home health aide certification

1. I need help....I just graduated and past my state boards to be a CNA. I want to take the additional training course to be certified as an Home Health Aide. I have searched and searched and called every adult school, community college around my town and cant find anywhere that offers this additional course. Does ANYONE know where I can take this training to become certified? Is there a college that offers it online? I have googled everything I can think of and only can find the total HHA course, which I dont need because I already am a CNA. Please Somebody Help Me.......

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2. 

   About lenabeana

   Joined: Mar '11; Posts: 2

   7 Comments

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3. 
   Mar 24, '11

   I am not sure what state you are in, but in almost every state I am aware of, a CNA certification is the only thing needed to work as a HHA. In fact, I know that many home care agencies do not require a CNA for a HHA position as a 'homemaker'.
4. 
   Mar 24, '11

   you should not need to be certified as a Home Health Aide because CNA requirements are more stringent- you can check with any homecare agency in your area as they are the ones who usually offer the classes.
5. 
   Mar 24, '11

   Most Home Health agencies will give you the extra training required.
   
   There is a new training program, about 15-20 hrs total, for HHA certification. However, since Medicare does not yet require it, different states have different rules for needing it.
   
   BTW - - it IS more difficult to be a HHA than a CNA, and should require more training.
6. 
   Mar 24, '11

   When I passed my state exam, I received 2 cards in the mail. One for LTC and one for home health. I knew during my class that it would be this way.
   Here in OK, if you only have the LTC you have 2 options: 1) Take the HH class, which is 1-2 days and about $150 then you take the written test. Option 2) Find a HH company, and you work side-by-side with an RN for 8 hours. I'm not sure how you go about getting certified, if that replaces the class then you test or whatever.
   
   If I were you, I would find a company that is hiring, and ask them if that could be an option for you. It never hurts to ask.
   
   Dondie
7. 
   Mar 24, '11

   Call the nearest home health agency and inquire. You might be lucky to find out that they will train you and employ you as well.
8. 
   Mar 24, '11

   I am a HHA in Nebraska, and I did not need further training other than on-the-job training for home health. I only needed to be a CNA. I would do what the above poster said to do: call a home health agency and ask. (: Good luck!
9. 
   Apr 10, '11

   Hello, I'm having the same problem. All the local home health agencies in orlando, FL want their HHA to be certified. The BON does not have a certification law in florida for it. I have been working, on the internet for about two weeks now and finally, have found some schools ranging from $250 to $900. Be careful, some programs you only get a diploma and you dont get certified. The average cost is about $350.00. I'm here looking for information myself. Debbie

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