Home Health Aide Certification In Idaho
Home health aides provide essential care and assistance with day-to-day tasks in the residences of their patients. The state of Idaho implements strict HHA certification requirements. This ensures people in these positions are properly trained to provide care. Keep reading to learn more about the licensing requirements and education opportunities for HHAs. We will also explore the job outlook for home health aides in Idaho.
Home Health Aide Responsibilities In Idaho
The Idaho government provides a detailed list of key responsibilities for home health aides. This is available in their Department of Health and Welfare document.
Here it states that home health aides must be registered on the Home Health Registry of the Idaho State Board of Nursing.
The supplemental skills checklist that has been approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing must also be completed.
It is advised that home health aide services will include:
- Carrying out simple procedures during therapy sessions
- Personal care
- Exercise and ambulation
- Assisting with the patient’s nutritional needs
- Carrying out essential household services
- Assisting the patient with typically self-administered medications
- Identifying and reporting condition changes in the patient
- Identifying and reporting patient needs
- Accurate record keeping
HHA Essential Skills
There are many important qualities that are essential to becoming a good home health aide. These include:
The ability to follow protocols
All healthcare positions require the employee to follow procedures and protocols. This ensures they provide the best care and minimize the risk of infection.
This also includes accurately reading and updating patient records.
Empathy
Home health aides must be empathetic to the needs or suffering of patients. Showing compassion and a will to help are essential qualities for the job.
Integrity
Home health aides not only provide care and assistance to vulnerable people, but they do so in the patient’s own homes.
Showing that you can be trustworthy and dependable will give the patient and their families far greater peace of mind.
Interpersonal skills
In this position, you will have to communicate with patients, their families, and healthcare workers.
You must have good listening skills and be able to communicate information efficiently.
Stamina
The work of an HHA is often very physical. Because of this, it is essential that you have the strength and stamina to carry out the required tasks.
HHA Licensing Requirements And Certification In Idaho
HHA certification and licensing in Idaho are more stringent than in many other states. To become a home health aide in Idaho you must become a CNA (certified nursing aide).
This means you will have to complete a CNA training program before sitting and passing a competency exam.
HHA Certification in Idaho requires a minimum of 120 hours of HHA training and a minimum of 40 hours of clinical training.
This level of training is recommended for HHAs by the IOM (Institute of Medicine).
Home health aides in Idaho must register under the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare with the Nurse Aide Registry.
Idaho HHA Education Programs
CNA training costs will vary between program providers. The training can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks.
Certified Nursing Assistant programs are available at the following Idaho colleges:
- North Idaho College
- Lewis-Clark State College
- College of Western Idaho: Nampa Campus
- Idaho State University
- College of Southern Idaho
Most of these options offer campus learning experiences.
HHA training programs will typically require the applicant to have a high school diploma or GED. Most courses have a minimum age of 16 and some may require a drug test or a background check.
Idaho HHA Job Outlook
If you are looking at becoming a home health aide in Idaho, there are two important factors you should consider. These are the job outlook and potential salary.
According to research carried out by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for HHAs is extremely positive.
They have forecasted a 25% growth in home health aide positions between 2021 and 2031. This is significantly higher than the average job growth predictions in the U.S. which sits at around 5%.
The highest predicted growth rate for jobs in the U.S. is another role within the healthcare profession. Nurse practitioner positions are expected to grow at a rate of 46% between 2021 and 2031.
Idaho HHA Salaries
It’s important that you explore the average annual salary range for your location.
The average annual home health aide salary in Idaho was between $25,120 and $27,870. This is according to information gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021.
Where To Find HHA Work In Idaho
Home health aide positions are available in a number of fields. The largest of which provides individual and family care. Almost half of all HHAs are in this category.
Nearly a quarter of HHAs work for home healthcare services. Most others are distributed among care facilities and retirement communities.
The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare provides more information on home health agencies. This can help you find opportunities within the field.
The role of an HHA is demanding, but ultimately rewarding. The training you will receive will ensure you fully understand the services carried out by HHAs.
The impressive job outlook and good average home health aide salary make this a great option. It is ideal for people looking to enter the public health industry.
There are lots of suitable training programs and HHA schools in Idaho. This will ensure you can easily get the qualifications for this exciting role.
FAQs
What is the difference between an HHA and PCA?
The role of an HHA is to improve the health and safety of patients. PCAs (personal care aides) provide a more supportive service that includes housekeeping duties, and maintaining the patient’s personal hygiene and mobility.
Are HHA training programs in Idaho expensive?
HHA training programs in Idaho typically cost between $550 to $825.
How long does an HHA training program in Idaho take to complete?
HHA training programs in Idaho typically take between 8 and 12 weeks to complete.
Sources
https://www.healthcarepathway.com/home-health/idaho-home-health-aide/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/2006/16/0307.pdf
https://homehealthaideguide.com/hha-training/states/idaho-hha
https://medicalfieldcareers.com/hha-classes-idaho/
https://www.registerednursing.org/certified-nursing-assistant/programs/idaho/