Colorado has no state-wide licensing requirements to become a home health aide.

However, home health companies employing HHAs in the state must have a license to operate.

Some home health aides will also be supervised to ensure they are capable of carrying out the duties required of the role.

Most roles in the home health sector are learned through several hours of clinical training. Because most HHA jobs are entry-level, in-depth training and supervision will always be given. This is to ensure you are comfortable working with patients in a home care setting.

Certification

Although not a requirement, those interested in being employed as a home health aide are advised to seek HHA certification in Colorado. This can increase your chances of finding suitable employment within the home health care sector.

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is the most popular nurse aide program in the US and includes a written test and a skills test.

Certification can also be earned by completing a home health aide training program that meets federal standards.

Federal standards state that home health aides must complete 75 hours of training and 16 hours of clinical work. 12 hours of continuing education is also required to renew your certification every year.

Best Education Programs

There are various training programs available for prospective home health aides in Colorado. Most HHA training programs require you to be a minimum age of 18 and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some will also carry out a criminal background check.

Unlike other states, Colorado does not recognize online education programs. This is because they don’t always allow for the state-wide requirement of 80 hours of clinical training.

Here are examples of the best home health aide programs and schools across the state:

Certified Nurse Aide (Trinidad State Junior College)

This fully accredited program is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of home health care. Upon completion, students are eligible to be certified by the State Board of Nursing and are qualified to work as a nurse aide or home health aide.

Nurse Aide (Colorado Mesa University)

This course introduces students to the core skills needed to become a nurse aide or home care aide. Through theoretical and clinical training, students will be equipped to take the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam.

Nursing Assistant (Pikes Peak Community College)

This program covers all aspects of home health aide education from hands-on classroom learning to clinical work with real patients. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, graduates will be qualified for the state exam and an entry-level position as a home health aide.

Job Outlook

There has never been a better time to become a Colorado home health aide. With the demand for home health services at an all-time high, becoming a certified nursing assistant or home health aide can set you on the path to a successful career.

The demand for HHAs is also expected to grow as the ageing population rises. Some elderly people prefer to receive care in their own homes rather than a hospital or hospice because it’s a familiar setting.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, home health aides are growing at a rate of 25% (faster than average) with around 924,000 job openings expected between 2021 and 2031 alone.

Colorado Springs, CO is home to the second-highest level of employment for home health aides in the state with 5,740. Denver is first with 21,140.

Salaries

Colorado is home to one of the highest average salaries for home health aides in the US.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the mean wage for home health aides is $32,080 a year and $15.42 an hour. This is comparatively higher than the national mean of $29,260 a year and $14.07 an hour, making the state a great place to start your career.

However, your actual annual salary range will depend on your skills and experience and whether you are a certified home health aide.

Where to Find Work

Though the role is primarily home-based, home health aides can find work in a number of healthcare settings. From licensed home health agencies to caregiver companies, you are bound to find a suitable employer whether you’re based in Colorado Springs or Denver.

Examples of where you can find work as a home health aide in Colorado include:

Mercy Home Health

Based in Durango, Mercy Home Health provides a wide range of palliative care services to patients based in Mercy Hospital or at home.

Circle of Care

Circle of Care is a home health agency that provides independent pediatric care to children with special needs.

Visiting Angels

Serving Colorado Springs, Denver and Jefferson County locations, Visiting Angels provides specialized home care to senior patients across the state.

FAQs

Which US states have the highest home health aide salaries?

The states with the highest home health aide salaries are Washington with an annual mean wage of $36,120 and Vermont with an annual mean wage of $35,490. Massachusetts has the third-highest salary with an annual mean wage of $34,990.

Is it easy to find a home health aide job in Colorado?

Because home health aides are in such high demand across the country, you should have no problem finding a job as a home health aide in Colorado. Enrolling in an HHA training program can boost your chances of finding a good job.

Is there room for career progression as a home health aide?

Most HHAs stay in their role for a number of years but there are various career paths you can go down. For example, you can specialize in a particular type of care (i.e. speech therapy, special needs, or geriatrics) or undertake further training to become a medical assistant, nurse, or ultrasound technician.

Sources:

https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-is-nnaap-cna-certification-exam#:~:text=The%20National%20Nurse%20Aide%20Assessment,their%20state’s%20nurse%20aide%20registry.

https://www.carebridgeacademy.com/what-are-the-career-paths-for-home-health-aides-hhas/

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311120.htm#st

https://trinidadstate.edu/nurse-aide/index.html

https://catalog.coloradomesa.edu/areas-study/nurse-aide/#text

https://www.pikespeak.edu/programs/nursing/nursing-assistant/index.php