Home Health Aide Certification In New Jersey

As a home health aide (HHA), also known as a “homemaker – home health aide” you’ll be entrusted with providing care to vulnerable members of society. It’s both a challenging and rewarding role that requires a number of skills and attributes. If you’re planning to become a home health aide in New Jersey, then there are certain requirements you must satisfy.

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In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the licensing and certification requirements for HHAs in New Jersey. We’ll also examine the job prospects and salary for this role. Plus, we’ll give you some recommendations for education programs and show you where to find jobs.

Home Health Aide Licensing & Certification Requirements In New Jersey

In order to practice in New Jersey, you must become both a licensed and Certified Home Health Aide. Certification and licensing are both handled by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

HHA certification in New Jersey is a legal requirement. This is to ensure that home health aides meet the necessary standards for carrying out this important work.

To be certified, you need to complete a home health aide training program. You also need to pass a competency evaluation and a criminal background check.

There are plenty of training programs within the state that you can enroll in. However, the HHA training program you choose must be sponsored by either an appropriate health organization or a school.

The Certified Homemaker – Home Health Aide training programs in New Jersey involve a minimum of 76 hours of training. This includes 16 hours of clinical training and 60 hours of classroom training.

The following institutions are deemed to be acceptable for home health aide training by the New Jersey Board of Nursing:

  • Hospitals or home health agencies licensed by the Department of Health
  • Home care agencies that are licensed by the Division of Consumer Affairs or that have accreditation from other board-approved entities
  • Educational institutions approved by the Department of Higher Education or the State Department of Education

Content of Certified Home Health Aide training programs

The general curriculum is comprised of 66 hours of learning and training. There is another 10-hour module that specifically focuses on hospice and home care.

The basic curriculum includes the following concepts:

  • Body systems and related care
  • The role of unlicensed assistive personnel in long-term care
  • Foundational concepts for creating safe resident environments
  • Foundational concepts for working with others

The coursework that you complete as part of the ‘working with others’ section deals with conditions affecting behavior, such as dementia, delirium, and depression.

To prepare you to work in a hospice or home care environment there are other concepts that are necessary:

  • Child care
  • Homemaker health aide considerations
  • Maintaining safe conditions in home care environments
  • The role of a homemaker – health aide
  • Responsibilities home care agencies have toward CHHAs
  • Working with clients, families, significant others, and home care team members

After your training, you’ll need to pass the competency exam to become a Certified Home Health Aide. You can take the exam twice but if you fail it the second time, you’ll need to be re-trained before you can take it again.

Certification application process

Once you’re ready to be certified, you can apply here.

Your application forms will need to be notarized and you must include a passport-style photograph. The application fee is $50 and the certification fee is between $15 to $30.

You will also need to provide confirmation of the successful completion of a classroom and clinical training program. Fingerprint-based background checks will be necessary as well.

If you need assistance with your application, then the facilitator of your training program should be able to help.

If you’re a Certified Home Health Aide in another state then you may be able to be certified in New Jersey without going through training in the state.

Best Home Health Aide Education Programs In New Jersey

Job Outlook & Salary Prospects For Home Health Aides In New Jersey

As a Certified Homemaker – Home Health Aide professional in New Jersey, your career prospects are very positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth in this industry will be 25% between 2021 and 2031.

The median wage for a Certified Home Health Aide within the state is $29,430 a year or $14.15 per hour. New Jersey is one of the most promising states for home health professionals to start their careers.

Where To Find Jobs

In New Jersey, home health aides are employed by home service organizations. They typically work in the homes of clients, day service programs, and group homes.

You can find HHA jobs on recruitment sites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter. The educational institution where you were trained may also be able to help you find employment.

FAQs

What duties do home health aides carry out?

The typical duties performed by HHAs include:

  • Helping clients use the toilet
  • Washing and dressing clients
  • Helping clients get out of bed
  • Brushing clients’ hair
  • Preparing meals and drinks for clients
  • Buying groceries for clients
  • Helping clients attend events outside of the home
  • Reminding clients to take their medicines
  • Collecting prescriptions for clients
  • Helping clients to get ready for bed in the evening

What questions are asked at a home health aide interview?

Questions that are often asked at HHA interviews include:

  • What certifications do you hold?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • Can you give me more information about your training and education?
  • What would you like to accomplish as an HHA?
  • What areas do you think you can improve on?

Do home health aides have to abide by patient confidentiality?

Yes, as with other healthcare professionals, HHAs must strictly abide by patient confidentiality. You must not share confidential information with anyone outside of your work-related duties. This includes the patient’s friends and family members.

Sources:

https://www.njchhatraining.com/

https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/hha-schools-new-jersey/

https://www.healthcarepathway.com/home-health/new-jersey-home-health-aide/

https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hhh/Pages/default.aspx

https://data.bls.gov/search/query/results?cx=013738036195919377644%3A6ih0hfrgl50&q=home+health+aide

https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hhh/Pages/default.aspx