Home Health Aide Certification in Minnesota

Home health aides (HHAs) provide specialized medical care to patients in their own homes. Some HHAs also handle general household tasks such as cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming. Despite working closely with patients, a college degree is not required to become an HHA and some education programs can be completed in as little as a few weeks.

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Like most states, the demand for home health aides is on the rise in Minnesota. This is largely due to the growing aging population and the increasing complexity of medical services required. Most patients also prefer to receive care in their own homes as opposed to hospitals or care homes.

This article will explain everything you need to know about HHA certification in Minnesota so you can take the first step toward a rewarding career in the medical sector.

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health requires all federally-certified individuals and agencies that provide home health services in the state to be licensed.

HHAs are also recommended to get certified before entering the workforce. This can boost your employment options and could increase the average salary you are offered.

Certification

HHA certification requirements differ depending on the state you live in.

Minnesota requires all comprehensive HHAs to undergo a program with at least 75 hours of training. Of the 75 hours, 16 must be supervised practical training overseen by a registered nurse.

HHAs working at comprehensive home health agencies may also be required to learn additional skills to provide the best possible standard of care. This could include how to move and handle patients and read and record vital signs.

Best Education Programs

Minnesota is home to a wide range of recognized home health aide programs for aspiring HHAs. Most HHA training programs require applicants to be over 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to be eligible.

Some training programs can be completed online but the supervised practical training portion must be done in person according to state statute. This is because this training needs to be overseen by a registered nurse.

Here are some of the best schools and programs for HHA training available throughout the state:

Nursing Assistant – Alexandria Technical Community College

This 84-hour training program is designed to help students develop the basic skills needed for a career in assisted living or at-home care. Upon successful completion, graduates should possess the skills and experience needed for the state examination and an entry-level career as an HHA or nursing assistant.

Nursing Assistant – Minneapolis Community & Technical College

This program, which is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients in a home care setting. Students will be taught in one of the largest nursing labs in the state and be equipped to take the state examination upon graduation.

Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide – Saint Paul College

This HHA training program delves into the legal, ethical, and safety concerns surrounding at-home patient care. Graduates will be prepared to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) to be placed on the Minnesota State Nursing Assistant Registry.

Some schools, such as the Midwest Career Institute and Accelerated School of Nursing in Brooklyn Center, also offer short-term courses that can be completed in as little as eight weeks.

Job Outlook

HHAs can look forward to exciting career prospects when they enter the workforce in Minnesota.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role is predicted to grow at a rate of 25% in the US between 2021 and 2031.

This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations (5%) and equates to around 711,700 new job openings every year.

The areas with the highest levels of HHA employment in the state are Saint Paul, Duluth, and Bloomington.

Salaries

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median wage for HHAs in Minnesota is $32,310.

This is significantly higher than the national median wage ($29,430), making the state a great place to start your career.

However, the annual salary range you receive will depend on a number of individual factors, such as your skills, experience, and employer.

Where to Find Work

Minnesota is the 12th-largest state in the US and there are various places where you can find work as a HHA.

Here are some of the largest employers of HHAs in the state:

Home Care Solutions

Based in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul areas, this agency specializes in live-in medical care. HHAs provide medical assistance, personal care, and medication reminders.

Best Care

This home care agency has served the state since 2005 and focuses on providing support to both patients and caregivers. Services offered include senior, pediatric, and behavioral care.

Happy Place Care Services

Delivering care to patients that are elderly, injured, or living with a chronic illness, this agency tailors the home care experience to each individual client. They are always on the lookout for compassionate staff and encourage applications.

FAQs

Who regulates home health aides in Minnesota?

HHAs in Minnesota are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The MDH is also responsible for licensing homes and agencies and the DHS also manages and develops Medicare policies.

Is a home health aide a safe job?

HHAs provide a vital service to patients in their homes. There may be times when you have to carry out infection control procedures and prevent falls but full health and safety training will always be given.

Are there opportunities to progress as a home health aide?

HHAs can’t usually be promoted but can undertake further training and education to progress to another role in the medical sector. Common roles include a certified nurse assistant (CNA), care supervisor, and registered nurse.

Sources

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

https://blackstone.edu/five-home-health-aide-development-opportunities/

https://www.alextech.edu/programs/nursing-assistant#:~:text=This%2084%2Dhour%2C%203%2D,as%20a%20home%20health%20aide.

https://minneapolis.edu/academics/school-nursing-health-sciences-and-wellness/nursing-assistant#:~:text=The%20Nursing%20Assistant%20program%20focuses,part%20of%20the%20healthcare%20team.

https://www.saintpaul.edu/programs/nursing-assistant-home-health-aide