Home Health Aide Certification in Tennessee

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a home health aide (HHA) in Tennessee, you may be wondering about the certification process. Thankfully, you’re in the right place. Home healthcare can be a rewarding career path for those passionate about providing personal care and companionship to those in need. And obtaining an HHA certification in Tennessee can further validate your expertise and dedication.

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While certification is not always required, it can broaden your career opportunities and enhance your earnings. To help you successfully obtain your certification and become a home health aide in Tennessee, we’ve covered everything you need to know about the requirements, best programs, and job outlook for this path.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

In Tennessee, home health aides are not required to be licensed or registered to work in this position. However, it is essential to obtain the appropriate certification if you wish to work in a Medicare-approved facility.

This certification requires fulfilling the following federal training requirements to be listed on the State Nurse Aide Registry:

  • A minimum of 75 hours of training, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training,
  • Successfully completed an exam and competency evaluation program,
  • Complete 12 hours of continuing education every 12 months.

Home health aide training programs will cover various topics, from basic household tasks and personal care to illness-driven emotional problems.

By completing this training, aspiring home health aides can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to provide essential care and support to patients.

Home Health Aide Certification Process in Tennessee

As stated previously, an HHA certification is not required in Tennessee. But, it can be a hiring condition for many employers, especially if they only accept Medicare or Medicaid patients.

Here’s how you can become a certified home health aide in Tennessee:

  1. Earn a high school diploma or GED. This is typically the minimum requirement to enroll in a certification program.
  2. Enroll in a state-accredited HHA training program. In Tennessee, home care businesses that receive Medicare or Medicaid from their clients must employ certified individuals. Thus, it’s advisable to enroll in a state-accredited program.
  3. Complete state-required training hours. In Tennessee, home health aides must complete a minimum of 75 classroom hours which includes 16 practical hours, to successfully complete the program and sit for the exam.
  4. Pass the HHA certification exam. The exam consists of both written and clinical portions, and successful completion earns you your HHA certification.
  5. Maintain your certification. To maintain your HHA certification, you are required to renew it every two years. This involves 12 hours of continuing education every 12 months and proof of a minimum of 8 hours of work completed during the previous 24-month period.

Best HHA Education Programs in Tennessee

In Tennessee, acquiring a certificate from an accredited school and program is essential. Accredited programs are structured to provide students with top-quality training that meets industry standards and increases their chances of being noticed by potential employers.

To choose the best program that suits your needs, you should consider the course offerings, length, and cost.

Here are some state-approved schools that provide excellent training programs:

Tennessee College of Applied Technology

The Tennesse College of Applied Technology offers a 120-hour nurse aide training/certified nursing assistant (CNA) program that typically takes 8 weeks to complete on a part-time basis.

This program is approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and is designed to equip students with the necessary skills needed to work in a long-term care facility.

Tuition costs $469.

Cleveland State Community College

Cleveland State Community College offers a 12-week evening CNA program that consists of classroom skills labs, lectures, and 40 hours of supervised clinical work at a long-term care facility.

Classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm and the tuition fee is $11,225 with books, scrubs, screenings, and insurance included.

Miller-Motte College – Chattanooga, TN

Miller-Motte College’s Chattanooga campus offers a flexible medical clinical assistant program that requires 60 credit hours and can be completed in 13 months. This hybrid track program includes online learning and hands-on in-person experience, allowing you to earn a medical clinical assisting diploma.

In addition to classroom education, the program includes an externship where students will receive practical training in a workplace environment.

Job Outlook and Salary for a Home Health Aide in Tennessee

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is currently a high demand for home health and personal care aides in Tennessee, with a projected 47% increase in demand through the year 2026.

Residents of the following areas will be pleased to know that they can find high employment opportunities in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and Jackson.

As for the salary, BLS reports that the mean annual salary range is $24,420 in Tennessee for home health and personal care aides. This will of course vary depending on the region and city or county in Tennessee, as well as the facility.

Where To Find Work

Tennessee is home to many top-rated home care agencies that employ home health aides. Some of the best agencies to find work through include:

  • University of Tennessee Medical Center Home Health Serv – Morristown
  • Volunteer Home Care – Humboldt
  • Deaconess Homecare – Savannah
  • Extendicare Home Health of Western Tennessee – Union City
  • Sunbelt Homecare – Jellico
  • Lifeline Home Health Care – Springfield
  • BrightStar Care – Sumner and Wilson Counties
  • AMEDISYS Home Health Care – Knoxville
  • ComForCare – Hendersonville
  • Comfort Keepers – Memphis, TN

Besides these agencies, home health and nurse aides also have the opportunity to work in a range of settings, including hospitals, hospices, private residences, and group homes.

For those looking to find an HHA job with a higher paycheck, consider exploring employment opportunities in larger cities like Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville.

FAQs

What do training programs teach home health aides?

Home health aide programs teach a variety of skills and topics to adequately prepare you for the job. During training, aspiring HHAs will be expected to demonstrate and be competent in the following:

  • Human dignity
  • The aging process
  • Illness-driven emotional problems
  • Personal care
  • Transfer and ambulation
  • Helping clients become self-reliant
  • Sympathetic attitude
  • Maturity
  • Reading and writing skills
  • Compassion
  • Recognition and handling of emergency situations

What career advancement opportunities are there for home health aides?

Starting as a home health aide can serve as an excellent entry point into the healthcare industry. After gaining a few years of experience in this field, you may consider advancing your career by becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and then a registered nurse (RN) with additional training.

Is certification required in Tennessee to become a home health aide?

While home health aides do not require a license or certification to work in Tennessee, most home health agencies and employers expect you to hold an HHA certification. The training standards set by the federal government include a minimum of 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised practice.

Can you get an HHA certification completely online?

No, fully online home health aide certificate programs are not available. While there are online programs that allow you to complete the coursework at home, you will need to attend the required in-person practical training and experience to successfully achieve certification.

Sources:

https://medicalfieldcareers.com/hha-classes-tennessee/

http://www.homehealthaideonline.com/home/hha-training-in-tennessee/

https://myallamericancare.com/blog/2019/11/15/how-to-get-licensed-as-a-healthcare-aide/

https://tcatknoxville.edu/programs/certified-nurse-assistant

https://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/news/news-article157.html