How long does it take to become a home health aide

How long does it take to become a home health aide? That is a good question. The answer to that is it depends on each individual. For most care givers, it takes about 75 hours to become a home health aide. Once you complete the training requirement, you will need to submit an application with the state for testing and certification.

 

Most care givers become a home health aide in 2 weeks with our interactive Online DSHS approved training.

If you are taking care of a loved one, The most important aspect to become a home health aide is to Complete 70 hour Basic Training within 120 days of starting to provide care.  This is required by department of social and health services.

 

Lets cover Frequent asked questions as cited by dshs.org:

Who must be certified as a home care aide?

All long-term care workers (unless otherwise exempt) must be certified as home care aides within 200 days of their date of hire. Long-term care workers include:

  • Home care agency caregivers.
  • Assisted living facility caregivers
  • Adult family home caregivers.
  • Respite care providers.
  • Individual providers: Caregivers who contract with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to provide personal care.
  • Community residential service providers: Caregivers in group home services, group training home services, supported living services or voluntary placement services in a residential facility for children.
  • Any other direct care workers providing home or community-based services to the elderly or people with functional or developmental disabilities.

May I work before I receive a home care aide certification? 

Yes, once you have completed two hours of orientation and three hours of safety training approved by the Department of Social and Health Services, you may begin working.

You must have 75 hours of DSHS-approved training within 120 days of your hire date.

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75 Hour Home Care Aide Training

The following short presentation provided by Washington DSHS will help you understand:

  • New terms you need to know
  • What classes make up the 75 hours of training
  • Who must take and who is exempt from 75 hours of training and home care aide certification
  • Other training that may be required
  • Tools to understand the steps needed to complete training and home care aide certification