Home Health Aide Certification in DC
Choosing to do a home health certification in DC is exciting, but knowing where to begin can be a challenge. In this article, we are looking at everything you need to know about the licensing requirements, education programs, job outlooks, and where to find work. Let’s get started on your journey to a successful HHA certification in DC.
Licensing Requirements in State
To get a license as a home health aide in Washington DC you need to complete a home health aide training program that has been approved by the District of Columbia. Alternatively, you may be certified in another state, but it must also be certified by the correct state body.
Certification programs in DC must consist of at least 75 hours of training. This includes 16 hours of supervised practical training. Some municipalities within the District of Columbia require even longer training with a total of 125 hours (20 lab, 40 clinical, and 65 theory).
You’ll also need to get your license renewed every twelve months which requires a 12-hour refresher course.
If you are already a qualified nurse aide then there is a 32-hour bridge program. This is a higher requirement than for most states. In addition, DC HHAs need two hours of HIV/AIDS training. This can be done with continuing education or in-services training.
Certification
Certification for home health aides in Washington, DC, and its surrounds requires the following:
- Passing a certified home health aide training program
- A criminal background check
- A photo ID
Once your training program is successfully completed, you take the District of Columbia Home Health Aide examination. This consists of 70 multiple choice questions that focus on Once your training program is successfully completed, you take the District of Columbia Home Health Aide examination. This consists of 70 multiple choice questions that focus on specific duties for home health aides such as:
- Physical care
- Maintaining a safe environment
- Hygiene
- Preparing meals
- Emergency care
- Patient transportation
Note, that about 50% of the exam focuses on the physical care portion of your studies. It is vital to show off your skills and that you have not only the stamina but medical knowledge to help patients when they need it most.
The exam costs $105 and there are a limited number of times you can take a retest. That’s why it is so important to find the right training program that can give you the knowledge and skill needed to pass.
Best Education Programs
Bethel Training Institute, Inc.
Located in NW Washington, the Bethel Training Institute, Inc. offers students the facilities and outstanding educational guidance needed to prepare for the state exam.
The institute commits itself to providing the gold standard of home health aide training in Washington, DC. The training is fast-paced and exciting. You can get your qualifications in a few weeks.
To apply you will need:
- CPR training
- Two forms of ID documents that show you are 18 years or older.
- A face-to-face interview with the institute administrator.
- TB clearance
- Completed the GAIN entrance exam
- High school diploma or GED
Immaculate School of Allied Health
Situated in Northeast Washington, the Immaculate School of Allied Health offers an eight-week course that provides the professional training and practical knowledge home health aides need to enter the industry.
You can choose to do day, evening, or weekend, classes, depending on your schedule. Plus, enrollment is every two weeks, meaning you aren’t pressured for time.
The home health aide course consists of 65 hours of theory, 20 hours of lab work, and 40 hours of clinical skill development.
The courses are presented by licensed nurse instructors that have the experience to bring much-needed field knowledge into the curriculum.
Here are some of the subjects covered in the program:
- Ethics and HHA law
- Patient nutrition
- First aid and CPR training
- Safety in the workplace
- Alzheimer’s care
- How to prepare for emergencies
- Patient communication
The Immaculate School of Allied Health strives for a 95% pass rate for the first sitting of the certification exam.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 25% increase in home health and personal care aides between 2021-2031.
Washington DC employs over 97,000 people in the home healthcare sector. It is one of the top employees throughout the US.
Salaries
One of the best parts of becoming a home health aide worker in Washington DC is that you are employed in one of the top-paying states within the US.
Home health aides in Washington DC make on average $18.22 per hour and $37,900 per year.
The average salary for home health aides in the US is $14.87 per hour and $30,930 per year. As you can see the average salaries in Washington DC are far higher than the national average.
Where to Find Work
There are a few ways to find work as a home health aide in Washington DC:
- Home health agencies: Many HHA agencies across Washington can place you in the appropriate position for your skill level.
- Networking: One of the best ways to find a job as a home health aide in the District of Columbia is to reach out to others you know in the industry. Many facilities encourage employees to aid those they know from previous positions that would be a good addition to the team.
- HHA institutions: It is not uncommon for employers to advise institutions of their need for trained professionals. The school you train with might have job opportunities available.
- Online job boards: These are a great way to find new job postings as they’re updated regularly.
FAQ
What type of person should apply for an HHA certification?
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and have a love for the medical industry, then an HHA certification is a great place to start your career.
Is it difficult to get an HHA certification?
You need to be prepared to put hard work into your studies. It’s not only about being good with people, you need theoretical knowledge to know how to help patients. The training programs are short but are quite theoretically intensive.
Sources:
http://www.betheltraininginstitute.com/healthcare-staffing-enrollment
http://www.immaculateschoolofalliedhealth.com/healthcare-training-about-us
http://www.immaculateschoolofalliedhealth.com/healthcare-training-home-health-aide-training-hha
https://www.healthcarepathway.com/home-health/dc-home-health-aide/