Home Health Aide Certification in West Virginia

Home health aides (HHAs) are responsible for providing a wide range of home health services to patients in their homes. Personal care duties include bathing, dressing, and general assistance with daily living. Home health aides are sought-after positions because they are one of the few medical roles where a degree isn’t required.

Licensing Requirements in West Virginia

Like most US states, there are no mandatory licensing requirements to become a home health aide in West Virginia.

However, certification and training are recommended for better employment options and a greater salary.

Certification

Certification is not a requirement for HHAs in West Virginia but can boost employment options.

Home health aide companies that receive Medicaid services must ensure their employees are Medicaid certified before working with patients. The minimum federal training requirements for certification must, at a minimum, consist of:

75 hours of training (including 16 hours of clinical training)
12 hours of continuing education every 12 months

Home Health Aide Training Programs in West Virginia

There are various training programs in West Virginia to obtain your home health aide certification. Most require applicants to be over 18, have a high school diploma, and pass a criminal background check.

Here are some of the best education programs in the state:

Health Care Professional – Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College

This program is designed to teach students the basic requirements for an entry-level job in the medical field. Over 60 credit hours, students will be taught general psychology, medical terminology, and health care ethics and law.

Patient Care Technician – Mountwest Community and Technical College

This course will provide the basic education needed to work as a home health aide. Modules include medical terminology and patient care technology. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for national certification exams recognized by the state.

Certified Nurse Assistant – West Virginia Northern Community College

This short-term program prepares students for an entry-level position in the health care industry. Graduates will be equipped to work in professional settings under the supervision of a registered nurse and can apply for positions at home health organizations.

The American Red Cross also provides training for home health aides. Students can choose between a 30-hour and 90-hour course covering CPR, first aid, and vital signs.

Job Outlook

There has never been a better time to become a home health aide in West Virginia.

The demand for home health aides in the state, and across the US, is an at all-time high and the number of available positions is expected to keep growing. This is largely due to the sudden rise in the aging population. More elderly patients are also choosing to stay at home as opposed to moving into a care home.

The Bureau of US Labor Statistics forecasts that the employment of home health aides will grow by 25% between 2021 and 2031. This is considerably faster than the average for all occupations.

Salaries

The Bureau of US Labor Statistics states that the median wage for an HHA working in West Virginia is $24,510 per year. This is slightly lower than the national median salary of $29,430 per year.

However, this is only an estimate and your actual annual salary range will vary depending on your experience, training, and employer.

Where to Find Work

Home health aides can find work at a number of health care organizations throughout the state. From intermediate care facilities and nursing homes to hospices and home health care agencies, there are various options available to you.

Here are some examples of reputable employers in West Virginia:

West Virginia Home Health

This home health organization provides a wide range of home health and personal care services to patients in their own homes. Specializing in physical, occupational, and speech therapy, it is one of the most reputable employers of HHAs in the state.

Visiting Angels

Serving all areas of West Virginia, including the Huntington area, Visiting Angels has been providing home health care across the US since 1998. HHAs will deliver a range of skilled services relating to personal care.

Stonerise Home Health

Based in South Charleston, Stonerise is a transitional home health company providing health care services to patients in their homes. Services include physical therapy, nursing, and education.

FAQs

How do I become a home health aide in West Virginia?

Because it is an entry-level position, you can become an HHA in West Virginia without a degree. However, federal training and certification are recommended.

Which state has the highest home health aide salary?

Washington has the highest HHA salary with an average salary of $37,900 per year and $18.22 per hour.

Is it easy to find a job as a home health aide in West Virginia?

Due to the growing demand for home health professionals and the number of home health agencies in the state, you should have no problem finding a job as an HHA in West Virginia.

Sources

https://www.mctc.edu/programs/patient-care-technician/

http://archive.southernwv.edu/files/healthcare_professional_information.pdf

https://wvncc.coursestorm.com/category/certified-nurse-assistant-cna

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311120.htm#st

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm