Home Health Aide Certification in Georgia
Working as a home health aide is one of the most fulfilling jobs. It allows you to help your community and make a true difference in people’s lives. But how does one go about getting an HHA certification in Georgia? This article looks at the licensing, certifications, and job prospects involved with becoming a home health aide in Georgia.
Licensing Requirements in Georgia
Georgia does not have any HHA training or licensing requirements for home health aides. However, certain home health agencies do require some sort of training to prove competency.
Certification
Since you don’t require a license or certification to work as an HHA in Georgia there aren’t general guidelines.
But this is only true for entry-level positions. If you want to make a good start in the industry and have a competitive edge, being certified in home health aide training is highly recommended.
If you plan to work at a Medicare-certified home health agency you will need:
- 16 hours of practical clinic work
- 75 hours of training
Even though certification isn’t mandatory, there are many training programs available in Georgia to give new home health aides a good start.
For most certification programs you will need to:
- Present a high school diploma or GED
- Pass some basic tests (math and English)
- Complete a background check
- Pass a health check
Best Education Programs
Woodruff Medical Training
Located in Tucker, Georgia, Woodruff Medical Training offers a medical assistant program. It provides you with all the practical and theoretical knowledge needed for a range of healthcare careers such as:
- Home health aid
- Medical assistant
- Medical records specialist
- Medical administrative assistant
Classes are led by medical professionals with hands-on experience to help students learn about the industry. Some of the theories covered in the training program include:
- Preparing patients
- Communicating with medical staff and patients
- Patient care
- Basic tests and procedures
- Medical records
As part of the program, students learn practical experience through an externship within a healthcare environment.
Classes at Woodruff Medical Training are available during the day or in the evening. Making it very convenient for those that already have a full-time job but want to expand their career prospects.
Cobb Medical Institute
Situated in Mableton, Georgia, Cobb Medical Institute offers a variety of courses that could propel your home healthcare career, including:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Here is what you will need to register for the programs:
- A valid ID showing you are over 17
- A negative PPD test
- Criminal background check
- $425 due when registering
- A white lab coat and navy blue scrubs
The dates and times for classes are flexible, so finding one that works for you is simple.
Covenant CNA School
Located in Marietta, Georgia, Covenant CNA School offers a certified nursing assistant course that provides the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for those in the home healthcare sector.
You will learn about:
- Patient monitoring
- Vital sign testing
- Reporting
- Clinical procedures
- Patient communication
There is also a tutorial on the Nursing Assistant Competency State Examination which can help those that aren’t yet comfortable prepare for the exam. This is a good opportunity for those that need to brush up on their skills before taking the exam.
This preparation tutorial is popular for its theoretical and practical application, allowing students to practice their skills.
Alpha Health Institute
Situated in Marietta, Georgia, The Alpha Health Institute offers a certified nurse assistant program that prepares students for the Georgia Registry Examination.
The course covers topics such as:
- Infection control
- Handling medical emergencies
- Vital sign reporting and management
- Weight control
The course also covers the practical clinical training needed to pass the exam. To apply you need to submit the following:
- A photo ID showing you are over 16
- An X-ray or TB test
- Criminal background check
- A social security card (non-laminated)
Job Outlook
The job outlook for home health aides in the US is fantastic. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 25% increase in jobs within the home health and personal care aides market between 2021-2031.
The need for home health aides is continuously growing, more so in specific states such as Florida and Georgia where people move to get away from city life when they retire.
Georgia currently has over 34,000 people working as home health and personal care aides. To increase your chances of finding a good job, completing HHA training through a course regulated by the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division is recommended.
Salaries
The national average for home health aides in the US is $14.87 per hour and $30,930 per year. Comparatively, the average for Georgia is $12.53 per hour and $26,060 yearly.
Georgia doesn’t offer close to the national average. If compared to some of the highest-paying states like Washington ($37,900) and Alaska ($36,570), it’s considerably lower.
Where to Find Work
Finding work as an HHA in Georgia can take some time, but it helps if you know where to start looking:
- Home health agencies: Joining home health agencies is a great way to become a home health aide in a sector you are passionate about. They consider your competencies and skill level for placement.
- Online job boards: These are a great way to find up-to-date jobs to work for employers actively seeking to hire home health aides.
- Networking: It’s always a good idea to make connections within your field of home health services. Employers often advertise open positions to current employees and around the workplace. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask if those in your network know of any job openings.
- Enquire at local medical facilities: One of the top places employers look for home health aides is at medical centers. But those that do are generally looking for home health aides with a certification.
FAQ
Do I need a high school diploma to be a home health aide in Georgia?
Technically no, you don’t need a high school diploma or GED. However, most certification training courses require you to graduate high school. There may also be additional testing for English and math competency.
How long does it take to become a certified HHA in Georgia?
Home health aide certification usually takes between four to six weeks. This includes competency tests, theory, and clinical training.
Sources:
https://www.cobbcnaschool.com/about
https://woodruffmedical.edu/tucker/
https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/hha-schools-georgia/
https://www.exploremedicalcareers.com/home-health-aide/hha-georgia/
https://www.healthcarepathway.com/home-health/georgia-home-health-aide/