Home Health Aide Certification in North Carolina

Home health aides (HHAs) are an essential part of the healthcare industry, providing assistance with daily living activities to individuals who need support in their homes. In North Carolina, HHAs need to meet state licensing requirements and pass a certification exam before working in the field. In this article, we’ll explore the requirements for becoming a certified HHA in North Carolina, the best education programs in the state, the job outlook, and salary expectations.

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HHA Licensing Requirements

In North Carolina, individuals interested in becoming a home health aide must meet certain licensing requirements before receiving certification. These home health aide requirements help ensure that home health aides are qualified and capable of providing safe and effective care to their clients.

The following is required from candidates who wish to work as an HHA in North Carolina:

  • Must hold a high school diploma or GED.
  • Complete a competency evaluation program consisting of at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of clinical training.
  • Pass a written exam and demonstrate the ability to perform essential tasks.
  • Undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
  • Complete 12 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their license.

HHA Certification in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services oversees the certification process of HHAs. Certification is a requirement at all home health agencies that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement.

After completing a state-approved HHA training program, candidates are required to pass a written exam and demonstrate their ability to perform essential tasks required for the position.

Candidates are required to achieve a passing score of at least 70% in the exam to earn their certification.

Best HHA Education Programs

In North Carolina, there are several approved HHA education programs that can provide you with the training and education you need to become a certified home health aide. All training programs are comprised of 75 classroom hours and 16 clinical hours.

Below are some of the best state-accredited schools to receive HHA training in North Carolina:

Some candidates may also choose to complete a nurse aide certification in order to be listed on the nurse aide registry and accepted for certain nursing roles. Those who wish to receive the nurse aide certification need to complete certified nursing aide (CNA) training at a state-approved school of their choice.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of home health aides is expected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031. This employment rate is much higher than the rate for all other occupations.

There are also projected to be about 711,700 openings for home health and personal care aides projected each year. This means there will be more opportunities for certified home health aides to work in the field when workers transfer to different occupations or retire.

Salary Expectations

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the typical yearly pay for individuals working as home health and personal care aides was $29,430 in May of 2021.

The bottom 10 percent of earners in this occupation made less than $22,290 per year, and the top 10 percent earned more than $37,010 per year.

Where To Find Work

There are several resources available to you if you’re looking for work as a home health aide in North Carolina.

Look on job search websites such as Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor. These websites often have listings for home health aide positions in North Carolina.

Home health aides can also find work at a home health agency. Some home health agencies in North Carolina include Bayada Home Health Care, Maxim Healthcare Services, and BrightStar Care.

It’s also worth enquiring about home health aide openings at local hospice organizations such as Hospice of Wake County and Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities also hire home health aides. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website has a directory of nursing homes and adult care homes in the state which you can look through for job openings.

FAQs

Do I need a nurse aide certification as a home health aide in North Carolina?

No, it is not required that home health aides hold a nurse aide certification in NC. However, having this certification can be beneficial as certified nursing aides may have access to greater job prospects and earning potential.

How do I become an HHA with a home health agency in North Carolina?

To become an HHA with a home health agency in North Carolina, you need to complete a state-approved HHA education program. Some agencies may also require previous healthcare experience or certification in certain healthcare-related fields.

Sources

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm

https://www.healthcarepathway.com/home-health/north-carolina-home-health-aide/

https://homehealthaideguide.com/hha-training/states/north-carolina-hha/

https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/hha-schools-north-carolina/