Home Health Aide Certification In Nebraska
Are you looking for information about HHA certification in Nebraska? A career in home health care can be rewarding, both financially and personally. In this guide, we’ll be taking you through the licensing, certification, training and education programs, job prospects, and where to find work as a home health aide in Nebraska. Navigating HHA training – or training in any health sciences, in fact – can take time, but is achievable with the right guidance.
Licensing Requirements In Nebraska
In Nebraska to receive a HHA license you need the following:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Be aged 18 years or older
- Clean criminal record
- Have completed a home health aide program OR
- Have your nursing assistant certification and have passed the home health aide competency evaluation
To receive your license or renew it, you need to apply through the State of Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services.
Certification
Certification for aspiring home health aides in Nebraska can happen in two ways:
- You complete a nursing assistant program and then pass the HHA competency evaluation.
- Complete a full home health aide training program.
Both of these options will cover a minimum of 75 hours of training that has at least 16 hours of practical training.
Coursework for home health aides should cover the following:
- Observing, reporting, and documenting
- Communication skills
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment
- Infection control
- Observing the needs of the population and how to serve them
- Nutrition and fluid intake
- Reporting basic body functions
- Emergency procedures
- Patient rights
- Personal safety
- Death and dying
In addition, health aides in Nebraska need to show competency in the following health services in a practical exam:
- Bathing
- Vital sign recording
- Oral hygiene
- Ambulation
- Safe transfer
- Positioning
- Nail and skin care
- Hair care
Best Education Programs
There isn’t one set of qualifications to become a home health aide. In order to pass the exam you may want to look at nurse training or a certified nurse aide course with the equivalent nursing coursework.
There are multiple home health aide programs in Nebraska. Let’s have a look at the top three.
Mid Plains Community College
Located in Lincoln County, Nebraska Mid Plains Community College offers a certified nursing assisting program.
The course is a total of 76 hours and will ensure you’re able to complete the State of Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry with the fundamental knowledge needed.
There’s also an option to further your studies and qualify as a Medication Aide.
Price: $360
Providence Health Career Institute
This is a blended Nurse Aide course. You are required to do 36 hours of online course material and then move on to the 40 hours of on-campus lectures.
On-site learning is fairly flexible and suitable for those with busy schedules. Five in-person classes take place at Valley Road, Lincoln Nebraska. Once complete, you’ll have everything you need to complete the relevant exam.
Price: $399
Promise Healthcare Training Center
Located in Omaha, this certified nursing assistant training program prepares you for a career in various healthcare environments; one of which is the role of a HHA.
The course is a total of 84 hours which are scheduled in advance for in-person teaching and training.
With full-time training classes usually take about two weeks to complete, including practicals.
Price: $500
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that home health aide jobs are going to increase by as much as 25% by 2031. Across the US, employment opportunities at high levels are becoming available. More people are more comfortable being treated at home rather than at in-care facilities.
Two of the highest employment rate levels in home healthcare are personal care aides and home health aides.
Home health aides in the US number 3,504,230 as of 2023. Nebraska has around 10,000 home health aides.
The states with the highest employment rates are California (773,350) and New York (504,160). If Nebraska doesn’t have the right offers you’re looking for, there is an exceptional need in these other areas.
Overall, a career as a home health aide is projected to be one of the most sought-after in the US. The growth rate is far higher than in other medical fields.
Salaries
In the US, the average annual salary for a home health aide is $30,930, with an average of $14.87 per hour.
If we look at Nebraska, the average annual salary is $30,070 and the hourly wage is $14.46; a little behind the national average.
Where To Find Work
Finding work as a home health aide takes some time and research. You can start your search online or speak with others you know in the industry to find out about any potential job openings.
There are numerous medical facilities across Nebraska to look into for recommendations. Home health agencies are also a popular option.
You can also find out if your training program has a job board or recommendations on where you’re likely to find work.
FAQs
Is it difficult to become a home health aide in Nebraska?
Nebraska has the same certification requirements as the national requirements. It’s not as difficult as in some states, but candidates need a result of 70% to pass the exam.
Is becoming a home health aide in Nebraska expensive?
Some of the home health aide training programs in Nebraska are cheaper than those in other states, but the average fee is typically around $500 for the training, materials, and exam.
Sources:
http://www.homehealthaideonline.com/home/hha-training-in-nebraska/
https://medicalfieldcareers.com/hha-classes-nebraska/
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm#31-0000