Home Health Aide Certification In Oklahoma
Home Health Aide (HHA) certification in Oklahoma is a process that ensures individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide care to patients in need. Also known as nurse aides, HHAs must complete the necessary training and be certified to be listed on the Nurse Aide Registry. Before registering with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, a nurse aide must complete at least 75 hours of training. This should be with an approved educational institution. But once they have certification, they will have great job prospects and security in the future.
In this article, we’ll explore the process of becoming a nurse aide in Oklahoma. So let’s jump right into it.
Home Health Aide Licensing Requirements In Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, Home Health Aides are not required to have a specific license. However, they must be certified by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and complete an approved training program.
The Home Health Aide training program must include at least 75 hours of instruction. This instruction must have a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training and 16 hours of classroom instruction.
During the supervised practical training, you will work with patients under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. This will help to prepare you for this line of work.
Home Health Aide Certification
After completing the necessary training program, Home Health Aides will also need to pass competency evaluations. These test their knowledge and skills. They are issued by a registered CNA training program or the OSDH and may include a background check to ensure you have a clear criminal record.
In addition to competency tests, potential nurse aides are expected to provide negative tuberculosis (TB) results from the last six months. After you have met all of the requirements, you can apply for certification through the OSDH and be added to the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry.
Once you are a registered Home Health Aide, it’s important to remember that you need to renew your certification every two years. This involves completing at least 12 hours of in-service training every year to renew their certification.
Best Education Programs
There are plenty of fantastic education programs for HHAs that can help to prepare students for their certification exams. The top three HHA or Nurse Aide training programs in Oklahoma include:
Mednoc Training College
- Address: 1501 SW 59th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73119
- Phone number: +1 405-225-7876
Students can become Certified Home Health Aides (CHHAs) by completing a 75-hour training program. Alternatively, they can complete a 16-hour program for those who already hold the title of Certified Nurse Aide.
Afterward, students will receive a certificate of completion and a training verification form.
Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center
- Address: 4601 N Choctaw Rd, Choctaw, OK 73020
- Phone number: +1 405-390-9591
The HHA training program here includes 75 hours of training. It covers topics like personal care, nutrition, and patient communication. It also includes classroom and hands-on training.
Canadian Valley Technology Center
- Address: 1701 S Czech Hall Rd, Yukon, OK 73099
- Phone number: +1 405-345-3333
This 75-hour program covers similar topics to other programs. It focuses on patient care, safety, emergency procedures, and communication skills. It has both hands-on and classroom training.
Job Outlook
If you want a rewarding career as a nurse aide, you can rest assured that there are plenty of jobs available to you. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of HHAs in Oklahoma (and the nation) is projected to grow by around 25% by the end of 2031.
The demand for HHAs is driven by factors like the increased focus on home care as a cost-effective alternative to hospitalization or institutional care and medical advancements that allow for more comprehensive home care.
Home Health Aide Salaries
The median wage for a nurse aide in the United States is around $29,430. However, the salary range for HHAs may fluctuate depending on where the nurse aide finds work.
In Oklahoma, the average salary for an HHA is around $23,040 which is just under the national average. Still, some workers may find higher-paying jobs at private homes or with certain home health agencies.
Where To Find Work
Workers who are certified and on the Nurse Aide Registry with the Oklahoma State Department of Health can find work in a range of different settings. These may include (but are not limited to):
- Home health care agencies: These agencies provide in-home care to patients who need assistance with daily activities like bathing, eating, and dressing
- Hospice care providers: Hospice care providers offer end-of-life care to patients who are terminally ill
- Hospitals: Many hospitals employ HHAs to provide care for patients who are recovering from illness or surgery
- Nursing homes: Nursing homes employ HHAs to help elder patients with basic daily activities and medical assistance
FAQs
What is the difference between HHA and PCA?
Personal Care Aides or Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) are able to help elderly, disabled, or chronically ill patients with basic care activities. These may include bathing, dressing, grooming, and household chores the patient may otherwise not be able to do for themselves.
Home Health Aides provide care similar to PCAs but also have nurse aide training that allows them to provide basic medical care to patients as well. For example, an HHA is able to administer medications, dress wounds, and check the patient’s vital signs.
How much does it cost to get an HHA license in Oklahoma?
Since Home Health Aides in Oklahoma don’t require licenses, there is no cost involved in getting a license. Still, you can expect to pay for any tuition and examination fees involved in the Home Health Aide programs that are available.
Your tuition and examination costs may vary depending on which institution you study through and can range from around $290 to over $1,000.
How long does it take to become an HHA?
For most Home Health Aides, the learning and certification time may take a few months. Generally, training takes place over several weeks or until you have met the 75-hour requirement for certification. After taking the certification exam, you may need to wait another few weeks for the certification process to conclude.
Sources
http://www.homehealthaideonline.com/home/hha-training-in-oklahoma/
https://mednoc.com/training-programs/home-health-aide-hha/
https://www.healthcarepathway.com/home-health/oklahoma-home-health-aide/
https://www.exploremedicalcareers.com/home-health-aide/hha-oklahoma/