Home Health Aide Certification in Washington

Home health aides assist and take care of elderly persons or persons with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those suffering from cognitive disabilities. Positions for entry-level workers with basic training are readily available, while other roles – for those with more specialized training and qualifications – are also in high demand.

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In Washington, candidates can either qualify to become a home health aide (HHA) or a home care aide (HCA). Home health aide training certification programs are 85 hours. A home care aide certification program is 75 hours.

Home Health Aide (HHA) Training in Washington

To enroll in an HHA training program, candidates should have completed their high school education. If not, they should have a general education diploma (GED).

In the state of Washington, a home health aide trains as a certified nursing assistant. This is the same credential that allows an individual to work an entry-level position in a nursing home. A total of 85 hours of training is needed to qualify for this certification. This includes at least 50 hours of clinical training.

Sometimes, the HCA does not need to complete a home care certification. They would thus only need a CNA credential or nursing credential to qualify for a position.

Upon completion of the training, candidates will take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) evaluation. The evaluation is in two phases: A practical component and an exam component.

Home Care Aide Training in Washington

Home care aide training in Washington spans 75 hours.

Candidates who have already completed orientation (5 hours) will only have to complete 70 hours of training. The home care aide credential serves as a good entry point and allows candidates to work in various direct care facilities, including home health agencies and assisted living facilities.

To receive their license, students are required to complete a home care aide examination which consists of a written or oral certification exam and a skills assessment or demonstration.

HCAs must, within 14 days of being hired for a position, submit a completed Home Care Aide application and employment verification form. To begin working as an HCA, candidates must have been certified within 200 days of the employment date.

Home care aides must renew their licenses on an annual basis. HCA credentials expire on the holder’s birthday and candidates have 90 days to renew their credentials.

Applying For An HHA Licence in Washington

Applicants must submit their HHA certification application after completing the 75-hour training course. Candidates are fingerprinted and the Department of Social and Health Services runs a background check. Applicants will also answer a list of personal questions and are required to provide information on any convictions or pending charges.

A final review is conducted by the DHSS and, if the application has satisfied the requirements, they’ll be issued with a license. Candidates are allowed to appeal should their application be unsuccessful.

When licensed candidates are listed in the state’s nurse aide registry. Licenses expire on the holder’s birthday and therefore must be renewed annually.

Continuing Education Requirements

HHAs (in Washington classified as CNAs) and HCAs are required to complete 12 hours of training or continuing education on an annual basis. These continuing education courses are required for candidates to renew their licenses each year.

Best Education Programs For Home Health Aides In Washington

Many facilities in Washington State offer home health aide training. The following centers offer in-person training:

Agape Healthcare Services

Agape Healthcare Services has training facilities in three counties: King, Pierce, and Snohomish. It offers a 75-hour training course which includes core basic training, population-specific training, and dementia specialty training. Students will also receive education in mental health-specific training, CPR training, and nursing delegation core training, among others.

Cascade Connections

Cascade Connections offers a 75-hour state-approved and accredited HCA certification program. Training includes orientation and safety (5 hours), core curriculum (40 hours), and population specific.

Upon completion, students will be prepared for a career in caregiving.

North Care Training

The North Care Training facility is located in Lynnwood. It offers a 75-hour HCA training course that includes instruction for level 1 mental health and dementia, food handling, diabetes, and nurse delegation among others.

The facility also offers a NAC Bridge course that provides certification as a Nursing Assistance.

Job Outlook

With the growth in the numbers of the elderly population in the US, demand for HHA will continue to rise. Jobs in the sector are expected to increase by 25% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

An estimated 711,700 HHA job openings will become available annually until 2031.

Salary Expectations

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average annual salary for home health aides is $29,430. The annual average salary for a HHA, employed at facilities across the state of Washington, is $37,900.

Where to Find Work

Home health aides can apply for jobs at:

  • Home care agencies
  • Home health agencies
  • Hospices
  • Hospice care.

FAQs

Can I complete an HHA/HCA course online?

Yes, there are several online courses available through which candidates can complete an HHA/HCA certification. Online courses are also 75 hours (as with the in-person courses) and should be approved by the Department of Social Health Services.

The Washington Care Academy offers a 75-hour hybrid online HHA training course that is DSHS-approved.

Are there any other courses candidates can take?

Candidates can complete several other courses upon completion of their HHA training.

Candidates can opt to do courses in nurse delegation, diabetes, adult education training, and adult family home administration training.

Some of these courses can be completed while doing your HHA training.

Sources:

https://www.healthcarepathway.com/home-health/washington-home-health-aide/

https://hcaw.org/home-care-aide-certification-training/

https://www.howtobecomeahomehealthaide.com/hha-training-in-washington/